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{{about|the museum in Las Vegas|the museum in Los Angeles|Museum of Neon Art}}
{{about|the museum in Las Vegas|the museum in Los Angeles|Museum of Neon Art|the museum in Warsaw|Neon Museum, Warsaw}}
{{More footnotes|date=January 2011}}
{{Infobox museum
{{Infobox museum
| name = Neon Museum
| name = Neon Museum
| native_name =
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| native_name_lang =
| image = Neon Museum logo.png
| image = The Neon Museum (35597843461).jpg
| imagesize = 150px
| logo = TheNeonMuseumLasVegas1.png
| caption =
| imagesize =
| alt =
| caption = Neon Museum Visitors' Center
| map_type =
| alt =
| map_caption =
| map_type =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
⚫
| map_alt =
| coordinates = {{coord|36|10|39.64|N|115|8|12.92|W|type:landmark|display=inline}}
| coordinates = {{coord|36|10|35.4468|N|115|8|6.9972|W|type:landmark|display=inline}}
| established =1996<br/>(general admission started {{start date|2012|10|27}})
| established = 1996<br/>(Opened to the public {{start date|2012|10|27}})
| dissolved =
| location = [[Las Vegas, Nevada]]
| dissolved =
| type = [[Art museum]]
| location = [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
| collection =
| type = [[Art museum]]
⚫
| collection =
| visitors =85,000 (2015)<ref name=LVRJ-151102>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-neon-museum-photos/ |title=7 things you didn't know about the Neon Museum — PHOTOS |author=Lilly, Caitlin |date=2 November 2015 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref>
| visitors = 85,000 (2015)<ref name=LVRJ-151102>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-neon-museum-photos/ |title=7 things you didn't know about the Neon Museum — PHOTOS |author=Lilly, Caitlin |date=2 November 2015 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>
⚫
| director =
| president =
| director =
| curator =
| president =
| publictransit =
| curator =
| network =
| publictransit =
| website = {{URL|neonmuseum.org}}
| network =
| website = {{URL|neonmuseum.org}}
}}
}}


The '''Neon Museum''' in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]], [[United States]], features signs from old casinos and other businesses displayed outdoors on over {{convert|6|acre|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite news |first=Shermakaye |last= Bass |authorlink= |title=Neon Museum saving Las Vegas' iconic signs |url=http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-neonvegas10jun10 |newspaper=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |publisher= |date=2007-06-06 |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> The museum features a restored lobby shell from the defunct [[La Concha Motel]] as its visitor center, which officially opened on October 27, 2012.<ref name=LVRJ-120831>{{cite news|title=Lights this way: Neon Museum opening set|newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal|first=Tim|last=O'Reilley|date=August 31, 2012|url=http://www.lvrj.com/business/lights-this-way-neon-museum-opening-set-168120336.html|accessdate=2012-09-02}}</ref>
The '''Neon Museum''' in [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], [[United States]], features signs from old casinos and other businesses displayed outdoors on {{convert|2.62|acre}}. The museum features a restored lobby shell from the defunct [[La Concha Motel]] as its visitors' center, which officially opened on October 27, 2012.<ref name=LVRJ-120831>{{cite news|title=Lights this way: Neon Museum opening set|newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal|first=Tim|last=O'Reilley|date=August 31, 2012|url=http://www.lvrj.com/business/lights-this-way-neon-museum-opening-set-168120336.html|access-date=2012-09-02}}</ref>


For many years, the [[Young Electric Sign Company]] (YESCO) stored many of these old signs in their "boneyard." The signs were slowly being destroyed by exposure to the elements.
For many years, the [[Young Electric Sign Company]] (YESCO) stored many of these old signs in their "boneyard." The signs were slowly being destroyed by exposure to the elements.


