I crossed another one off of my bucket list recently when I paid a visit to the Neon Museum Boneyard in Las Vegas. Many years ago I had heard of this place where vintage signs from Las Vegas resided; some restored, some rusting, but all on display just waiting for a visit from signage nerds like me.
The entrance to the museum is the lobby of the former La Concha Motel. What a cool way to begin!
Some of the signs have been restored and actually work:
Others have a spotlight with an ever-changing rainbow of colors aimed at them to give the illusion that they are still working:
And some are just sitting there, ravaged by time but definitely no less interesting for their wear.
My friend Kamy, an up and coming actor from Hollywood, met me at the Boneyard for our photo shoot:
Channeling James Bond, Kamy and I toured the site and marveled over these relics of "old" Las Vegas:
Here are a few comparison shots from my collection. The Stardust Hotel and Casino circa 1967:
and how the sign looks today:
This sparkling "silver" slipper is in front of the museum on a median strip:
Here is its original location:
The skull that is now laying flat on its "back"...
once resided in front of Treasure Island Hotel and Casino:
Naturally I had to have at least one shot documenting my first trip to this historic spot:
All photos filmed/photographed with permission at The Neon Museum, Las Vegas, Nevada
More Neon Museum Boneyard photos at my main website.
Very cool, thanks for sharing. Places like the La Concha have a design to the building and lobby that made them standout; I love how their former sign acknowledges that in it's shape. Others like the silver Slipper seem to be defined by the sign. Take the signage away from some of these places and that's it... Now it's just a building. I love how many places were defined by these signs and that someone's keeping them alive in a museum. I'll visit next time I'm through that area. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt's a an experience unique to Las Vegas. And to think that I remember a time when they were all in their original place and operating. I'm surprised that the TI sign didn't last the test of time. KS
ReplyDeleteInteresting photography of an interesting place...which is why I frequent this site in the first place. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dave!
I've always loved seeing vintage neon signs. If I ever return to Las Vegas I will need to go here. Thanks for sharing, as usual your post has intrigued me :)
ReplyDeletemust shoot there must must.
ReplyDelete