The Neon Museum is a boneyard (a term used in the commercial signage industry to refer to a place where retired signs go). There are dozens of boneyards in Las Vegas, but the Neon Museum is the only one open to the public. Since the museum opened in 1996, they have acquired the best retired neon signs as they activity seek out the famous ones when a location closes and they negotiate with other boneyards to have signs transferred to their location. When the Riviera Hotel and Casino was demolished, Elvis’ star on Las Vegas’ Walk of Stars, located in front of the casino, was donated to the Neon Museum. There is so much history here, and the Neon Museum prevents it from dimming. By plugging in the past, visitors imagine a time when Neon signs began glowing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley were performing in front of thousands of screaming fans, and the cash and drinks were flowing. The Neon Museum is a lovely tribute to Sin City.
Mr. Peanut isn’t usually at the boneyard, that was just a bonus. And a nutty way to end our 2,500 mile winter roadtrip.
The last time we visited Sin City, the sunset tour of this museum was the highlight. Great history of Vegas told through its neon. So dang awesome. Thanks for the memory evoker. Great post!!!
So cool! I remember seeing the Golden Nugget sign when I was a young girl on family trip.