The signs are considered by Las Vegas locals, business owners and government organizations to be not only artistically, but also historically, significant to the culture of the city. Each of the restored signs in the collection holds a story about who created it and why it is important.<ref>http://www.neonmuseum.org/about</ref>
The signs are considered by Las Vegas locals, business owners and government organizations to be not only artistically, but also historically, significant to the culture of the city. Each of the restored signs in the collection holds a story about who created it and why it is important.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.neonmuseum.org/about |title = The Neon Museum Las Vegas {{!}} The history of Las Vegas through neon - About}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The Neon Museum was founded in 1996 as a partnership between the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the City of Las Vegas. Today, it is an independent non-profit. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Bonanza, the Neon Museum includes the new Neon Boneyard Park, which is adjacent to the former YESCO Boneyard.
The Neon Museum was founded in 1996 as a partnership between the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the City of Las Vegas. Today, it is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard North, the Neon Museum includes the Neon Boneyard and the North Gallery.


The impetus behind the museum was the loss of the iconic sign from [[Sands Hotel and Casino|The Sands]]; after it closed in 1995, there was no place to store the massive sign, and it was scrapped.<ref name=Artsy-16>{{cite news |url=https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-take-a-tour-through-las-vegas-s-museum-of-forgotten-neon-signs |title=A Treasure Trove of Historic Neon Signs Is Nestled on Las Vegas Boulevard |author=Gotthardt, Alexxa |date=14 December 2016 |work=Artsy |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref> To mark its official opening in November 1996, the Neon Museum restored and installed the ''[[Hacienda (resort)|Hacienda]] Horse & Rider'' sign at the intersection of [[Las Vegas Boulevard]] and [[Fremont Street]].<ref name=LVRJ-151102 /> However, access to the collection was provided by appointment only.<ref name=Sun-100206 /> Annual attendance was approximately 12–20,000 during this time.<ref name=NYT-130201 /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/neon-museum-preserving-las-vegas-history-by-giving-old-signs-new-life/ |title=Neon Museum preserving Las Vegas history bygiving old signs new life |author=Cling, Carol |date=25 October 2012 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref>
The impetus behind the collecting of signs was the loss of the iconic sign from [[Sands Hotel and Casino|The Sands]]; after it was replaced with a new sign in the 1980s. There was no place to store the massive sign, and it was scrapped.<ref name=Artsy-16>{{cite news |url=https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-take-a-tour-through-las-vegas-s-museum-of-forgotten-neon-signs |title=A Treasure Trove of Historic Neon Signs Is Nestled on Las Vegas Boulevard |author=Gotthardt, Alexxa |date=14 December 2016 |work=Artsy |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> After nearly 10 years of collecting signs, the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the city of Las Vegas worked together to create an institution to house and care for the saved signs. To mark its official opening in November 1996, the Neon Museum restored and installed the ''[[Hacienda (resort)|Hacienda]] Horse & Rider'' sign at the intersection of [[Las Vegas Boulevard]] and [[Fremont Street]].<ref name=LVRJ-151102 /> However, access to the collection was provided by appointment only.<ref name=Sun-100206 /> Annual attendance was approximately 12–20,000 during this time.<ref name=NYT-130201 /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/arts-culture/neon-museum-preserving-las-vegas-history-by-giving-old-signs-new-life/ |title=Neon Museum preserving Las Vegas history by giving old signs new life |author=Cling, Carol |date=25 October 2012 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref>


In 2005, the historic [[La Concha Motel|La Concha]] lobby was donated to the museum, which moved and reassembled the building {{convert|4|mi}} north along Las Vegas Boulevard after cutting it into eight pieces. It now serves as the museum's visitors' center and headquarters.<ref name=NYT-121027 /> Although it cost nearly $3&nbsp;million to move and restore the La Concha, the plans to open a museum became concrete after the donation of the building, drawing a number of public and private grants and donations.<ref name=NYT-121027 /> In total, approximately $6.5&nbsp;million was raised for the visitors' center, headquarters, a new park, and restoration of 15 major signs.<ref name=NYT-130201>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/02/arts/design/the-neon-museum-in-las-vegas.html?mtrref=www.google.com |title=Where Las Vegas Stardust Rests in Peace |author=Rothstein, Edward |date=1 February 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref>
In 2005, the historic [[La Concha Motel|La Concha]] lobby was donated to the museum by owners of the La Concha Motel, the Doumani family. Although it cost nearly $3&nbsp;million to move and restore the La Concha, the plans to open a museum became concrete after the donation of the building, drawing a number of public and private grants and donations.<ref name=NYT-121027 /> In total, approximately $6.5&nbsp;million was raised for the visitors' center, headquarters, a new park, and restoration of 15 major signs.<ref name=NYT-130201>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/02/arts/design/the-neon-museum-in-las-vegas.html?mtrref=www.google.com |title=Where Las Vegas Stardust Rests in Peace |author=Rothstein, Edward |date=1 February 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> The museum moved and reassembled the building {{convert|3.5|mi}} north along Las Vegas Boulevard after cutting it into eight pieces.<ref name=NYT-121027 />


