1. STUDENTS CAN EXPLORE HISTORY THROUGH NEON SIGNS
The Neon Museum offers an unparalleled window into Las Vegas’s past, preserving and showcasing iconic signs that tell the story of the city’s growth and evolution.
For students, these signs represent more than flashy lights; they’re artifacts that highlight different eras of design, advertising, and the economic boom that transformed Las Vegas into a major tourist destination. Field trips to the Neon Museum allow students to learn about the city’s history and explore how advertising and culture have evolved over the decades.
The museum’s famous outdoor exhibit, the Neon Boneyard, houses a collection of over 200 signs, each representing a different part of Las Vegas history. As students walk through the Boneyard, they’ll encounter signs from historic hotels and casinos, each with a story tied to the people and events that shaped the city.
Guided tours take students through this fascinating narrative, connecting the dots between the signs and the broader historical context of each era.
2. STUDENTS CAN EXPLORE ART & DESIGN THROUGH NEON
Neon signs are a blend of art and engineering, making the Neon Museum a prime location for art education.
Each sign in the museum’s collection was designed to capture attention and evoke emotion, providing a wealth of material for lessons in visual arts and design. Field trips to the museum offer students the opportunity to observe different styles, typography, color theory, and techniques used by artists and designers over the years.
In addition, The Neon Museum offers specialized art-based activities for students inspired by the museum’s collection. These activities, which focus on elements like perspective and design, allow students to deepen their appreciation for both historical and contemporary art forms.
3. STUDENTS WILL ENJOY A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO STEM EDUCATION
The Neon Museum isn’t just about art and history—it also provides a compelling introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) concepts.
Neon signs are powered by chemistry, engineering, and physics, and the museum uses its exhibits to showcase these scientific principles in action. Students can learn about the chemical reactions that produce the bright colors, the electrical systems that power the signs, and the engineering skills required to construct and maintain them.
For a more interactive experience, the Neon Museum offers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) Saturdays, a program that offers fun make-and-take activities, hands-on learning, and demonstrations designed to promote creative and critical thinking.
In addition to field trips that are facilitated by a staff of experienced educators, The Neon Museum also offers self-guided field trips. Students and chaperones can explore the museum on their own, using materials provided by The Neon Museum.
4. THE MUSEUM PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES & TEACHER SUPPORT
The Neon Museum’s dedication to educational outreach extends beyond its physical site. Recognizing the need for diverse learning tools, the museum provides a range of educational resources tailored to support teachers in preparing students for their visit. These resources include downloadable materials and lesson plans that help teachers introduce topics related to art, history, and STEM before stepping foot in the museum.
For educators who cannot bring students to the museum, the “Museum on Wheels” program is a great alternative. This mobile program brings replicas and educational resources to schools, allowing students to experience a taste of the Neon Museum without leaving their classrooms.
A field trip to the Neon Museum does more than educate—it inspires. Students leave with a newfound appreciation for the role of art, science, and history in shaping their world. By presenting neon signs as artifacts worth preserving, the museum encourages students to think critically about cultural heritage, conservation, and the significance of local history. It’s an experience that can ignite passions for art, design, history, and even engineering, showing students the vast possibilities for future careers.
The Neon Museum makes field trips accessible and enjoyable for school groups by offering discounted group rates and customizable experiences tailored to different grade levels. Guided tours are $10 per student/chaperone, self-guided tours are $5 per student/chaperone, and CCSD Schools are free, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. Educators can fill out a form online to schedule a field trip for their students.
