It’s hard to imagine Las Vegas without its iconic neon signage. Since the first neon signs were installed in Vegas almost 100 years ago, they have become one of the city’s most distinctive features. As Sin City has evolved throughout the years, many of the city’s original signs have since been taken down and replaced with newer signs. In an effort to restore these historic signs, The Neon Museum works as an organization to preserve some of the most iconic displays. Founded in 1996, the museum has built a collection of over 800 neon signs since the beginning.
But The Neon Museum is more than just a collection – over the years, the museum has established a variety of different projects focused on serving the Las Vegas community. This includes everything from installing inclusive commemorative murals to organizing special events aimed at celebrating the city’s culture. Read on to learn more about the community impact that The Neon Museum has had!
The Neon Boneyard
Many old neon signs that may have been destroyed or kept hidden within private collections have been saved by the Neon Museum. Using community donations, our non-profit organization has been able to pay for the repair and maintenance of these signs. These are displayed publicly in a section of the museum known as the Neon Boneyard in which members of the public can take guided tours.
Many of these signs have historical significance and tell a story, which is why it is so important to preserve them. Famous examples include The Hard Rock Hotel guitar, the Stardust sign and the original neon sign of The Moulin Rouge. While many of the museum’s signs have been restored and are kept illuminated during visiting hours, many of the signs are still waiting for community funding so that they can be restored.
Oral History Project
Many of Las Vegas’ first neon signs have since been taken down and some have been destroyed or lost. While it may not be possible to physically recover these signs, it is still possible to keep a record of them for the sake of history preservation – either through photographs, blueprints or written eyewitness accounts.
The Neon Museum’s Oral History Project is dedicated to recording accounts of past neon signs that were once on display throughout the city. This project typically involves connecting with older generations and trying to pinpoint individuals who may have lived in or traveled to Las Vegas over 50 years ago. So far, this project has helped record accounts of signs and buildings that would have otherwise been forever forgotten.
Duck Duck Shed
Las Vegas has a unique culture of its own that is only now starting to evolve and be appreciated. Duck Duck Shed is a project that is dedicated to celebrating this unique culture – including the historic architecture and design of the city. The goal of this Neon Museum project is to help Las Vegas be reconsidered as a cultural hotspot rather than a cultural afterthought and to learn from its unique architecture (which has already had an influence in many places around the world).
The Duck Duck Shed project has been spearheaded by The Neon Museum and includes programs led by nationally acclaimed speakers which take place at set events each year. Learn more about the exciting projects, tours, and exhibitions coming to Duck Duck Shed this year.
Las Vegas Luminaries
Las Vegas Luminaries is a 808-ft square mural created by Vegas-based couple Nanda Sharifpour and Ali Fathollahi. This exhibit is a celebration of the diverse array of people that have helped shape the city over the last century. Some of the luminaries who are commemorated within this mural include:
1. Delcenia Boyd Jones, a trailblazing black showgirl who was among one of the first dancers to work at the Moulin Rouge Hotel.
2. Kenny Kerr, a popular drag queen star who supported many local gay community causes including raising funds for AIDS research.
3. Betty Willis, designer of many iconic signs throughout the city and one of the only women employed in the Las Vegas sign industry during the 1950s.
These three, along with many others, make up Las Vegas royalty and is an exhibit you won’t want to miss if you’re looking to learn more about the diverse history of this city.
Culturally Inclusive Tours
Las Vegas has long been a cultural melting pot, attracting a variety of ethnic groups that have each contributed to the growth and development of Las Vegas. On top of exploring Las Vegas sign history, The Neon Museum prides itself in helping to share a broader history of the city – including the individual stories of various different cultural groups that have settled in Las Vegas over the years.
The Neon Museum currently hosts a Spanish-speaking tour, which delves into the experience of Las Vegas’s hispanic population. Executive director of the Neon Museum, Aaron Berger, has announced that he would like to add other tours targeted at other cultural groups to create a more inclusive and personalized visit. Keep an eye out for new and exciting tours coming to the museum.
The Neon Museum’s preservation efforts have had a profound community impact, safeguarding local history and illuminating our cultural heritage. By reviving and showcasing these vibrant neon signs, the museum connects us to the stories and memories of our past while inspiring future generations.
Here at The Neon Museum, we like to serve as a powerful reminder to cherish our roots as we shape a brighter future. Look out for exciting, new community events that are always happening at the museum and stop by to support your local community and history!