During 2009, the museum took in the sign from the [[Moulin Rouge Hotel]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-las-vegas/remnants-remain-but-future-of-las-vegas-moulin-rouge-in-limbo/ |title=Remnants remain, but future of Las Vegas' Moulin Rouge in limbo |author=Munks, Jamie |date=22 April 2018 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref> In November 2009, the Neon Museum restored and installed the famous Silver Slipper sign across from its welcome center, and two more restored vintage signs were installed near the northern end of Las Vegas Boulevard to mark its designation as a [[National Scenic Byway]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/09/refurbished-signs-step-forward-preserving-las-vega/ |title=Refurbished signs a step forward in preserving Las Vegas' past |author=Toplikar, Dave |date=9 November 2009 |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref> Those three restored signs are now part of a self-guided tour of eleven restored signs which lie mostly along The Strip.<ref name=StripTour>{{cite web |url=http://www.neonmuseum.org/images/tourMap.pdf |title=Restored Las Vegas Neon Signs Tour |author= |date=2013 |publisher=The Neon Museum |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref>
In November 2009, the Neon Museum restored and installed the famous Silver Slipper sign across from its welcome center, and two more restored vintage signs were installed near the northern end of Las Vegas Boulevard to mark its designation as a [[National Scenic Byway]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/nov/09/refurbished-signs-step-forward-preserving-las-vega/ |title=Refurbished signs a step forward in preserving Las Vegas' past |author=Toplikar, Dave |date=9 November 2009 |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref>


Paid public admission commenced on October 27, 2012, replacing the prior appointment-only basis.<ref name="NYT-121027">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/us/new-museum-shows-off-las-vegass-neon-side.html |title=New Museum Shows Off Las Vegas's Neon Side |author=Pratt, Timothy |date=27 October 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> Attendance during the first year was 60,461, exceeding the early estimate of 45–50,000 visitors.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/neon-museum-meets-visitor-projection-in-its-first-year-more-than-60000/ |title=Neon Museum meets visitor projection in its first year — more than 60,000 |author=Morrison, Jane Ann |date=6 March 2014 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref>
In 2010, the City of Las Vegas began construction of the Neon Boneyard Park near the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and McWilliams Avenue. The former YESCO Boneyard comprised two lots that straddled McWilliams, just east of the new Neon Boneyard Park. Part of the YESCO Boneyard was paved to create parking for the new park.<ref name=Sun-100206 /> An original {{convert|80|foot|adj=on}} tall sign from the [[Sahara Hotel and Casino|Sahara]] was donated in 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jun/28/sahara-vegas-donates-sign-museum/ |title=Sahara in Vegas donates sign to museum |author= |date=28 June 2011 |agency=Associated Press |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref>


