Murray On Travel

 The Neon Museum Las Vegas, know as"The Boneyard", is devoted to preserving the magical neon architecture of Las Vegas.  The non-profit organization offers guided by appointment where attendees can view the historic Las Vegas neon signs up close.

Walking with the tour guide in the outdoor three-acre Boneyard, visitors are treated to a verbal history on some of the most treasured and world-famous signs of Las Vegas.

The legendary signs from Caesars Palace, Binions Horseshoe, Golden Nugget, Silver Slipper and the Stardust are in their original, vintage condition—more like relics than shinning restored signs—which allows the guest to use their imagination to envision them lit up in past.

The dusty-desert feel of the Boneyard makes a magnificent location background for artists and their photography.  Wedding, engagement and commercial photos can combine contemporary with vintage bulbs and rusty metal.

Downtown Las Vegas at night, with its vintage neon lit up, is a nice compliment to a “neon theme day” in Vegas.  Many of the vintage casino and hotel signs have been promised to the museum when they are retired.

Our visit was in June 2009—during this summer, 2010, the museum is undertaking a restoration of the famous La Concha hotel to be the museum’s anchor building.  The mid-century modern architecture will be a perfect compliment to the neon memorabilia.

Before planning a visit to the Neon Museum Las Vegas, check the web site and make a reservation for a tour.  The museum is closed during the summer 2010 for restoration of the hotel lobby but will be open to the public for tours in early fall 2010.