The Neon Boneyard: A Glittering Graveyard of Las Vegas History
In the midst of Las Vegas’s bustling city life, a place captures the vibrant past of this entertainment capital in an extraordinary way – the Neon Boneyard. A part of the Neon Museum, this unique ‘graveyard’ pays tribute to the city’s history, offering a captivating journey into Las Vegas’s colorful past. The Neon Boneyard was established as part of the Neon Museum in 1996, born out of a desire to preserve and celebrate Las Vegas’s rich sign design heritage. The boneyard is home to over 200 retired and rescued neon signs dating back from the 1930s to the present day, each a testament to the city’s vibrant history.
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Overview Of The Neon Boneyard:
The Unforgettable Tour Experience
A visit to the Neon Boneyard offers an up-close experience with these giant, retired neon signs. Guided tours take visitors through the outdoor exhibition space, where the narrative of each sign is intricely woven with the city’s history.
The signs on display are a mix of fully restored, functioning signs and ‘as-is’ signs which carry the patina of their years. They range from old casino and hotel signs, to signs from local businesses long gone, each showcasing the evolution of neon sign design over the decades.
The Neon Boneyard at Night
For a truly unique experience, the Neon Boneyard offers night tours. As the sun sets, selected signs and portions of signs are illuminated, creating an otherworldly experience in the heart of Las Vegas. These tours offer a completely different view of the Boneyard, turning the already beautiful sign collection into a mesmerizing nocturnal light show.
The Neon Boneyard North Gallery
An extension of the main Boneyard, the North Gallery is another outdoor exhibit area featuring additional rescued signs. This space is often used for educational programs, photo shoots, and special events.
The Importance of the Neon Boneyard
The Neon Boneyard serves a vital role in preserving the visual history of Las Vegas. It’s a testament to the city’s ever-changing face, a reminder of places and eras gone by. It is also an essential resource for those interested in design, architecture, advertising, and cultural studies.
Conclusion
The Neon Boneyard is a dazzling visual testament to Las Vegas’s glittering past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a design aficionado, or a tourist seeking a unique experience, the Neon Boneyard offers a fascinating glimpse into the story of Las Vegas, told through the bright lights of its iconic neon signs.