Paid public admission commenced on October 27, 2012, replacing the prior appointment-only basis.<ref name=NYT-121027>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/28/us/new-museum-shows-off-las-vegass-neon-side.html |title=New Museum Shows Off Las Vegas’s Neon Side |author=Pratt, Timothy |date=27 October 2012 |newspaper=The New York Times |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref> Although the museum was {{convert|1/2|mi}} north of the main tourist attraction at the [[Fremont Street Experience]], officials touted the potential draw from sixteen restored neon signs the museum had already erected around Fremont Street.<ref name=LVRJ-120831/> Attendance during the first year was 60,461, exceeding the early estimate of 45–50,000 visitors.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/neon-museum-meets-visitor-projection-in-its-first-year-more-than-60000/ |title=Neon Museum meets visitor projection in its first year — more than 60,000 |author=Morrison, Jane Ann |date=6 March 2014 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref>
After outgrowing its space in the former La Concha lobby shell, the museum moved its headquarters to old City Hall in 2016 and converted the offices into a museum store.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/neon-museum-unveils-first-stage-of-expansion-plans/ |title=Neon Museum unveils first stage of expansion plans |author=Wargo, Buck |date=7 October 2016 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> In 2017, the museum purchased land for its first expansion since opening to the public in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/neon-museum-receives-425k-grant-for-major-expansion/ |title=Neon Museum receives $425K grant for major expansion |author=Lilly, Caitlin |date=16 February 2017 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> For its fifth anniversary, the Neon Museum offered free admission on October 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-las-vegas-neon-museum-marks-five-years-with-free-admission-20171024-story.html |title=Las Vegas' Neon Museum marks five years and wants you to visit — for free |author=Jones, Jay |date=25 October 2017 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> In 2018, the Neon Museum administrative staff moved again to a space on the campus of the Las Vegas-Review Journal and opened a programming space there called Ne10 Studio.

After outgrowing its space in the former La Concha lobby shell, the museum moved its headquarters to old City Hall in 2016 and converted the offices into a gift shop.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/neon-museum-unveils-first-stage-of-expansion-plans/ |title=Neon Museum unveils first stage of expansion plans |author=Wargo, Buck |date=7 October 2016 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref> In 2017, the museum purchased land for its first expansion since opening to the public in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/neon-museum-receives-425k-grant-for-major-expansion/ |title=Neon Museum receives $425K grant for major expansion |author=Lilly, Caitlin |date=16 February 2017 |newspaper=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=2 July 2018}}</ref> For its fifth anniversary, the Neon Museum offered free admission on October 28, 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-las-vegas-neon-museum-marks-five-years-with-free-admission-20171024-story.html |title=Las Vegas' Neon Museum marks five years and wants you to visit — for free |author=Jones, Jay |date=25 October 2017 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref>


==Exhibits==
==Exhibits==
The Neon Museum is located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Bonanza Road, across the street from Cashman Center and along the Las Vegas downtown museum corridor. The museum has exhibits in three main areas: restored and installed neon signs in both the Fremont Street area and along the Las Vegas Strip; and in the Neon Boneyard.
The Neon Museum is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, south of the Cashman Center and within the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor. The museum has exhibits in three main areas: restored and installed neon signs along the median of Las Vegas Blvd (between Fremont St. and Washington Ave.), the Neon Boneyard, and the museum's North Gallery.


===Restored signs===
===Restored signs===
Line 62: Line 60:
| footer_align = center
| footer_align = center
| footer = Restored signs in Downtown Las Vegas}}
| footer = Restored signs in Downtown Las Vegas}}
The Neon Museum maintains several restored signs throughout [[Downtown Las Vegas]] and along the [[Las Vegas Strip]].<ref name=StripTour /> The cost of restoring signs is estimated to range from $10,000 for small pieces to $100,000 for the largest signs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/neon-museum-boneyard-signs-graveyard-las-vegas-ces-2017/ |title=Neon Museum is saving Las Vegas' most beautiful tech |author=Reilly, Claire |work=c{{!}}net |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref>
The Neon Museum maintains several restored signs throughout [[Downtown Las Vegas]] and along the [[Las Vegas Strip]].<ref name="StripTour">{{cite web|url=http://www.neonmuseum.org/images/tourMap.pdf|title=Restored Las Vegas Neon Signs Tour|date=2013|publisher=The Neon Museum|access-date=2 July 2018}}</ref> The cost of restoring signs is estimated to range from $10,000 for small pieces to $100,000 for the largest signs.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/neon-museum-boneyard-signs-graveyard-las-vegas-ces-2017/ |title=Neon Museum is saving Las Vegas' most beautiful tech |author=Reilly, Claire |work=c{{!}}net |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>


