Courtesy The Neon Museum After you’ve lapped the floor of next month’s NAB Show and networked a bit, you could head down to Fremont Street for one of the coolest and most overlooked tour attractions in Vegas: The Neon Museum, a graveyard — or “boneyard,” as they call it — of discarded, unrestored vintage signs from all around the city.
If you never tire of watching those “history of Las Vegas” shows that run all day in your hotel room, you’ll love this place. With its combination of nostalgia and electrical craftsmanship, it’s the perfect antidote for the glitz and gluttony that is the Strip: a $15 guided tour of abandoned kitsch that even recommends close-toed shoes due to the exposure/proximity to rusted metal and glass. Awesome.
Among the popular residents are the Silver Slipper, the Stardust, Aladdin’s Lamp and the Treasure Island Skull. Many visitors also ask about a certain “W” that was featured in an episode of CSI. You’ll also find signs from small local businesses like dry cleaners, wedding chapels and flower shops.
Be sure to check out the latest addition, the architectural treat that is the La Concha Motel Lobby, recently “saved” by the Nevada Preservation Society. (The motel portion was demolished in 2003.)
Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, twice daily at noon and 2 p.m. The minimum donation is $15 but the sheer “wow” factor may inspire you to donate more.
Phone: (702) 387-NEON (6366); Address: Corner of Fremont and Fourth Streets
