Shedding Light on Vegas’ Neon Past: Your Guide to the Neon Museum

If you’re looking for a unique attraction to explore on your next trip to Las Vegas, look no further than the Neon Museum. This outdoor museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the city’s rich history of neon signs, which have played a significant role in Vegas’ iconic image.

As you wander through the museum’s collection of over 200 signs, you’ll be transported back in time to the city’s golden age of neon. Each sign has its own unique story and history, representing everything from classic casinos to beloved local restaurants.

One of the standout features of the Neon Museum is the hour-long guided tour, which is included with admission. Led by knowledgeable and passionate guides, these tours offer a fascinating look at the history and design of the signs on display.

As you explore the museum, be sure to keep an eye out for some of the most iconic signs in the collection. The Stardust sign, with its classic atomic-era design, is one of the most famous and recognizable. The Moulin Rouge sign is another must-see, as it represents an important piece of Las Vegas history as the first racially integrated casino.

For a truly unique experience, consider visiting the museum at night. The signs are illuminated in all their neon glory, creating a magical, otherworldly atmosphere that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

In addition to the main collection, the Neon Museum also features several other exhibits and installations that are well worth exploring. The Boneyard is a fascinating outdoor sculpture park that showcases many of the museum’s larger signs, while the North Gallery features rotating exhibits that offer a closer look at the art and design behind the neon signs.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just someone looking for a fun and unique Vegas experience, the Neon Museum is definitely worth a visit. With its impressive collection of neon signs, fascinating guided tours, and beautiful outdoor setting, it’s a true gem of Las Vegas.

Here are five of the most iconic signs at the museum:

1. Stardust: The Stardust sign is an iconic symbol of the Las Vegas Strip. The sign features a giant starburst with the name of the hotel in bold letters. The Stardust was one of the most famous hotels in Las Vegas, and the sign is a testament to its popularity.
2. Moulin Rouge: The Moulin Rouge sign is a classic example of the colorful and flamboyant neon signs that made Las Vegas famous. The sign features a giant windmill with the name of the hotel in bright lights. The Moulin Rouge was the first hotel in Las Vegas to welcome African-American guests, and the sign is a reminder of the hotel’s groundbreaking history.
3. Aladdin’s Lamp: The Aladdin’s Lamp sign is a popular attraction at the Neon Museum. The sign features a giant lamp with the name of the hotel in bold letters. The Aladdin Hotel was one of the most popular hotels in Las Vegas during the 1960s and 1970s, and the sign is a reminder of its glory days.
4. Binion’s Horseshoe: Binion’s Horseshoe is one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas, and its sign is a testament to its history. The sign features a giant horseshoe with the name of the casino in bold letters. The sign is a reminder of the days when Las Vegas was a small, dusty town in the middle of the desert.
5. Golden Nugget: The Golden Nugget sign is one of the most recognizable symbols of Las Vegas. The sign features a giant nugget of gold with the name of the hotel in bright lights. The Golden Nugget was one of the first hotels to open on the Las Vegas Strip, and the sign is a reminder of the city’s early days as a gambling mecca.

Overall, the Neon Museum is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of Las Vegas. The museum’s collection of iconic neon signs provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, and each sign tells its own unique story.

So, next time you’re in Sin City, be sure to add the Neon Museum to your list of must-visit attractions. You won’t be disappointed!