===Boneyard===
===Boneyard Park===
⚫
The Neon Boneyard Park was created in 2012, with "NEON" spelled out using letters shaped like those on signs for the [[Golden Nugget Las Vegas|Golden Nugget]] ("N"), [[Caesars Palace]] ("E"), [[Binion's Horseshoe]] ("O"), and [[Desert Inn]] ("N").<ref name="Sun-100206">{{cite news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/feb/06/city-begin-construction-neon-boneyard-park/ |title=City to begin construction on Neon Boneyard Park |author=Finnegan, Amanda |date=6 February 2010 |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref> The letters are set on a grid inspired by the sign for [[Sands Hotel and Casino|The Sands]], and the sign is decorated with stars like those from the [[Stardust Resort and Casino|Stardust]] and a starburst like the [[Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign]] designed by [[Betty Willis (artist)|Betty Willis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-attractions/10-of-our-favorite-signs-at-the-neon-museum-62257/ |title=10 of our favorite signs at the Neon Museum |author=Oñoz-Wright, Ashley |date=18 November 2015 |website=vegas.com [blog] |publisher=Remark Media |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>
The boneyard preserves over 150 neon signs from the Nevada area. While the core of the collection is from the old '''Yesco Boneyard''', private donations and loans have expanded the collection to the current size.


===Main Boneyard===
⚫
A new sign (lit with light-emitting diodes) for the new Neon Boneyard Park was installed in 2012, with "NEON" spelled out using letters shaped like those on signs for the [[Golden Nugget Las Vegas|Golden Nugget]] ("N"), [[Caesars Palace]] ("E"), [[Binion's Horseshoe]] ("O"), and [[Desert Inn]] ("N").<ref name=Sun-100206>{{cite news |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2010/feb/06/city-begin-construction-neon-boneyard-park/ |title=City to begin construction on Neon Boneyard Park |author=Finnegan, Amanda |date=6 February 2010 |newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref> The letters are set on a grid inspired by the sign for [[Sands Hotel and Casino|The Sands]], and the sign is decorated with stars like those from the [[Stardust Resort and Casino|Stardust]] and a starburst like the [[Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign]] designed by [[Betty Willis (artist)|Betty Willis]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-attractions/10-of-our-favorite-signs-at-the-neon-museum-62257/ |title=10 of our favorite signs at the Neon Museum |author=Oñoz-Wright, Ashley |date=18 November 2015 |website=vegas.com [blog] |publisher=Remark Media |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref>
⚫
The majority of the Neon Museum's collection is displayed within the Main Boneyard. Pieces in this boneyard include signage from the [[Stardust Resort and Casino|Stardust]], [[Riviera (hotel and casino)|Riviera]], [[Desert Inn]] and [[Caesars Palace]] as well as many others. The Neon Museum also houses fiberglass sculptures including a giant skull from the [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino]]. This is also where the functioning restored signs within the museum's collection are housed.


===North Gallery===
⚫
Pieces in the boneyard include signage from the [[Moulin Rouge Hotel]], the [[Stardust Resort & Casino|Stardust]], [[Desert Inn]] and [[Caesar's Palace|Caesars Palace]] as well as many others. The museum also houses fiberglass sculptures including a giant skull from the [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino]] among others.
⚫
In 2018, the Neon Museum began ''Brilliant!'', a 30-minute art installation designed by [[Craig Winslow]] which uses multiple projectors to reanimate defunct signs, set to vintage and contemporary music.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/fine-art/2018/feb/08/the-neon-museums-brilliant-makes-classic-signs-shi/ |title=The Neon Museum's 'Brilliant!' makes classic signs shine again |author=Reed, C. Moon |date=8 February 2018 |newspaper=Las Vegas Weekly |access-date=29 June 2018}}</ref>

Two cats, named Elvis and Liberace (after signs for the [[New Frontier Hotel and Casino|Frontier]], where Elvis played his first show in Las Vegas; and the [[Liberace Museum]], respectively) live in the Boneyard.<ref name=Artsy-16 /> Tours are led by volunteer docents and last approximately one hour, with groups limited to 20 and starting every half hour.

