The Neon Museum: Where Las Vegas History Continues to Glow
While Paris might be the birthplace of neon, Las Vegas truly made this brilliant signage its own, transforming the desert landscape into a dazzling spectacle. Today, the iconic glow of the Strip’s historic signs finds a vibrant second life at the Neon Museum, a unique institution just north of downtown dedicated to preserving our city’s luminous past.
Beyond the Implosion: Las Vegas’s Unique Preservation
In a city famous for imploding its past to make way for the new, the Neon Museum offers a fascinating counter-narrative to traditional historic preservation. As Executive Director Aaron Berger puts it, “Most cities, we save the building. So here, we implode them, and we have this great time. We have a party out of it, right? And we save the signs.” This distinctive approach ensures that even as the physical structures change, the spirit and visual history of iconic properties like the Stardust or Sahara live on through their magnificent signage.
From Junkyard to Curated Collection
Often mistakenly called a “graveyard” or “junkyard,” the museum proudly refers to its outdoor display as the “Neon Boneyard.” This curated collection originated from YESCO, a prominent sign manufacturer that sought a home for retired signs. The city, under then-mayor Jan Jones, partnered with non-profits, leading to a 15-year journey of collaboration, negotiation, and meticulous restoration to establish the museum we know today.
The Art and Challenge of Neon Restoration
Acquiring a sign is merely the beginning of an arduous journey. The restoration process is both painstaking and dangerous, involving expert craftsmen who must bend delicate glass using open flames to recreate the original forms. Berger highlights the intricate detail, pointing out “this little spot where we have been able to save the original coral and it goes to that bubblegum pink,” showcasing the dedication to historical accuracy.
Installation presents its own set of monumental challenges. For the newly added El Cortez Hotel and Casino sign, for instance, the museum had to relocate 14 other signs. A 12-foot deep cement pylon was dug to secure it against Las Vegas’s strong winds, requiring extensive trenching for electrical hookups. This illustrates the enormous amount of work and engineering that goes into making these historical artifacts shine again.
A Glimpse into the Neon Boneyard
The museum’s collection boasts signs from legendary venues like the Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino and the Liberace Museum, each telling a story of bygone eras. These aren’t just old signs; they are cultural touchstones that embody the evolving identity of Las Vegas.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Relevance
Despite its current splendor, the Neon Boneyard only displays a fraction of the museum’s holdings, with over 500 pieces currently in storage due to space constraints. With a quarter-of-a-million visitors annually, the museum is actively seeking larger sites in the Arts District to expand its footprint and accommodate its growing collection and audience.
Beyond physical expansion, the museum is committed to making history relevant for new generations. Berger emphasizes, “It is taking these signs and making them relevant… So it’s our job to find ways to make these signs speak beyond what you just see in pretty colors.” This ensures that the stories behind the luminescence resonate with every visitor, regardless of their familiarity with Vegas’s past.
Las Vegas Preservation: A Unique Approach
| Aspect | Traditional City Preservation | Las Vegas Approach (Neon Museum) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Saving entire historic buildings and structures. | Saving iconic neon signs as historical artifacts. |
| Fate of Structures | Buildings are restored, repurposed, or maintained. | Historic buildings are often imploded, making way for new. |
| What is Preserved | Architecture, physical integrity of buildings. | The visual and cultural history encapsulated in signs. |
Frequently Asked Questions About The Neon Museum
- What is the Neon Museum?
The Neon Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas neon signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. - Where is the Neon Museum located?
It is located just north of downtown Las Vegas, offering a distinct cultural experience away from the bustling Strip. - How does Las Vegas uniquely preserve its history?
Unlike most cities that save buildings, Las Vegas often demolishes old structures while meticulously preserving their memorable neon signs, transforming them into a public art and history collection. - What’s involved in restoring a neon sign?
Restoration is a painstaking and dangerous process involving expert craftsmen who bend glass with open flames and requires complex electrical trenching and pylon installation for display. - Is the Neon Museum planning to expand?
Yes, with a growing collection of over 500 pieces in storage and high visitor traffic, the museum is actively exploring larger sites in the Arts District to expand its display and educational capabilities.
Next time you’re looking for a dose of local history, consider visiting the Neon Museum. It’s a vibrant, glowing tribute to the innovation and unique character that has shaped Las Vegas, offering a powerful connection to the city’s brilliant past and ongoing legacy.
Neon Museum Preserves Las Vegas Luminous Past
