Neon Museum

Las Vegas has bid farewell to more iconic hotels in the last fifteen years than in its entire commercial lifetime and for locals, a little slice of history is forever extinguished every time a monolithic tower comes crashing down in the name of modernization. Back in 1996, the world watched aghast at the televised implosion of Las Vegas' oldest relic – The Sands Hotel and Casino. Famed as the birthplace of the collaborative fivesome that would go on to record as the “Rat Pack”, the Sands' erasure was the catalyst for the demise of many an historic legacy deemed out of place along the Strip. For a while, it seemed as if those staid landmarks were forever consigned to history, no surviving aspects of their existence ever preserved for posterity. That was until a group of private sector entrepreneurs founded the not for profit “Neon” organization, incepted to rescue some of the most famous neon artworks to have lit the facades of Las Vegas' historic buildings.

Affectionately dubbed the “Boneyard” by locals, the Neon Museum has made use of another old relic in Vegas – the La Concha Hotel building, originally located on Las Vegas Boulevard South. Relocated in its entirety just yards from the Fremont Street Experience, the historic lobby extends to a gallery and purpose-designed rear yard where the neon relics of yesteryear are housed. Over 150 individual signs and letters make up the current collection, along with a further hundred promised to the organization once they are retired from use. Neon have managed to rescue a great number of signs and logos, many of which date back to the 1930's. Within the Fremont Gallery, the instantly recognizable “Horse and Rider” structure from the 1967 Hacienda Hotel takes pride of place, flanked by the huge gold painted lamp that once glorified the entrance of the 1966 Aladdin Hotel, Las Vegas Boulevard. Restored with the aid of local donations, “Andy Anderson”, the Las Vegas Anderson Dairy Mascot shines once more near 4th Street, along with the “Dots Flowers” florist sign from 1949.

Tours of Neon Museum's Boneyard are available by request, however the facility is open 24 hours a day and visitors may view the gallery at any time. Unique, nostalgic and even educational, this is one attraction you can't miss if you're seeking the glamor of old Las Vegas!