⚫
In 2018, the Neon Museum began ''Brilliant!'', a 30-minute night show designed by [[Craig Winslow]] which uses multiple projectors to reanimate defunct signs, set to vintage and contemporary music.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/fine-art/2018/feb/08/the-neon-museums-brilliant-makes-classic-signs-shi/ |title=The Neon Museum's 'Brilliant!' makes classic signs shine again |author=Reed, C. Moon |date=8 February 2018 |newspaper=Las Vegas Weekly |accessdate=29 June 2018}}</ref>


{{clear}}
{{clear}}
<gallery mode=packed heights=180px>
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Stardust sign .jpeg|[[Stardust Resort & Casino|Stardust]] (2013)
File:Stardust sign .jpeg|[[Stardust Resort and Casino|Stardust]] (2013)
File:Las Vegas (35809515223).jpg|[[Sahara Hotel and Casino|Sahara]] (2017)
File:Las Vegas (35809515223).jpg|[[Sahara Las Vegas|Sahara]] (2017)
File:Two boneyard signs.jpg|Ugly Duckling Car Sales and [[La Concha Motel|La Concha]] (2013)
File:La Concha and Ugly Duckling Car Sales signs - Neon Museum.jpg|Ugly Duckling Car Sales and [[La Concha Motel|La Concha]] (2021)
File:The Neon Museum (35729204735).jpg|Letters from the [[Moulin Rouge Hotel|Moulin Rouge]], rearranged to spell "in love" (2017)
File:Moulin Rouge sign Neon Museum.jpg|[[Moulin Rouge Hotel|Moulin Rouge]] and [[Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas)|Hard Rock Hotel and Casino]] guitar sign (2021)
File:The Neon Museum (35341914390).jpg|Skull removed from [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino|Treasure Island]] (2017)
File:The Neon Museum (35341914390).jpg|Skull removed from [[Treasure Island Hotel and Casino|Treasure Island]] (2017)
File:The Neon Museum (35597760581).jpg|[[Liberace Museum]], [[Planet Hollywood Las Vegas|Aladdin Casino]] Lamp, and portion of [[Stardust Resort & Casino|Stardust]] (2017)
File:The Neon Museum (35597760581).jpg|[[Liberace Museum Collection|Liberace Museum]], [[Planet Hollywood Las Vegas|Aladdin Casino]] Lamp, and portion of [[Stardust Resort and Casino|Stardust]] (2017)
File:The Neon Museum (35597739991).jpg|[[Silver Slipper]] (2017)
File:The Neon Museum (35597739991).jpg|[[Silver Slipper]] (2017)
File:Neon Museum, Marquee Googie DSC02220 (28100878597) (cropped).jpg|Neon Boneyard Park marquee (2018)
File:Neon Museum, Marquee Googie DSC02220 (28100878597) (cropped).jpg|Neon Boneyard Park marquee (2018)
File:Brilliance at Neon Museum 2019 1 - Sarah Stierch.webm|A video of Brilliant! (2019)
</gallery>
</gallery>

==See also==
*''[[Lost Vegas: Tim Burton]]''


== References ==
== References ==
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{{commons category|Neon Museum Las Vegas}}
{{commons category|Neon Museum Las Vegas}}
* {{official website}}
* {{official website}}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/visit-las-vegas/gallery/2017/apr/19/las-vegass-neon-sign-graveyard-in-pictures |title=Las Vegas's neon-sign graveyard - in pictures |author1=Wells, Dominic |author2= Scott, Andy J (photographer) |date= |newspaper=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Labs (paid content) |accessdate=29 June 2018}}
* {{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/visit-las-vegas/gallery/2017/apr/19/las-vegass-neon-sign-graveyard-in-pictures |title=Las Vegas's neon-sign graveyard - in pictures |author1=Wells, Dominic |author2= Scott, Andy J (photographer) |newspaper=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Labs (paid content) |access-date=29 June 2018}}
* {{cite web |url=http://gaming.unlv.edu/v_museum/neon_survey/index.html |title=Neon Survey: Sunset to Sahara |author= |DUPLICATE_date= |publisher=UNLV Center for Gaming Research |date=2002 |author1=Cannaday, Josh |author2=Schwartz, David G. |accessdate=11 July 2018}}
* {{cite web |url=http://gaming.unlv.edu/v_museum/neon_survey/index.html |title=Neon Survey: Sunset to Sahara |publisher=UNLV Center for Gaming Research |date=2002 |author1=Cannaday, Josh |author2=Schwartz, David G. |access-date=11 July 2018}}


