Over 250 Retired Las Vegas Signs - The Neon Museum

The Neon Museum was founded in 1996 and is dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and displaying the iconic signs of old Las Vegas. Walking through its colorful collection feels like stepping back into the history of the city, when neon signs helped create the distinctive character and excitement of Las Vegas.

The museum’s collection includes signs from casinos, hotels, restaurants and other businesses that once defined the Las Vegas landscape. Many of these signs have fascinating stories behind them, representing businesses and places that are no longer around but remain part of the city’s history.

There are guided tours, along with posted information and knowledgeable docents who share the stories behind many of the signs. I particularly enjoyed that aspect because the signs become much more meaningful when you learn where they came from and what they represented.

For me, the Neon Museum is more than a collection of old signs. It is a colorful and unique way to experience the history of Las Vegas and see how neon became such an important part of the city's identity.

Here is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

This sign was built around 1949. These days about 300 weddings happen each day in Las Vegas.

Some of the posted information

From Ugly Duckling Rent-A-Car

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From The Palms Casino and The Tropical Motel

From the Moulin Rouge Hotel which was famous for being the first major racially integrated casino in Las Vegas.

Signs from The Riviera and The Tropicana. The Riviera was the first high-rise hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard.

From The Frontier Hotel and Casino which opened in 1942 and was the second resort built on the Las Vegas Strip.

The 82-foot tall Hard Rock guitar was inspired by Pete Townshend’s No. 9 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

From the Sahara Hotel and Casino which opened in 1952 and was the sixth hotel/casino to open on the Strip. The hotel also hosted the Beatles in 1964.

The sculptural genie lamp was from the Aladdin Hotel & Casino and a Liberace sign from his museum.

From The Stardust, which opened in 1958 and renowned for its neon signage and topless showgirls and notorious underground connections.

From Jerry’s Nuggets, the oldest family-owned casino in town.

The main boneyard contains unrestored signs, lit with ground lighting including the Ann Meyers’ Queen of Hearts. Ann Meyers was the second Nevada woman to be a casino owner. The first honors goes to Claudine Williams who bought The Silver Slipper in 1965.

From the Flame, a western-themed restaurant opened in 1961.

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The iconic Margarita sign from the face of the Margarita Baby Pizza Kitchen

The martini sign from the Red Bar was Las Vegas’ first best-known gay bar which opened in the 1960’s.

The Nevada Motel opened in 1937 and was the first auto court in Las Vegas to identify itself as a ‘motel’. This sign dates to around 1950.

The ‘Pool Player’ from Doc & Eddy’s Pool Hall which was created in 1983.

From the Algiers Hotel which was built in 1953 and was well-preserved vintage Arabian desert theme until it was closed and demo shied in 2005.

‘Andy’ of Anderson Dairy which was founded by Harry Anderson in Las Vegas in 1907.

The Chief Court Hotel sign was oginally installed around 1940.

From the 1950’s Yucca Motel which was on Las Vegas Boulevard

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The Golden Nugget opened in 1946, making it one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas.

What you should know:

• Tickets can be purchased in person or online.

• Check website for hours / days of operation and for any special events.

• Tours are guided or self-guided.

• I felt the best experience is to go after dark, when the signs are illuminated.

• The museum is totally outdoors, so dress accordingly.

• There are public restrooms available.

• You could spend up to a couple of hours here depending on your level of interest.

• Free parking is available.

Location: 720 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. 89101

For more information: Neon Museum