The Neon Museum in Las Vegas
Approximately a 3 minute read The Neon Museum | instagram
I shared a photo in my last post, but I really needed to give the Neon Museum in Las Vegas its own writeup. Ever since my tour, this museum is the #1 thing I’ve been telling people to check out when in the area. I mean, look at this stuff!
Even on a cloudy day that threatened rain, the Neon Museum was vibrant and engaging. The scale of these signs, made to catch your eye from blocks away, is especially impressive when viewed up close.
Let me make a distinction, The Boneyard, a meandering path accessible by guided tour, is what I’m focusing on here. The museum also has a back lot where they store signs being restored, accessible only by special booking. Furthermore, there are also functioning vintage neon signs installed along Las Vegas Boulevard which are part of the museum’s collection, too!
Don’t miss my guide to visiting Las Vegas in the Winter.
Neon Museum?
Is this like one of those trendy “museum” pop-ups which just exists for Instagram? Nope, this is an actual museum and runs like one. Every sign in The Neon Museum was used by a business, most of them Las Vegas based businesses. The signs have been bought, donated or loaned to keep them from being destroyed. The stars of the Boneyard are the huge casino signs, which serve as artifacts of Las Vegas’s history from the 1930s to today.
More color in the desert: check out Seven Magic Mountains
The impressive collection, eclectic styles, and brights colors are remarkable. I absolutely loved our funny, knowledgeable tour guide. All visitors take an hour-long group tour and aren’t permitted to wander freely. However, the docents provide plenty of time to take photos.
A Little History
I was very impressed with the guide who knew the origin of every sign, from the most famous, like the Stardust and the Sahara, to less famous hotels and even dry-cleaning neon signs. Without giving away the most interesting parts of the tour, I will say that some of my favorite anecdotes touched on the Mob and fabled atomic test viewing parties of the 50s.
Like I tell all my friends, if you’re in Las Vegas you must make it out to the museum and take the tour. It’s a selfie paradise. Tours regularly sell out, so buy your tickets online in advance. You can even buy them days/weeks ahead of time.
The Neon Museum | instagram
770 Las Vegas Boulevard North
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Stay at a neon icon, The Flamingo! Get a great rate through Booking.com.
What’s the most offbeat museum you’ve ever visited? Let me know in the comments!
All photos by Doug and Staci Jackson for The Voyageer.
Can you imagine watching an atomic bomb go off? That is so crazy to me. Cool pictures, this looked fun to explore.