Del Mar Motel
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Las Vegas is more than just lights, it’s a legacy written in neon!
Thanks to people like you, Las Vegas’ neon legacy can endure.
These iconic signs, which once lit up our streets and hearts, are more than just lights, they’re part of our shared story. You have the power to keep their glow alive.
With your support, we can restore these beloved pieces of history, so they continue to inspire and captivate future generations
Every donation helps protect these neon beacons, ensuring the vibrant stories of Las Vegas are never lost.
Join us in preserving this incredible heritage. Together, we can keep the lights shining.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SIGN’S RESTORATION
Courtesy of The Neon Museum Collection
Designed by Betty Willis, Fabricated by unknown c. 1953
Material(s): Metal, paint, neon
Donated by Dolores Eliades, Object ID: 0043.001a
The Del Mar Motel opened in the 1950s and featured signage designed by Betty Willis, who would go on to design some of the go-to icons of Las Vegas, such as the Moulin Rouge sign in 1955, the Blue Angel Motel sign in 1957, and, of course, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign in 1959.
Willis’ design for the Del Mar Motel brings to life the property’s oceanic theme and name, which in Spanish translates to “from the sea.” Her design originally featured strokes of neon tubing meant to portray ocean waves. This signage originally housed much of its neon tubing vertically, in an open space bordered by a perimeter of thin cabinetry shaped in a sharp angle, another characteristic of the sign’s mid-century modern design. Willis designed the Del Mar Motel sign so that a single section of neon could be seen from both directions, an innovation that reduced the cost and labor needed to manufacture the sign; this technique, Willis alleged, was utilized by many other sign companies in the following years.
The final years of the Del Mar Motel were mired in crime, including drugs, prostitution, and a high-profile murder case involving the heir to the DuPont chemical company fortune in 1998. The property closed in 2005.
Restoring this signage would allow us to further highlight the impact of Betty Willis’ legacy in Las Vegas, the function and style of motor courts from this period, and to share with guests a ripped-from-the-headlines true crime story, told with care and intention.
Help us to preserve the cultural essence of Las Vegas with your generous gift.
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We are grateful for every donation that helps bring these iconic signs back to life. Contributions of $15,000 or more will be honored with a personalized donor recognition package. All donations will be recorded in our documented archives. Once this sign is restored, it will be proudly returned to the Neon Boneyard, where we will host a re-lighting event to celebrate its restoration. We truly appreciate your support and thank you for helping us preserve the stories of Las Vegas.