{{LV museums}}
{{LV museums}}
{{Downtown Las Vegas}}
{{Downtown Las Vegas}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Museums in Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Museums in Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Downtown Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Downtown Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Art museums in Nevada]]
[[Category:Art museums and galleries in Nevada]]
[[Category:Neon lighting]]
[[Category:Neon lighting]]
[[Category:Signage]]
[[Category:Signage]]
[[Category:Art museums established in 1996]]
[[Category:Art museums and galleries established in 1996]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:1996 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Media museums in the United States]]
[[Category:Mass media museums in the United States]]

Latest revision as of 15:55, 24 April 2024

This article is about the museum in Las Vegas. For the museum in Los Angeles, see Museum of Neon Art. For the museum in Warsaw, see Neon Museum, Warsaw.
Neon Museum
Neon Museum Visitors' Center
Map
Established1996
(Opened to the public October 27, 2012 (2012-10-27))
LocationLas Vegas, Nevada
Coordinates36°10′35.4468″N 115°8′6.9972″W / 36.176513000°N 115.135277000°W / 36.176513000; -115.135277000
TypeArt museum
Visitors85,000 (2015)[1]
Websiteneonmuseum.org

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, features signs from old casinos and other businesses displayed outdoors on 2.62 acres (1.06 ha). The museum features a restored lobby shell from the defunct La Concha Motel as its visitors' center, which officially opened on October 27, 2012.[2]

For many years, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) stored many of these old signs in their "boneyard." The signs were slowly being destroyed by exposure to the elements.

The signs are considered by Las Vegas locals, business owners and government organizations to be not only artistically, but also historically, significant to the culture of the city. Each of the restored signs in the collection holds a story about who created it and why it is important.[3]

History

[edit]

The Neon Museum was founded in 1996 as a partnership between the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the City of Las Vegas. Today, it is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit. Located on Las Vegas Boulevard North, the Neon Museum includes the Neon Boneyard and the North Gallery.

The impetus behind the collecting of signs was the loss of the iconic sign from The Sands; after it was replaced with a new sign in the 1980s. There was no place to store the massive sign, and it was scrapped.[4] After nearly 10 years of collecting signs, the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the city of Las Vegas worked together to create an institution to house and care for the saved signs. To mark its official opening in November 1996, the Neon Museum restored and installed the Hacienda Horse & Rider sign at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.[1] However, access to the collection was provided by appointment only.[5] Annual attendance was approximately 12–20,000 during this time.[6][7]

In 2005, the historic La Concha lobby was donated to the museum by owners of the La Concha Motel, the Doumani family. Although it cost nearly $3 million to move and restore the La Concha, the plans to open a museum became concrete after the donation of the building, drawing a number of public and private grants and donations.[8] In total, approximately $6.5 million was raised for the visitors' center, headquarters, a new park, and restoration of 15 major signs.[6] The museum moved and reassembled the building 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north along Las Vegas Boulevard after cutting it into eight pieces.[8]

In November 2009, the Neon Museum restored and installed the famous Silver Slipper sign across from its welcome center, and two more restored vintage signs were installed near the northern end of Las Vegas Boulevard to mark its designation as a National Scenic Byway.[9]

Paid public admission commenced on October 27, 2012, replacing the prior appointment-only basis.[8] Attendance during the first year was 60,461, exceeding the early estimate of 45–50,000 visitors.[10]

After outgrowing its space in the former La Concha lobby shell, the museum moved its headquarters to old City Hall in 2016 and converted the offices into a museum store.[11] In 2017, the museum purchased land for its first expansion since opening to the public in 2012.[12] For its fifth anniversary, the Neon Museum offered free admission on October 28, 2017.[13] In 2018, the Neon Museum administrative staff moved again to a space on the campus of the Las Vegas-Review Journal and opened a programming space there called Ne10 Studio.

