Journey through the dazzling history of the city’s iconic neon signs at the Neon Museum and Boneyard! Just like the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign designed by Betty Willis in 1959, these neon marvels once defined the glittering nights of the Strip.
Little dose of history: Neon signs first illuminated the Vegas skyline in 1929 at the Oasis Café on Fremont Street, marking the beginning of an era that would span from the 1930s to the 1980s. However, as modern screens took over the Strip, many of these historic signs faced removal. That’s when the Allied Arts Council and Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) stepped in, collecting and preserving these luminous relics.
In 1996, the Neon Museum officially came to life, finding its home on Las Vegas Boulevard in 2012. Approximately 30% of the museum’s collection comes from YESCO, while donations from imploded or remodeled properties add to the treasure trove.
At the museum, the outdoor exhibit space known as the Boneyard is where over 250 vintage Vegas signs find a second life. Saved from the dump and reilluminated, these signs tell the stories of Las Vegas’ past in a surreal and nostalgic setting.
You can explore this curated collection during self-guided general admission or join a 45-minute guided tour led by a museum interpreter (they even offer this tour in Spanish!).
Adjacent to the Boneyard, the Neon Museum’s visitors center resides in the rehabilitated La Concha Motel lobby. Originally located on the Strip next to the Riviera, this motel was saved from demolition in 2005, finding a new home at the Boneyard.
Don’t miss the immersive audio/visual show, Brilliant!, in the North Gallery. Created by artist Craig Winslow, this experience uses light projection to illuminate unrestored signs, accompanied by music and archival footage that redefines the exploration of Las Vegas history.
The Neon Museum also boasts the Boulevard Gallery, an outdoor exhibit and event space, with on-site parking available.
While you can visit during the daytime, for an extra-enchanting experience, we recommend visiting in the evening when nearly two dozen fully restored signs light up the Boneyard, including iconic ones like the Moulin Rouge, the 80-foot Hard Rock Café guitar, and the La Concha Motel sign.
- Tickets starting at $25 USD
- Discounts available for students, military, veterans, seniors, children, Nevada residents, and Museums for All holders
- Group offers available for 14 or more
- No Age Restriction
- Personal photography only. Photography for any additional artistic or commercial use is prohibited. No backpacks, camera bags, large bags or tripods allowed.
- The yard contains broken glass and rusty metal, so close-toed shoes are recommended.
