Neon Museum: Old Signs become Museum in Las Vegas

Have you ever been to Las Vegas, and noticed the fame of the city is mostly those bright casino signs? If you are old enough to remember or young enough to care, you may have also seen the changes going around this city in the fifteen years. Opening of new hotels and attraction sites is forcing the old places to be out of business and demolished. Not every thing goes into the trash heap, however. In 1996, a new historical preservation non- profit agency opened called the Neon Museum. At first their mission to preserve the aging memorabilia from the 1930's era to today was not clearly defined. Restoring the gas lite signs and giant beauties has became the tasks of scholars and professional gaming majors at the nearby university. Within the last three years, some progressive developments have been in the making to open an official site for tourist and locals. Which previous has not had any designated buildings or public home to show persons looking for actual place.

It was in 2006, that the fundraising of the agency provided needed financial resources to obtain and protect a specific legacy of Las Vegas culture. The Concha Mothel lobby, which was placed and connected to the Rivera Hotel on the strip is now awaiting final refurbishing at the museum's site, located on the north part of Las Vegas Blvd past Bonanza St. Originally constructed by Paul Revere Williams in the 1960's. Donated from the owners of the hotel, the society of historical mentions was responsible to pay over 500,000 dollars to move the landmark. In the last three years, their efforts have focused on making this part of the museum's lobby for information and refreshments to it's visitors. Some of the entangled pieces of the historical signs sitting on the 3 acre site will continue to require final touches over the next year.

For the current time tours are available upon request. Ranging in a various prices and dates, this guided tour through what is called the boneyard is scheduled to last around an hour. Additional sites are located in the downtown area of Freemont St.; free at no charge and on display 24/7. This includes the figures of The Hacienda Horse and rider, located at the Hacienda Hotel originally in 1967, one of the first resotred signs the museum would focus on. Other signs included in the exbitory outdoor space come from early Binnon's Hotel, which was the premiere downtown of Vegas, until the remodeling, when that Freemont St. Viva Vsion Screen which is now covering the area started construction. Over 160 signs exist inside of the prepared tour area, operated on only volunteers until the opening day, some where around another year away, which is not yet set.

Enthusiasts of this museum go as far as the celebrations of the city's Mayor Oscar Goodman, and even the Nevada Legislature, who have sent grant contributions to ensure the continuance of it's purpose. Full information, and scheduling can be found on the Neon Museum's web site at: www.neonmuseum.org. I encourage all of those out there reading this to get involved in the cultural history of this city when the chance presents it's time for you. Rare and one of a kind artifacts from the beginning to the most recent of Las Vegas are kept here at the Neon Museum.