Background
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Where do Las Vegas neon signs go when hotels and casinos die? The Neon Boneyard, of course. The Neon Museum, located on Bonanza and Las Vegas Blvd, is home to The Boneyard, a collection of old neon signs that were once the marquees to many of the gone, but not forgotten, Las Vegas landmarks.
Founded in 1996, The Boneyard is now home to over 200 neon signs from such iconic places as the Moulin Rouge Hotel, Stardust and Aladdin, amongst many others. The Neon Museum also works to preserve these signs, some of which are featured throughout downtown Las Vegas and around the Fremont Street Experience. The Neon Boneyard North Gallery includes an additional 60+ signs from the likes of New York-New York, The Palms, and O'Sheas.
The Boneyard presents an opportunity for history buffs to literally take a trip down memory lane and attracts over 80,000 visitors a year to its unique experience. You can find out more about the Neon Museum here, as well as its Boneyard here.
The Boneyard Facts & Figures
What it is: The Boneyard is a Neon Museum art exhibit utilizing remnants from Las Vegas's past in the form of old neon signs, figurines, and landmarks. The recently launched 'Brilliant' installation combines history, technology and art for an entertaining and immersive experience.
Location: 770 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
History: The Neon Museum first began in 1996 as a partnership between the Allied Arts Council of Southern Nevada and the City of Las Vegas. Today it's an independent, non-profit organization.
In 2012 the Neon Museum Boneyard opened, many of its signs from the YESCO (Young Electric Sign Co), though some, such as the Sahara, were privately donated. An informative documentary produced by YESCO regarding their creation of The Mint signage can be viewed here.
Size: The Neon Museum's campus is nearly two acres which includes the outdoor exhibition space, The Boneyard. The museum's visitor center is located in the former La Concha Motel lobby. As for the exhibits, some of them are quite large. The sign for the Sahara is 80 feet tall while the Stardust sign is 188 feet tall and 96 feet wide.
Numbers: Over 200 signs and counting, 11 of which have been restored.
Oldest exhibit: The Green Shack sign, estimated from post-prohibition 1930's which advertises chicken, steak and cocktails.
Behind the Signs of The Las Vegas Neon Boneyard – Tested.com (8:55)
Where Las Vegas Neon Goes to Die – The Wall Street Journal (5:08)
1980s Las Vegas’ Neon Lights, Nevada, USA – Kinolibrary (7:07)
Las Vegas Neon Boneyard museum – a walk back in time – The Laughing Lion (4:54)
Brilliant! A Neon Museum Experience – The Neon Museum (1:57)
Brilliant! Behind the scenes – The Neon Museum (5:19)
1996 Time Capsule
No. 1 Song, April 5, 1996: Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
No. 1 Movie, April 5, 1996: Primal Fear - Richard Gere, Edward Norton
No. 1 Book, April 5, 1996: Primary Colors - By Anonymous
No. 1 TV Show in 1996: ER
Cost For 1 Gallon Of Gas: $1.23
Average Median Household Income in 1996: $35,492
Average Monthly Rent in 1996: $554
Average New Home Cost in 1996: $166,400
Average New Car Cost in 1996: $16,300.00
Postage Stamp Cost in 1996: $0.32/oz
Movie Ticket Cost in 1996: $4.42
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