The Neon Museum, a.k.a. the "Neon Boneyard" or "Graveyard" has been collecting defunct neon signage, mainly from casinos but also from other historic properties, for a decade and a half now. After years of wholesale implosions, someone finally had the bright idea to preserve at least some of the city's iconic past, and since then much signage has been accumulated from the likes of Binion's, the Golden Nugget, the Aladdin, the Silver Slipper, the Stardust, and many more.
Right now, the majority of these giant neon artifacts are somewhat evocatively displayed in a pretty haphazard way in a couple of small lots downtown at 821 Las Vegas Blvd. N. (we think it's in two lots; it used to be, but may have been consolidated now -- we confess we forgot to ask when we called.) The signs make for a dramatic backdrop and have been featured in countless magazine spreads and music videos. Some have been restored to full working order and are on display downtown on and around Fremont Street (not the big martini glass, shoe etc., on Fremont East -- those are new) and in the median of Las Vegas Blvd. N., where they help contribute to the recent elevation in its status to a "National Scenic Byway."
The museum has been trying to raise enough money to get off the ground for many years now -- in the course of researching this answer we came across an item we wrote back in 2007, saying that it was due to open in 2008. The feature we're referring to was actually a QoD (01/23/2007) about the fate of La Concha, the classic mid-century modern motel on the Strip with the shell-shaped lobby, which was saved from the wrecking ball and dismantled and taken downtown, where eventually it's due to form the lobby of the visitor center for the Neon Museum.
It had been awhile since we checked in on the progress of this project, so we placed a call to see where things are at. We were informed that, if all goes to plan, the Neon Museum and its visitor center are due to open in about a year. Current work includes the build-out of the back of the visitor center to accommodate administrative offices, but we were informed that the style of the exhibit will stay much as it is -- an outdoor gallery of classic and miscellaneous neon signage.
The museum is not open for walk-in visits, but you can make tours by appointment, from Tuesday to Friday at noon and 2 p.m., and on Saturdays at 9:30 and 11 a.m. You're advised to book at least one week in advance and a minimum donation of $15/person is required. Click here for the official website, where you can find out more information, including certain restrictions, and to see a gallery of photographs.
