Tim Burton’s ‘Lost Vegas’ Exhibit Bows Out With Facebook Live Tour

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic is forcing some tourist attractions to get creative. Las Vegas’ Neon Museum is among them.

On Friday, April 10, 2020, the non-profit will be embracing its connection with Tim Burton’s cult classic movie, Mars Attacks! in a whole new way, and doing its first Facebook Live tour of its Lost Vegas: Tim Burton at The Neon Museum exhibit.

After debuting last October, due to its popularity, the run was extended through Sunday, April 12, 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic meant the museum had to close its doors to visitors temporarily. Now, the Facebook Live tour gives fans around the world unable to check out the exhibit in person the chance to experience it.

Burton filmed part of Mars Attacks! in Las Vegas with a neon sign boneyard featuring heavily in the movie’s finale. As well as some previously exhibited pieces, a large number were created by Burton for the exhibit, some being integrated with signs and displays that span the museum’s campus. The creations are inspired by Mars Attacks!, his childhood memories of visiting Las Vegas, another of his movies, Beetlejuice, The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories, and other projects that never came to fruition.

“The exhibition was scheduled to continue through this weekend, but with the museum’s temporary closure due to COVID-19, we know thousands of art lovers will miss their chance to see Burton’s outstanding exhibition,” explained Rob McCoy, the museum’s president and CEO, in a statement.

“This live, virtual tour will take place especially for them – and will be enjoyable for anyone who appreciates Burton’s work and iconic Las Vegas sign design.”

Mars Attacks!, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, was the director’s seventh full-length feature film. Made for $70 million, it grossed $101.4 million at the box office and garnered mixed reviews. However, the film has gone on to be considered a cult classic.

The Facebook Live tour will be conducted by the museum’s Education Specialist Mitch Cohen. While the Facebook Live tour will be free, viewers can make donations to the museum via the website.