Famous the world over the Las Vegas Strip shines bright with larger than life neon signs and twinkling lights stretching as far as the eye can see. Las Vegas and neon are synonymous you can’t have one without the other. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that there would be a museum dedicated to the preservation and history of the city’s iconic neon signs.
Are you a fan of vintage signs, twinkling lights, faded splendor, or history?
If you answered yes to any of these, or if you’re like me, all of them, The Neon Museum is the place for you! They do an amazing job of preserving Las Vegas’ storied past through the care and conservation of these signs, remnants of a bygone era.
Sunset was a fabulous time to visit
As you might imagine the Museum is very popular and is available to visit via guided tours. Tours are offered both during the day and in the evening, but they fill up quickly, so planning ahead is a good idea.
A sunset tour allowed us to see the signs in daylight and after dark, which gave us the chance to see the signs lit up!
Our guide, Tandy, clearly loved her job, and her passion for the signs was clear.Her tour was not only informative, but full of fun Las Vegas anecdotes and stories.
The Stardust
The Stardust, Moulin Rouge, and Sahara are just a few of the names you might recognize as you wander through the Museum’s Boneyard. The Stardust hotel opened in 1958 and closed in 2006. It is said that it’s iconic sign could be seen from up to 60 miles away.
The Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge was the first desegregated casino, and played a large part in helping the Las Vegas civil rights movement. Although the hotel has been closed since 1955, and the buildings were demolished, they still maintain their gaming licesnse by operating onsite every two years.
The Sahara
The Sahara was the 6th hotel resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip and was in operation until 2011 when it was sold. Many famous people stayed and performed there including: Jerry Lewis, Frank Sinatra, Abbot & Costello, and The Beattles.
Tips & Advice:
- There is NO shade in the Neon Boneyard and it can be incredibly hot both day and night. Bring water.
- For safety reasons there is no self-guided tour option. Book ahead to ensure your visit.
- Only seven of the signs are in working order, however all the signs are lit beautifully via ground lighting.
- The signs are incredibly large and due to space restrictions it wasn’t always possible to get the big picture.
- The Neon Museum is located about 4 miles north of the Las Vegas Strip, not far from the Fremont East District where you’ll find a large amount of amazing street art on display.
The Neon Museum was a great family activity.
- Of course we visited the gift shop where we found fun treasures to remember our visit by. I can’t wait to see my new ornament on the tree come holiday time!
Pin for later:
Pooja Thapliyal
This looks incredible. Signs are actually large and lovely too.. 👌
Hilary
It was really impressive! The signs are huge!
baublesandknots
I know several people that travel to Vegas all the time & they’ve never heard of this! People need to branch out cause thus sounds/looks super cool!
Hilary
Yes! It’s just a few miles from the Strip, and definitely worth a visit!
Baby Loves Travel
I didn’t have time to go here when I visited Las Vegas – looks like I missed out! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Next time!
Ruth
So glad yo were able to go! Next time, I want to do this sunset tour. Looks awesome! I know the museum has plans to open more areas. Want to visit those too. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I was able to go thanks to your blog! Sunset was great!! I know they have a nap which leads to neon around town!
Esther
OMG! I stayed in The Sahara!! (This tells you how ancient I am, hahaha) What a briliant museum, SO on my list of I ever make it back to Vegas, Apparently, street art is also rather good in Vegas at the moment. So interesting to explore more than just The Strip, right!
Hilary
Yes! If I go back I may skip the Strip altogether! I just wrote all about the street art in another post! I loved it!
California Globetrotter
Ok, I want to go here even more now, especially at sunset!! With that deep blue sky, the neon lights are beautiful!! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I loved the sky too! It was stunning!
Anisa & Katherine (@2travelingtxns)
I have been to Vegas countless times, but haven’t been to the neon museum yet. It really looks interesting. I bet there are so many interesting tidbits that you learn. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Hilary
You’ll have to go next time! It was great!!
Michelle | michwanderlust
Who would’ve thought that neon signs needed preservation? (Not me!) I now understand why they would want to do that though – it’s such an important part of the city’s history, it seems a pity to just throw them away like cars in a junkyard. Night-time seems like the best time to go since you can see them in their full glory!
juliemtms
This sounds like an awesome activity for the family in Vegas. We’ve been multiple times but never taken our kids so this will be perfect for the next trip! Pinning!
