PHOTOS: Enter the Capitol with ‘The Hunger Games: The Exhibition’ in Las Vegas
A new exhibit featuring authentic props and costumes from “The Hunger Games” franchise, called “The Hunger Games: The Exhibition,” is now open at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
This experience takes guests into the post-apocalyptic world of Panem, celebrating the journey of heroine Katniss Everdeen as she transforms from her humble beginnings in District 12 to the symbol of a political movement.
The experience first begins in the lobby, which is clad in bright white décor and imagery.
This area also features a hand-painted, stylized portrait of the franchise’s main character, Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence.
Here you see your first of the authentic costumes from the films, this one belonging to Caesar Flickerman, the eccentric Capitol-based television host played by Stanley Tucci.
Before heading into the experience, we were asked to choose one of four holographic cards, each featuring a quote from a character in “The Hunger Games.” I chose the one on the far right, featuring a quote from Effie Trinket: “Eyes bright. Chins up. Smiles on.”
The first room we entered was actually a forest, where Katniss and Gale’s (played by Liam Hemsworth) hunting costumes were on display. The room was quite dark and you could hear the sounds of the forest all around you.
The next room we entered was a recreation of the Hall of Justice, where The Reaping took place. During The Reaping, one boy and one girl are chosen from each of the 12 Districts of Panem to participate in The Hunger Games. In the first “Hunger Games” film, Katniss takes the place of her younger sister, Prim (played by Willow Shields), when she is chosen for the Reaping.
Not only were the costumes of Katniss, Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks), the Peacekeeper and Prim authentic, but so were a few of the props on display – namely the microphone, Reaping bowls and name cards inside.
Once we completed The Reaping, we were escorted onto the Tribute Train, which would take Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta Mellark (played by Josh Hutcherson), along with their mentor Haymitch Abernathy (played by Woody Harrelson) to the Capitol to take part in the Games.
Nearly everything in this section is authentic – even the wallpaper was sourced straight from the Tribute Train set. Pieces on display include the Tribute Train costumes for Katniss, Peeta, and Haymitch, as well as a few of their food and dishware items.
The train section also included this quote etched in glass, which only reminded me just how dark this young adult film and novel series could get.
Once we reached the Capitol, we were greeted Caesar Flickerman-style to Capitol TV, where we got to take part in a game show-style interactive element. Here, guests were encouraged to test their knowledge of “The Hunger Games” films.
After that, we traveled into the office of President Snow (played by Donald Sutherland), the tyrannical president of Panem.
This room was mostly re-creation based on the original props and sets from “The Hunger Games,” though the chandelier above us was authentic.
After taking a seat in the President’s chair, we headed into the Gamemaker’s room, where the majority of the franchise’s costumes were on display, highlighted by two of Katniss’ most iconic dresses: her wedding dress and the Mockingjay dress.
Costumes belonging to various characters from all four films lined the walls, including those belonging to President Snow, Effie Trinket, Plutarch Heavensbee (played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman), Finnick Odair (played by Sam Claflin), Peeta and more.
Past the costumes was an interactive area where we could learn more about the Tributes’ combat training and the arena itself, and what it took from the Gamemakers to make The Hunger Games come to life.
Along the back wall, one of the final costume displays featured the rebellion costumes of Gale, Katniss and President Alma Coin (played by Julianne Moore). Here is where we received our briefing for the final activity in the exhibition – an archery exercise with digital targets on a 60-foot-wide interactive touch screen.
This was, by far, my favorite part of the attraction. Suiting up with my own bow and arrow, having never done archery before, was a bit intimidating – but once the arrows started flying, it felt so natural and empowering. The object was for each side of the room to team up to take down the most targets in each wave before time runs out. My team won, to my surprise and delight!
After our archery experience ended, we were led into The Hunger Games: The Exhibition’s gift shop, Capitol Couture, which was packed with plenty of merchandise – and, according to what I was told, this is the only place in the world to get Hunger Games merchandise at this time.
Here, guests can find merchandise ranging all types of products, from apparel to accessories, a plush of Katniss’ cat Buttercup, mugs, and even Swarovski-encrusted items.
One unique offering that stood out most to me was a display featuring an upcoming makeup collaboration with LASplash Cosmetics. The collection features two lines: one inspired by Katniss’ natural look in District 12, and another inspired by the technicolor glamour of the Capitol.
While I was visiting the exhibition, the makeup was not yet for sale. However, once it is available for purchase, it will only be available at the attraction inside the MGM Grand.
Tickets to The Hunger Games: The Exhibition are $35 for guests ages 12 and up, $25 for guests ages 4-11, and free for kids under 3 with a paying adult. All guests must sign a waiver in order to enter the exhibition, so be sure to keep that in mind when visiting. The attraction is open daily from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., and is located in The District at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
To learn more, and to purchase tickets to experience this for yourself, visit TheHungerGamesExhibition.com.
