{"id":2896,"date":"2016-07-26T09:00:07","date_gmt":"2016-07-26T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=2896"},"modified":"2018-01-28T14:33:58","modified_gmt":"2018-01-28T19:33:58","slug":"neon-museum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=2896","title":{"rendered":"The Lost Lights"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.<\/em><\/p>\n

Remember the Sands Hotel? \u00a0The Stardust? \u00a0The Golden Nugget? \u00a0The old neon signs?<\/p>\n

Well, I certainly miss the old Vegas. \u00a0I miss the $1.99 breakfasts and the $5.99 steak dinners. \u00a0I miss playing roulette for fifty cents. \u00a0I miss all of the old casinos with their beautiful neon signs that decorated the strip. \u00a0Everything is now new, commercialized and quite expensive. \u00a0Vegas is still fun, but\u00a0in a different way.<\/p>\n

\"image\"<\/a>Having heard about the Neon Museum some time ago, it has been my desire to visit this place so that I could reminiscence about the Vegas I remember. \u00a0Since visits are by guided tour, only a set number of guests\u00a0are allowed each day and evening, therefore, tickets are hard to come by, usually sold out weeks in advance.<\/p>\n

This year, finally remembering to purchase tickets to the Neon Museum, we selected an 8:30 a.m. entrance to avoid the heat of the day. \u00a0My husband and I, realizing what a lengthy trek is was\u00a0to reach the venue, then investigated all avenues\u00a0of transportation,\u00a0finally deciding to rent a car for the day.<\/p>\n

\"image\"<\/a>\"image\"<\/a>Our arrival at the museum was met by 98 degree temperatures and we quickly ducked into the lobby to collect our tickets and await our tour. \u00a0The waiting area, a unique space, once the La Concha Motel lobby, showcases the original sign from the motel, acts as a visitor’s center and offers a multitude of souvenirs as well as a machine to send an email postcard.<\/p>\n

Upon the appearance of our guide, we were ushered into the outdoor courtyard to begin our tour which commenced\u00a0with the presentation of the history of the museum and history of the city. \u00a0As we were ushered past the first sign in the collection, we ventured into the Neon Boneyard which houses\u00a0the main outdoor exhibition space for the remainder of the signs. \u00a0The abundance of signs here is staggering.<\/p>\n

\"image\"<\/a>As the tour guide navigates you through the collection (some restored, some in their original condition), unique stories about the personalities who created them, inspired them, when and where they were made and roles that these signs played in Las Vegas’ history are presented. \u00a0Much time is allowed for photographs, however, visitors are instructed that their captured images\u00a0may\u00a0only be for personal use.<\/p>\n

\"image\"<\/a>\"image\"<\/a>\"image\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Founded in 1996, the Neon Museum, a non-profit organization, has dedicated itself to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting these iconic Las Vegas signs. \u00a0The museum also chronicles changes and trends in sign design and technology through pieces ranging from the 1930’s to the present day.<\/p>\n

\"image\"<\/a>Night tours are offered, with the museum\u00a0lighting seven\u00a0of the collection’s signs and the remainder illuminated by spotlight. \u00a0Although I had originally wished to tour the museum in the darkened hours, I was happy to see the collection during the daylight which enhanced the abundance of beautiful colors. \u00a0Eventually, I would like to re-visit the museum and see the signs illuminated…that, in addition to a different tour guide’s narratives, would be like a wholly different tour.<\/p>\n

Having been to Vegas\u00a0close to fifty times over the years, I can say, without a doubt, this was one of my most favorite things that I have ever done in the desert city. \u00a0Worth every penny for the tour and the rental car, my husband and I considered it a fabulous way to spend part of our day!<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

Neon Museum<\/strong><\/p>\n