Hilary
My boys enjoyed it, especially my teen!
daisythebus
What a visual treat! I’m a big fan of quirky or unusual museums, especially ones that link neatly with the local heritage (and Las Vegas is probably the only place on earth where neon is part of the local “heritage” 😉 ) – this one ticks all the boxes. Excellent stuff. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
This place was definitely a unique and visual treat! Especially at sunset!
Staci
Incredible photos. I went in December and the weather was much better than a summer visit 😉
Hilary
Thank you! If I do go back it will be in December!
joylovestravel
This looks just amazing, if we ever make it there I would love to visit and most definitely at sunset!
Hilary
It was definitely a unique and worthwhile experience!
RobRob @TravelLatte(.net)
Gosh, the Neon Museum is awesome, but also makes me a little melancholy. It’s like tuning in the Oldies Station and hearing your favorite song from high school. So many things I remember from the Las Vegas of childhood live there now. But I’m glad they live on! The iconic Stardust stars, the Golden Nugget, that classic Riviera sign… That’s Vegas, baby! 🙂 As always, thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Hilary
I know how you feel, but thankfully they are being preserved! The museum is quite serious about their charge and are clearly interested in maintaining not only the signs themselves but the history behind them!
katy@untoldmorsels
The Neon Museum is probably the only thing that would tempt me back to Vegas. I’m so glad someone decided to curate this collection as a tribute to Vegas glorious past. Awesome photos as always and thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I could be wrong, but I think there is a Neon museum in London? Then you wouldn’t have to go out of your way. 😘💕
oregongirlaroundtheworld
This experience alone is why I want to back to Vegas! So fun and colorful and cool. Thanks for sharing your perspective on it – good tips and as always lovely photography Hilary! Cheers, Erin #FarawayFiles
Hilary
So glad you enjoyed it! I’m excited to say I learned about it via #farawayfiles 😊
leroyjhunt
Awesome photos as always and thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles ) I now understand why they would want to do that though – it’s such an important part of the city’s history, it seems a pity to just throw them away like cars in a junkyard.
Hilary
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! I completely agree! These signs are works of art and pieces of history. I’m so glad they are being preserved!
Sally's Tips 4 Trips (aka Toddlers on Tour)
A sunset tour sounds perfect. I had previously read that it wasn’t worth going at night because most of the signs don’t light up. Knowing how hot it gets in Vegas I was then kind of put off from visiting as I didn’t want to be out in the hot sun. Sunset sounds like the perfect answer.
Hilary
It worked out perfectly! We saw the signs both night and day, and with the lovely lighting they use to highlight the signs, it’s really okay, that a lot of them don’t “work”. I agree with you about not wanting to go in the heat of the day, as it was almost unbearable even at night.
Allison
I’m pretty sure I saw this on an episode of The Amazing Race. A sunset tour sounds really cool. #citytripping
Hilary
Oh cool! I’ve never seen that show, I’ll have to check it out! It was a really unique place!
Leona
What a fun idea think my little one would love it #citytripping
Hilary
My boys did enjoy this, but my feeling is that is was geared more towards preteens and up… it was a pretty neat place!
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
Ah man, I’ve wanted to visit here for years! Looks so cool. One day! #citytripping
Hilary
Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Las Vegas!
MummyTravels
What incredible photos – I’ve heard of this and it sounds the most fascinating place to wander around. A great thought about a sunset tour to make the most of it as well. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Hilary
It was such a lovely place, and if you ever find yourself in Las Vegas well worth a visit!
Katherine
Even though only seven of the signs are working it looks as though it’s so worth going at night. I’ve seen photos from a daytime visit and they were great, but the lit up signs are something else entirely! Doesn’t it just take you back to another time?#citytripping
Hilary
I completely agree, which is why I made sure to visit at night. They do a wonderful job with lighting so it’s okay that they don’t all “work” anymore. The history was wonderful too!
Jenni
I’ve been following them on Instagram for a while – would love to visit! #citrytripping
Hilary
Definitely worth it if you find your way there, I highly suggest the sunset tour!
Cultural Wednesday
OK OK I give up, LA is on my list! #CityTripping
Hilary
Yay!!
Traveling Shana
I wanted to visit this museum so badly when we visited Vegas last month but we ran short on time! Beautiful pictures! I look forward to your upcoming posts!
Hilary
Its a pretty neat place! I’m hoping to visit a simlar type place in London next month!