El Cortez Relighting

The historic piece – which was located on the hotel’s parking structure and dates to 1974 – was given to the Museum by El Cortez to preserve the property’s rich history.

El Cortez received a permit in 1969 to build the parking garage adjacent to the hotel, which was completed in 1974, and the 18’ x 28’ sign was installed shortly after. Originally located off 7th Street and Fremont Street, the sign is crafted with neon, lightbulbs and backlit plexiglass and has retained its nostalgic charm over the years.

The El Cortez donated the sign to the Neon Museum allowing us to continue to share the stories and rich history of downtown Las Vegas – as the sign proclaims the site has been ‘The place for fun since 1941!’