The Neon Boneyard, where old signs go to die.
Ever since I visited the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, I’ve been fascinated with old neon signs. So many of us are able to immediately elicit an image of neon signs in our mind when we hear the words, but we’re probably unaware of just how scarce neon signs are becoming in this digital LED age.
Take a look at this picture of the Las Vegas Strip:
There’s very little neon, if any, pictured here.
You start to realize that neon signs are a thing of the past. Luckily, it’s been preserved in places like the American Sign Museum and the Neon Boneyard. The background and artistry of neon signs is fascinating. Try to visit at least one of these archives, if not both.
While the American Sign Museum is mostly an indoor museum, the Neon Boneyard is outdoors. Visitors are warned to wear closed-toe shoes and stay on the path because there is broken glass and some jagged metal around the signs. At the Neon Boneyard, the signs are left to the elements and are deteriorating with time.
But the stories and inspiration behind the signs is kept intact. The Neon Boneyard holds tours day and night so that visitors can learn more about iconic signs such as my favorite, the STARDUST sign inspired by the almost daily views of atomic testing happening nearby, a year after Russia revealed Sputnik.
But all the signs have a story behind them.
Which sign(s) intrigue you?
Browsing The Atlas 
The museum sounds like a fascinating place to visit, Juliann, perfect for us who still have a tinge of nostalgia for the old days. I was in Vegas when neon still ruled.:) If you get back there, BTW, you can still find the neon signs in the historic part of town. –Curt
I’ll get back there. Fremont Street beckons.
Ah, yes. Too bad they don’t have the old one-arm bandits in the casinos to match their neon lights! –Curt
I’m assuming neon signs have been dying off since they’re less sustainable and use more electricity than LED lights? Last time I was in Vegas, I noticed that it felt a lot less tacky and blingy than I remembered. I guess I just found out why that was!
I’m not sure about the sustainability, though I would imagine LED lights use less. And probably require much less maintenance. And can be changed. That’s probably reason enough.
Quite a nostalgia trip. A quick read on the rise and fall of neon lighting is fascinating. Who would have imagined it in (say) 1970? I’m intrigued by ‘ghost’ signs – those that remain in their original form but which have long ceased to have relevance.
I see “ghost” signs like that on some billboards in more unpopulated areas of the US. And on the sides of buildings and barns. It’s fascinating.
All the neon lights’ designs are so fascinating! Must be quite interesting to learn the history of some of those famous signs!
I know! They’re so kitschy. So much more personality than signs today, I think.
I think it’s nice that they repurposed old signs into a museum rather than tossing them away on a random landfill. I kinda like the new LED lights better though for its energy efficiency
They are certainly more energy efficient. Probably more efficient in general, but I’m a sucker for nostalgia.
I’ve heard about this place quite often from those visiting Las Vegas. It is a cool sight to visit and photograph! Do you know if they signs light up at night?
Some of them, yes. I had hoped to visit at night, but didn’t have time. They also do private events there in the evening.
I like the yucca sign, cause that’s a food in Spanish haha. Such a cool place! Reminds me a little of Cadillac Ranch in Texas.
I can see how this would remind you of Cadillac Ranch. I love to see these old relics, even when they’re starting to disintegrate.
visited a few years back myself – i though there was almost a kind of majesty to it! it would definitely reward many, many, many more photos! 🙂
Definitely. I took hundreds and wish I’d been able to go back at night.
This spot has been intriguing to me for so long! I’ve been to Vegas a bunch but didn’t know this was here and am happy to find out there’s something else to do besides gamble and drink! 🙂
Who knew, right? 😉