Is the Neon Museum Still in Existence?

Is the Neon Museum still in existence? What year did it open?

Absolutely. The Neon Museum not only still exists, but is one of the most popular non-casino attractions in Las Vegas (along with the Mob Museum).

The "museum," as it was envisioned then, "opened" in 1996. That was the year the first refurbished sign, the Hacienda Horse and Rider, was installed at the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street. Since then, eight other restored signs have been put on display around downtown. They're viewable via a self-guided tour, 24/7, and you can see photos and a tour map at this link.

The actual museum that you pay an entrance fee to get into opened in 2012; the 10th anniversary was celebrated in October 2022.

The campus is located at 770 Las Vegas Blvd. N. between E. Bonanza and E. Washington. There, you can tour the outdoor exhibition space, the Neon Boneyard Main Collection and the Neon Boneyard North Gallery, and a visitor's center housed in the former lobby building of La Concha Motel, designed by architect Paul Williams for the motel located next to the Riviera and considered one of the finest and best-preserved examples of 1950s' Googie architecture.

The Main Boneyard hosts more than 250 signs. Some are restored, so they're lit up all the time; the majority of them, however, are unrestored, so they're illuminated starting at sunset by footlights.

The Museum is open seven days a week; hours vary based on the season. Admission runs from $20 to $45, depending on when you visit.

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Jon Anderson Jul-12-2023

the neon sign museum

This exhibit is absolutely awesome if you have any connection to old las vegas...worth every penny to walk among such vegas icons as these true works of neon art...recommend taking the tour at any cost...several actually sent shivers down my spine...thx lva and anthony and andrew for their podcast and all things vegas... you all are living the dream...

Donald Levkus Jul-12-2023

Don L.

Recently visited the museum in May. Very enjoyable, suggest you make a reservation for the guided tour a couple days in advance.
It was very busy, evening is the best time if you can.

David Jul-12-2023

I’ve been to a lot of museums …

… this is one of the best. I cannot recommend this place enough - just go see it for yourself.

lennylasvegas Jul-12-2023

A Las Vegas Treasure

Jon Anderson - My first visit to Las Vegas was in the mid-80s, when the Castaways was still in business and the Flamingo only had a couple of towers.  Not quite "old las vegas" but still old-ish, especially when compared to what the Strip is today.  You're right about the "shivers"; it's amazing to see these magnificent signs up close and personal, and we should all be very grateful that the Neon Museum has preserved this slice of history.  Today's computer-driven electronic signs are truly technological wonders, but I'd take the beauty, art, and technical simplicity of a hand-made neon sign over them any day of the week. A trip to the Neon Museum is a must for anyone with an appreciation for the history of Las Vegas.

CLIFFORD Jul-12-2023

Googie Architecture?

think of the "Jetsons" ...rip Disco

CLIFFORD Jul-12-2023

Suggestion

Search La Concha Motel...a nice interesting site.

Dr. J Jul-12-2023

Must see!

The tour is awesome, especially at night when many of the old signs are lit up.  Also, the Brilliant Jackpot was just amazing!  It is a separate experience, which is a light show that features other vintage signs (in a different area behind the museum) and is set to range of music.  Totally worth the additional cost; cant say enough good things about the Neon Museum. Would recommend making online reservations on their website.  These shows often sell out, especially toward the later evening time slots.

Ray Jul-12-2023

b4 the museum

Years ago when all the torn down signs went to the YESCO yard, the original neon boneyard, we were able to tour the place. Movies used the site, one recollection being Vegas Vacation, but there were no formal tours. There had been an article in one of the Vegas promo mags that referred to it. My mom and dad lived in Vegas and mom called the place. The owner apologized for the misunderstanding, there were no tours, but said he would show us around when we were in town. Amazing!! And the museum is every bit as good as the real boneyard.

Kenneth Mytinger Jul-12-2023

More History

For those who are really interested in LV history, close nearby is the Old Mormon Fort, considered to be the first settlement here.

It had long been a stopping place along the Old Spanish Trail, because of the springs here ("the meadows", how Las Vegas got it's name).

It's about ¼ mile north, on LV Blvd at Washington.

ref:  https://parks.nv.gov/learn/park-histories/old-las-vegas-mormon-fort-history

Question of the Day - 12 July 2023

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