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Box Office closes 1 hour prior to posted closing time. Last admissions to the Museum: NOV-FEB 9 p.m. | MAR-APR 10 p.m. | MAY-AUG 11 p.m. | SEP-OCT 10 p.m.
Opening times this week:
Monday
3pm - 11pm
Tuesday
3pm - 11pm
Wednesday
3pm - 11pm
Thursday
3pm - 11pm
Friday
3pm - 11pm
Saturday
3pm - 11pm
Sunday
3pm - 11pm
Box Office closes 1 hour prior to posted closing time. Last admissions to the Museum: NOV-FEB 9 p.m. | MAR-APR 10 p.m. | MAY-AUG 11 p.m. | SEP-OCT 10 p.m.
Opening times this week:
Monday
3pm - 11pm
Tuesday
3pm - 11pm
Wednesday
3pm - 11pm
Thursday
3pm - 11pm
Friday
3pm - 11pm
Saturday
3pm - 11pm
Sunday
3pm - 11pm
Box Office closes 1 hour prior to posted closing time. Last admissions to the Museum: NOV-FEB 9 p.m. | MAR-APR 10 p.m. | MAY-AUG 11 p.m. | SEP-OCT 10 p.m.
Opening times this week:
Monday
3pm - 11pm
Tuesday
3pm - 11pm
Wednesday
3pm - 11pm
Thursday
3pm - 11pm
Friday
3pm - 11pm
Saturday
3pm - 11pm
Sunday
3pm - 11pm

Poolside to Boneyard: How to Make The Neon Museum Part of Your Las Vegas Weekend Trip

When people imagine a weekend in Las Vegas, the first things that come to mind are poolside cabanas, world-class dining, dazzling shows, and maybe a little late-night blackjack. But beyond the Strip’s neon glow lies one of the city’s most unique cultural treasures: The Neon Museum.

If you’re planning a quick getaway to Vegas, adding The Neon Museum to your itinerary is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can go from poolside relaxation to exploring one of the most unique museums in the city, all in the same weekend.

START WITH A LITTLE DAYLIGHT

Many Vegas weekends begin the same way: poolside. Whether you’re sipping a frozen margarita at your hotel’s rooftop pool or floating along a lazy river, afternoons in Las Vegas are the perfect time to lounge. But once the sun starts to dip, it’s time for the next adventure.

The Neon Museum opens in the afternoon and stays open into the evening, giving you plenty of time to plan a visit after your pool day. The signs are impressive in daylight, but they’re absolutely magical once the sun sets and the Boneyard glows under the desert sky.

MAKE IT A GOLDEN HOUR ADVENTURE

If you want the best of both worlds, including seeing the signs in daylight and lit up at night, book your ticket  for the hours just before sunset. The “golden hour” is perfect for photos because as the desert sky shifts from orange to violet, the neon signs flicker on and it’s a sight to see.

Walking among the massive letters and marquee displays, you’ll find pieces from legendary casinos like the Stardust, Sahara, and Riviera, along with quirky icons from motels, restaurants, and wedding chapels. Each sign tells the story of a business, an era, or even a cultural moment that helped shape the city we know today.

PAIR IT WITH DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS

One of the best parts of visiting The Neon Museum is its location. It’s just minutes from downtown Las Vegas and Fremont Street, making it easy to pair your museum trip with dinner, drinks, or a night of people-watching under the Fremont Street Experience canopy.

Here’s a simple itinerary idea:

  • Lounge at the pool during the afternoon
  • In the evening, head to The Neon Museum for a guided tour or a general admission walk-through.
  • Finish your evening with a classic Vegas meal. Downtown Las Vegas is full of great places to eat after your museum visit.

DON’T MISS THE BRILLIANT! SHOW

While exploring the Boneyard is a must, don’t overlook the museum’s immersive show, Brilliant!, which brings unrestored signs to life through projection technology. With music and lights timed perfectly, it feels like the signs are glowing again in their prime. The mesmerizing 45-minute show is unlike anything else in the city.

If you’re visiting on a weekend trip, Brilliant! is a great alternative to a traditional Vegas show. It’s shorter, less expensive, and you’ll still walk away feeling like you’ve experienced something one-of-a-kind.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

If you’re weaving The Neon Museum into a jam-packed Las Vegas weekend, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some quick tips to help:

  • Buy tickets ahead of time. Time slots can sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Dress comfortably. Even in the evening, Las Vegas can be warm. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for walking.
  • Bring your camera (or phone). The museum is extremely photo-friendly, and you’ll want to capture the glowing signs.
  • Allow about 60–90 minutes for your museum experience. This gives you enough time to see everything without rushing.
  • Stay hydrated. You’ll be outside, so a bottle of water is always a good idea.

WHY ADD CULTURE TO YOUR VEGAS WEEKEND

For many visitors, Vegas is all about indulgence. But pairing the city’s entertainment with a cultural stop like The Neon Museum adds depth to your trip. You’ll walk away with a greater appreciation for the history that made Las Vegas the entertainment capital of the world.

And unlike a hand of blackjack or a spin of the roulette wheel, a visit to The Neon Museum is guaranteed to pay off in stories, photos, and memories you’ll treasure long after your trip ends.

A weekend trip to Las Vegas doesn’t have to be just bars and nightclubs on the Strip. With just a little planning, you can float in the pool all afternoon and then find yourself wandering through decades of neon history by nightfall.

So next time you’re booking that Vegas getaway, make space between your poolside cocktails and late-night adventures for a trip to The Neon Museum. We can’t wait to welcome you!