Visit The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada
The Boneyard- One Place Most People Never Visit in Vegas
Jan 19, 2009
Everyone who travels to Las Vegas visits a few of the mammoth hotels that stand along Las Vegas Blvd. Try spending a day (slightly) off the beaten path and check out this lesser known Vegas destination.
Tour The Boneyard for $15.00
The Neon Museum- 821 Las Vegas Blvd North, 702-387-6366
The word museum usually conjures up visions of priceless paintings and ancient artifacts but this is Vegas baby. Where else could there be an entire museum dedicated to neon.
All kidding aside, The Neon Museum is a fascinating nonprofit organization and a brilliant project. One that reminds us that art and cultural history (especially here, in North America) can be found in the most unlikely of places... like a parking lot, at the seedy end of the strip!
The collection of neon signs from Vegas past can be seen by booking an appointment for a tour in advance. The signs in The Boneyard are donated or are on loan to the museum from the various companies and hotels that they belong to.
Collect and Preserve
A veritable time capsule of Vegas history, some of the signs found here are from as early as 1940 and not just casino and hotel signs. There are signs from dry cleaners, motels, restaurants and loads and loads of letters. Try to count how many times the word SIN is spelled out with neon letters around the yard.
Study and Exhibit
Hearing the stories and secrets of Las Vegas is a titillating part of the tour. Such as why there is only one sign built from fiber glass and why the lovely lady that swings from a clock is so rare.
Even if there is not time to tour The Boneyard, restored signs from The Neon Museum are currently on display and fully lit along Fremont Street. There are ten restored signs scattered throughout the lively downtown area and although the signs can be seen at any time, waiting until after dark is preferable in order to bask in their neon glow.
Look for The Nevada Motel sign from the fifties. This sign is where the infamous Vegas Vic first made his appearance and make sure to search for the small Wedding Information sign. It may look a little plain in comparison, but it’s dated mid 1940’s making it the oldest sign on display in this exhibit.
The Neon Museum is currently undergoing big changes. The old La Concha Motel lobby, once restored, will become the new visitor’s center for The Neon Museum… and yes, that sign is also inside The Boneyard.
There is so much to discover off the beaten path in Las Vegas, Nevada and spending the day at The Boneyard can shed new light on how Vegas evolved over the years.
** Please note: all photographs taken in The Boneyard are strictly for personal use only. A release form must be signed agreeing to this before taking the tour.
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