Neon Museum officially opens Oct. 27

After more than 15 years of planning, the Neon Museum, a Las Vegas historical institution dedicated to the preservation and celebration of some of the city's most distinctive architectural landmarks, will officially open its doors to the public Oct. 27.

The Neon Museum, home to a collection of more than 150 neon signs dating from the 1930s, is the largest collection of neon signage in the world and a unique record of Las Vegas' colorful history. Inside a two-acre outdoor museum space known as the Neon Boneyard, iconic signs from the city's most celebrated properties - including the Moulin Rouge, the Desert Inn, the Flamingo and the Stardust - are displayed alongside those from various other bygone restaurants, hotels and businesses.

The museum's new visitors' center will be located on-site in the recently rehabilitated La Concha Motel lobby, the seashell-shaped, midcentury modern architectural masterpiece designed and built by architect Paul Revere Williams. Originally constructed in 1961 on Las Vegas Boulevard, next to the Riviera's current location, the La Concha lobby was saved from demolition in 2005 and moved to its current location in downtown Las Vegas in 2006.

In addition to the Neon Boneyard and new visitors' center, the Neon Museum has partnered with the city of Las Vegas to create the Las Vegas Signs Project, a collection of restored signs that have been installed on Las Vegas Boulevard between Sahara and Washington avenues, a stretch of roadway that has been designated a National Scenic Byway by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Currently, seven restored signs are on display, including the Silver Slipper, the Bow & Arrow Motel, Binion's Horseshoe, Society Cleaners, the Lucky Cuss Hotel, the Normandy Hotel and the Hacienda's horse and rider.

The museum's collection also includes nine restored signs installed as public art throughout the downtown area. The Downtown Gallery begins on Fremont Street at Las Vegas Boulevard and extends west toward Third Street. Signs in this gallery include Aladdin's Lamp, The Flame Restaurant, the Chief Court Motel, Andy Anderson, The Red Barn, Wedding Information, the Nevada Motel and Dots Flowers. The 5th Street Liquor sign, located on Casino Center Street near Garces Avenue, and the Landmark Hotel sign, located on Paradise Road near Convention Center Drive, are also part of the museum's permanent collection.

Tours of the Neon Boneyard, which last approximately 45 minutes, will be available to the public every half hour starting at 10 a.m., with the last tour departing at 4 p.m., every Monday through Saturday. Tickets are $18 for adults; $12 for students with valid ID, senior citizens, veterans and Nevada residents. Children ages 6 and under are free. Tour capacity is limited.

To ensure admission on the date and time desired, visitors are advised to purchase their tickets in advance through the Neon Museum's website, www.NeonMuseum.org. The La Concha Visitors Center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until
5:30 p.m. Both facilities are located at 770 Las Vegas Blvd. North.