Revisiting the Las Vegas Neon Museum
Back in 2017 Patrick and I visited the Las Vegas Neon Museum, and had an absolute blast, taking both their daytime and nighttime tours. Recently they added a “Photo Walk” option, which is a time for photographers to have respectful free-reign (no touching of the signs!) of the boneyard, and since Patrick has gotten more into film photography, he wanted to take this unique opportunity to shoot some film. So while he attempted to take photos using his vintage Graflex I ran around with our regular camera.
I was especially thrilled to see the partial restoration of the Moulin Rouge sign, which during our prior visit had been, in my opinion, awkwardly put together in an attempt to spell “in love” but the sign is an artifact of one of the most groundbreaking casinos in Las Vegas, as it was fully integrated. You can read more about the brief life of the Moulin Rouge here.
I was also excited to see the restored Yucca Motel sign, which shortly after our 2017 visit was taken to be restored. It’s an incredible piece of neon art with its twists and turns to make a glowing neon yucca plant.
What further differentiates the Photo Walk from a regular tour is that the tours are guided, with knowledgable tour guides taking guests around, explaining what makes neon unique, and the history of the signs, while the Photo Walk has no guide, but staff is on hand to make sure photographers follow the rules, and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, the Photo Walk is the only time visitors are allowed to bring in “professional” cameras, as well as camera equipment.
The Neon Museum is an absolute must visit if you’re in Las Vegas, but if you’ve never been, I recommend taking a regular tour (day or night, they are both awesome, but I really think nighttime is best!) and if you’ve taken a tour before and love photos, then the Photo Walk may be a wonderful new opportunity and a reason to visit again! You can learn more about their Photo Walk here.
Gaze upon neon of Las Vegas’ past at the Neon Museum at 770 Las Vegas Boulevard in Las Vegas. Learn more (including regular tour photo policies) and book your tour on their website.
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Cincinatti Ohio has great neon sign museum.
I’ve heard! I want to go if I ever end up in that area.
I love the Neon Museum! So many of those signs I remember from when I was growing up in the area. I like that they include not just casino signs, but also signs from local, non-gaming businesses. It is nice to see a part of Vegas’s colorful past being preserved. Thank you for your fabulous coverage of Las Vegas. You have covered places I did not know existed. I will have to go check them out.