Lighting Up Nostalgia: A Flashback at the Neon Museum

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history through the art of neon signs. Founded in 1996, the museum is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts, and cultural enrichment.

The museum’s main attraction is the Neon Boneyard, a two-acre outdoor exhibition space that showcases more than 200 retired neon signs from various Las Vegas properties.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Boneyard to learn about the history of each sign and how it contributed to the city’s vibrant culture. The museum also offers a variety of special events, including STEAM Saturdays, which provide hands-on activities for children to learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through the lens of neon signs.

The Neon Museum is not just a museum; it’s an art gallery, a history lesson, and a cultural experience all rolled into one. It is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Las Vegas, whether they are interested in art, history, or simply want to explore the city’s unique culture.

With its stunning collection of neon signs, knowledgeable guides, and engaging events, the Neon Museum is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Mission

The Neon Museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts, and cultural enrichment. The museum aims to showcase the rich history of Las Vegas through neon signs and provide visitors with a unique experience.

Collecting and Preserving

The Neon Museum collects and preserves historic Las Vegas signs that have been retired or removed from their original locations. The museum has over 200 signs in its collection, including iconic signs from the Stardust, Moulin Rouge, and Caesars Palace. The museum also has a collection of signs from smaller businesses that were once a part of the Las Vegas landscape.

Restoration

The Neon Museum is committed to restoring and preserving the signs in its collection. The museum has a team of experts who work to restore the signs to their original condition. Restoration work includes cleaning, repairing, and replacing damaged neon tubes. The museum also has a neon shop where visitors can watch neon sign-making demonstrations and purchase souvenirs.

The Neon Museum is a testament to the unique design and history of Las Vegas. The museum’s collection of historic signs provides visitors with a glimpse into the city’s past and the evolution of neon art.

Exhibits

The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas neon signs for educational, historic, arts, and cultural enrichment. The museum has a vast collection of restored signs that showcase the history of Las Vegas through neon. The museum’s exhibits are divided into three main sections: The Boneyard, Brilliant!, and North Gallery.

The Neon Boneyard

The Neon Boneyard is the main outdoor exhibition area of the museum. It is a two-acre lot that houses over 200 vintage signs from the 1930s to the present day. The Neon Boneyard is a unique and fascinating experience that allows visitors to see the signs up close and appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Boneyard and learn about the history of the signs and the stories behind them.

Brilliant!

Brilliant! is an immersive audiovisual experience that showcases some of the museum’s most iconic signs. The exhibit is a collaboration between the museum and renowned projection artist Craig Winslow.

Brilliant! uses projection mapping technology to bring the signs to life and create a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. The exhibit features signs from the Sahara, Silver Slipper, Yucca, and Caesars Palace, among others.

The North Gallery is an exhibition space that showcases some of the museum’s smaller, but equally fascinating signs. The gallery features signs from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Elvis, as well as signs from some of Las Vegas’s most famous casinos. The North Gallery is a great place to learn about the history of Las Vegas through neon signs.

Overall, The Neon Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Las Vegas and neon signs. The museum’s exhibits are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and the artistry of neon sign makers. Whether you’re a fan of Tim Burton’s movies or just want to learn more about the history of Las Vegas, The Neon Museum is the perfect place to do it.

Tours

The Neon Museum offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to experience the magic of Las Vegas’ neon history. Whether you prefer a guided tour or a self-guided tour, during the day or at night, there is something for everyone.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history of the signs and the city. A tour guide leads visitors through the Neon Boneyard, sharing stories about the signs and the people who created them. The guided tours are available at night, when the un-restored and restored signs are beautifully and dramatically lit. Visitors are asked to stay with their guide at all times. Guided tours are priced at $14-$28 and can be purchased online in advance.

Self-Guided Tour

For those who prefer to explore on their own, the Neon Museum offers a self-guided tour option. Visitors can explore the Neon Boneyard at their own pace, using a map to guide them through the collection. The self-guided tour is available during the day and is priced at $19 per person.

Night Tour

The Neon Museum’s Night Tour is a unique experience that allows visitors to see the restored signs in all their neon glory. The Night Tour features the fabulous neon of the restored signs, as well as the beautifully and dramatically lit un-restored signs.

Click here for all the current pricing

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as the tour involves walking outdoors. Admission tickets are required for all tours and can be purchased online in advance or at the museum’s box office. The Neon Museum is located at 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101 and is open seven days a week from 9am to 11pm. Music is also played throughout the museum to enhance the visitor experience.

