The city of Las Vegas, Nevada is known as an entertainment hub that attracts audiences from all over the United States and the entire world. This reputation has enabled it to develop a distinct history and legacy, cultivating the addition of notable monuments and landmarks across the city. One of those is the Statue of Siegfried and Roy, although it has the potential to be something much more.
Siegfried & Roy were a pair of magicians and entertainers who ran a show in Las Vegas for over thirty years. Siegfried Fischbacher had a background as a magician and Roy Horn worked as his assistant, eventually convincing him to incorporate animals into his performance. They teamed up as a single act and amazed crowds with their animal magic shows that prominently featured white tigers. They became recognized as pioneers of family entertainment in Las Vegas but were most known for their Las Vegas show at the Mirage Resort and Casino that ran from 1990 until 2003.
To commemorate their legacy, a larger-than-life sculpture depicting the two along with a white tiger was erected outside of the Mirage in 1993. Residing on the Siegfried & Roy Plaza, the piece celebrates their showmanship along with their efforts to preserve endangered white tigers for future generations. Their star on the walk of fame resides in front of the landmark. After their deaths, it became a shrine where fans and well-wishers left flowers and letters.
This effort to celebrate their impact and legacy is literally larger than life. Unfortunately, the forms and placement of the piece isn’t distinct enough to capture the imagination of audiences. Additionally, the choice of material has lent itself to decay, with serious degradation of the piece already visible.
Siegfried & Roy defined an entire era of entertainment in Las Vegas, which compelled the creation of both the Statue of Siegfried & Roy and the Siegfried & Roy Plaza. Both have the potential to be something much more connected to the history and legacy of the entire city of Las Vegas in ways that resonate across the eras.
