If you are interested in little Las Vegas history or just want to find out more about the neon signs that have been part of the casinos and businesses of Vegas past, the Neon Museum is well worth a visit.
The museum was set up in 1996. Previously you could go visit the neon boneyard out in the desert before the exhibits were moved to it’s now permanent location, just north of Fremont Street in the Downtown area.
Many signs have been rescued from old businesses in Vegas or donated to the museum prior to old casinos being demolished or redeveloped, as happens a lot as Vegas has changed and developed over the years.
I’ve been to the museum three times, most recently in February 2024. You need to pre-book a visit to the neon boneyard (that seems to be what they call the large area where the majority of the signed as located). You can choose either a daytime or nighttime visit. My first visit was in the daytime and on a very hot day, so you need to be prepared to be outside in full sun, although there is now some seating in the shade near the visitors centre.
A nighttime visit means that you can see some of the signs that have been fully restored to working signs, fully illuminated during your visit. Each time I have visited, more and more signs have been restored and the collection has grown. Previously you had to have a guided tour, but now you can just book an entrance time and you can spend as long as you like exploring the signs. There is also a nice gift shop for souvenirs.
It is worth noting that the Neon Museum is quite strict when it come of photography and videos. You can only use the camera on your mobile phone to take photos and videos. Any other cameras or equipment, such as tripods, are not allowed.
In addition to the nighttime tours you also have the option of booking the ‘Brilliant!’ light-show after your museum visit. This is a 40 minute light and music show where many defunct Vegas signs are brought to life using projection mapping technology. You are surrounded in light and music and it really looks like many of the signs are back to there fully restored state. These are located in in the museum’s north gallery. After the show the signs remain ‘illuminated’ so you can take photos of them.
I would recommend a nighttime visit with the additional option of the Brilliant! show. This will cost around $42 per person and is best booked ahead to ensure you can get the date and time you’d like, as availability is limited.
The museum is located a 15 minute walk or short taxi ride from Fremont Street. It’s not the nicest of walks from Fremont Street (you have to pass under a freeway!) but it felt safe walking back at night after the Brilliant! show ended.
If you aren’t able to make it to the museum you will find fine examples of the vintage neon dotted on display around downtown and also along Las Vegas Boulevard from the Strat to the Neon Museum.
Last visited: February 2024
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