Overall, the Neon Museum’s tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Las Vegas through neon.

Visitor Information

When planning a visit to The Neon Museum, it’s important to know the location information, hours and admission, gift shop, and visitors’ center details. Here’s what visitors need to know:

Location Information

The Neon Museum is located in Downtown Las Vegas, at 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North. It’s easily accessible by car or public transportation. The museum is situated on a two-acre campus, and features the historic La Concha Visitors’ Center, which was originally the lobby of the La Concha Motel.

Hours and Admission

The Neon Museum is open seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the season. General admission tickets are available for purchase online or in-person at the museum. The museum also offers guided tours, which provide visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the signs on display.

Gift Shop

The Neon Museum gift shop is located inside the visitors’ center and offers a variety of unique souvenirs, including neon-themed apparel, books, and artwork. Visitors can also purchase vintage neon signs and other memorabilia.

Visitors’ Center

The visitors’ center at The Neon Museum is located inside the historic La Concha Motel lobby. The center provides visitors with information about the museum, as well as the history and significance of the signs on display. The center also features a small exhibit of restored signs, which provides visitors with a glimpse into the museum’s collection.

Overall, visitors to The Neon Museum can expect a unique and immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the history of Las Vegas through neon signs. It’s a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the city’s rich history and culture.

Cleanliness and atmosphere are top priorities at The Neon Museum, and visitors can expect a well-maintained and visually stunning environment. General tips for visitors include wearing comfortable shoes and clothing, as the museum is primarily outdoors. Visitors should also bring sunscreen and water, as Las Vegas can get quite hot during the summer months.

According to reviews on TripAdvisor, visitors consistently rate The Neon Museum as a top attraction in Las Vegas. Visitors praise the museum for its unique exhibits, knowledgeable guides, and stunning visuals.

Arts and Cultural Enrichment

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. The museum’s mission is to study and exhibit neon signs that have contributed to the city’s unique visual history.

Studying and Exhibiting

The museum has a collection of more than 200 unrestored signs and numerous restored signs, ranging from the 1930s to the present day. The outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard is the largest space and holds the primary museum collection. The North Gallery showcases more unrestored signs from the collection.

The Neon Museum’s collection of signs includes iconic signs from the Stardust, Moulin Rouge, Golden Nugget, Hacienda, and Fremont Street Experience. The museum also collects signs based on user-identified themes, such as signs from wedding chapels, motels, and restaurants.

Educational Programs

The Neon Museum offers educational programs for all ages. The museum’s educational programs include guided tours, workshops, and lectures. The museum’s guided tours provide visitors with an overview of the history of Las Vegas through neon signs.

The workshops offer hands-on learning experiences, such as creating their own neon signs. The lectures provide visitors with insights into the science and art of neon signs.

Non-Profit

The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization that relies on donations to continue its mission of preserving and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs. The museum offers various ways to donate, such as becoming a member, making a one-time donation, or sponsoring a sign restoration project.

The museum’s dedication to arts and cultural enrichment has earned it positive reviews from visitors and media outlets. The Neon Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Las Vegas and the art of neon signs.

FAQ’s

Is the Neon Museum worth it during the day?

the Neon Museum is worth visiting during the day as well as at night. The signs in the yard are spectacular both day and night, and you won’t be disappointed either time you go. Additionally, going during the day will allow you to better see the non-restored signs in the museum’s Neon Boneyard. Day shows many more signs and is a more in-depth tour

Is Neon Museum Brilliant worth it?

the Neon Museum’s Brilliant! show is worth seeing. It is a “must-do” for anyone that has nostalgia for versions of Las Vegas that have come and gone, or for those that embrace the arts and would like to do something unique. It is also described as an illuminating Vegas must-see. However, it is important to note that the show is an add-on experience and requires a separate ticket from the regular museum admission.

Can I take photos in the Neon Museum?

Yes, you can take photos in the Neon Museum, but there are restrictions. Visitors are allowed to take casual, still snapshots for personal use and use one cell phone and/or tablet. However, stock photography and retail items containing images of The Neon Museum collection are never permitted. Artist, photography groups, classes, or workshops seeking to visit must submit a request form. Members of the media must make arrangements for all photo and video shoots in advance. Additionally, drones are not allowed during photo shoots (source: neonmuseum.org and feelingvegas.com).