Neon Museum Hosts Free Virtual Guide to Historic Signs

By Scott Roeben, on January 25 2021
2 min read 3 comments
Las Vegas Things to Do in Las Vegas

The endlessly awesome Neon Museum is hosting a virtual presentation highlighting the history of a number of Las Vegas neon signs.

The free Zoom event, “Beyond the Boneyard: Restored Roadside Relics,” takes place Feb. 4, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Participants can register online.

Neon Museum relics
It’s the Neon Boneyard, not “graveyard.” They’re at little touchy about that.

Space for the virtual event is limited. Zoom allows 100 participants, but we’re hoping Neon Museum is springing for the 1,000-participant Large Meeting add-on.

Because neon.

Binion's Horseshoe sign
Binion’s Horseshoe lost its horseshoe when the casino was purchased by Harrah’s Entertainment (now Caesars Entertainment) in 2004. There will be a quiz.

The Neon Museum online event will feature nine restored signs frequent Vegas visitors will immediately recognize.

Here are the nine restored neon signs to be discussed:

googie Binion’s Horseshoe
googie Silver Slipper
googie Bow & Arrow Motel
googie Society Cleaners
googie Normandie Motel
googie Lucky Cuss Motel
googie Hacienda Horse and Rider
googie 5th Street Liquor
googie Landmark Hotel

The Neon Museum put together a map in case you’re feeling adventurous and want to check out these signs on your own.

Neon Museum
Just a heads up: Best not to try and walk this tour. Don’t make it awkward.

During the online presentation, experts will share insights into the history of the signs, as well as what’s involved in restoring and preserving neon signs.

The museum also says, “Archival images, postcards and other primary sources will fuel your curiosity for the significant signs from bygone businesses.”

We don’t know what all that means, but here’s our take: These signs kick ass and we’re craving more scoop like a conventioneer craves lap dances.

Society cleaners neon sign
Not all the signs are from casinos. Nobody’s perfect.

All the signs in the presentation have been restored and put on display in public spaces by the Neon Museum. Many of the signs can be seen in downtown Las Vegas, not far from the Neon Museum itself.

The Neon Museum has faced many of the same challenges other venues are during the pandemic, although it has the benefit of being an outdoor attraction.

Even if you can’t make the Feb. 4 Zoom presentation, the Neon Musem offers a virtual tour for $10. It’s not as cool as seeing the signs up close, but it’ll do for now.

The Neon Museum is a national treasure, and we hope to see the place packed with guests again soon.