Exhibits

[edit]

The Neon Museum is located on Las Vegas Boulevard, south of the Cashman Center and within the Las Vegas Cultural Corridor. The museum has exhibits in three main areas: restored and installed neon signs along the median of Las Vegas Blvd (between Fremont St. and Washington Ave.), the Neon Boneyard, and the museum's North Gallery.

Restored signs

[edit]
"The Flame" sign displayed in the plaza next to Neonopolis
Horse and rider from the Hacienda Resort
Restored signs in Downtown Las Vegas

The Neon Museum maintains several restored signs throughout Downtown Las Vegas and along the Las Vegas Strip.[14] The cost of restoring signs is estimated to range from $10,000 for small pieces to $100,000 for the largest signs.[15]

Boneyard Park

[edit]

The Neon Boneyard Park was created in 2012, with "NEON" spelled out using letters shaped like those on signs for the Golden Nugget ("N"), Caesars Palace ("E"), Binion's Horseshoe ("O"), and Desert Inn ("N").[5] The letters are set on a grid inspired by the sign for The Sands, and the sign is decorated with stars like those from the Stardust and a starburst like the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign designed by Betty Willis.[16]

Main Boneyard

[edit]

The majority of the Neon Museum's collection is displayed within the Main Boneyard. Pieces in this boneyard include signage from the Stardust, Riviera, Desert Inn and Caesars Palace as well as many others. The Neon Museum also houses fiberglass sculptures including a giant skull from the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. This is also where the functioning restored signs within the museum's collection are housed.

[edit]

In 2018, the Neon Museum began Brilliant!, a 30-minute art installation designed by Craig Winslow which uses multiple projectors to reanimate defunct signs, set to vintage and contemporary music.[17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Lilly, Caitlin (2 November 2015). "7 things you didn't know about the Neon Museum — PHOTOS". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  2. ^ O'Reilley, Tim (August 31, 2012). "Lights this way: Neon Museum opening set". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
  3. ^ "The Neon Museum Las Vegas | The history of Las Vegas through neon - About".
  4. ^ Gotthardt, Alexxa (14 December 2016). "A Treasure Trove of Historic Neon Signs Is Nestled on Las Vegas Boulevard". Artsy. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  5. ^ a b Finnegan, Amanda (6 February 2010). "City to begin construction on Neon Boneyard Park". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  6. ^ a b Rothstein, Edward (1 February 2013). "Where Las Vegas Stardust Rests in Peace". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  7. ^ Cling, Carol (25 October 2012). "Neon Museum preserving Las Vegas history by giving old signs new life". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  8. ^ a b c Pratt, Timothy (27 October 2012). "New Museum Shows Off Las Vegas's Neon Side". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  9. ^ Toplikar, Dave (9 November 2009). "Refurbished signs a step forward in preserving Las Vegas' past". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  10. ^ Morrison, Jane Ann (6 March 2014). "Neon Museum meets visitor projection in its first year — more than 60,000". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  11. ^ Wargo, Buck (7 October 2016). "Neon Museum unveils first stage of expansion plans". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  12. ^ Lilly, Caitlin (16 February 2017). "Neon Museum receives $425K grant for major expansion". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  13. ^ Jones, Jay (25 October 2017). "Las Vegas' Neon Museum marks five years and wants you to visit — for free". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Restored Las Vegas Neon Signs Tour" (PDF). The Neon Museum. 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  15. ^ Reilly, Claire. "Neon Museum is saving Las Vegas' most beautiful tech". c|net. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  16. ^ Oñoz-Wright, Ashley (18 November 2015). "10 of our favorite signs at the Neon Museum". vegas.com [blog]. Remark Media. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
  17. ^ Reed, C. Moon (8 February 2018). "The Neon Museum's 'Brilliant!' makes classic signs shine again". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 29 June 2018.
[edit]
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