- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Neon Museum
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Hotels & Travel Tours Museums, Tours [Edit]
821 Las Vegas Blvd NLas Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 387-6366
- Good for Kids:
- No
93 reviews for Neon Museum
Review Highlights
"Otherwise, the Boneyard speaks for itself."
(in 33 reviews)
"Lots of cool old signs that used to light up Las Vegas."
(in 12 reviews)
"The Neon Museum is a must see if you are in Vegas."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
93 reviews in English
-
Review from allyson o.
Honolulu, HI
2/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
If you're looking for a change of pace and something to do in Vegas besides gamble, check out the Neon Museum Boneyard Park! It features old Vegas signs that have been rescued from being thrown away forever. These signs really are relics of the past and contain a lot of history within them. You have to book your tour in advance online (http://neonmuseum.org) and you can also purchase your tickets there.
Our guide was Ian, and he was funny and knowledgeable about the various signs, and gave us some insight into Las Vegas history. Everyone seemed very happy to be on the tour, and it was a good vibe amongst the group. It's close enough to the downtown area, I could have probably walked it. This was my second time on the tour, and they did rotate some of the signs in and out of the tour, so I didn't hear and see all the same things twice. It felt neat to see the old signs and hear about the level of work that went into them, and the stories about how things used to be in Vegas.
The tour lasted about an hour. We were allowed to take photos as we went along. All participants of the tour signed a waiver before entering, saying we would not use our photos for commercial purposes.
It's a great tour, and definitely something different to do in Vegas. -
Review from Morgan H.
Henderson, NV
1/29/2012
As my tour guide said, "Contrary to popular belief, Vegas does care about its history!" I did the tour of the Boneyard and it was great. It was about an hour long. You get a chance to walk around, take pictures, and hear about the history of the signs and some history of Las Vegas too. It was very interesting. I look forward to going back and seeing new additions to the Boneyard, and seeing the progression of pieces they finish and then display throughout Vegas.
This is picky, but my only complaint is that the tour group was just a little too large. This is a place you are going to want to take a lot of pictures and they allow plenty of time for that. With 30 or so others also walking around wanting pics, it was difficult to get pictures of the signs without someone standing in front of them. That being said, after waiting around for the group to clear the area and move on, I was able to get all of the pictures I wanted (people free!).
Also, at this point, YOU MUST book a tour ahead of time (they fill up, so try to book it 2 weeks ahead of time for Saturdays). Just go to the their website and it's easy to do. -
Review from samanta v.
Healdsburg, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have seen the Neon Museum on different shows (defenders/CSI/Storage wars) but had never been there until this last trip. What a great place full of history of the industry that made Las Vegas great. I am a huge sucker for things like this, and the Neon Museum doesn't dissapoint.
The tour was about an hour, and it was fantastic. If you are a history geek, you will love it. Walking past all the old signs made me feel like I was apart of an era gone by. -
Review from Sarah C.
Chicago, IL
So cool! Positively the best part of our trip. This pace is non-profit, so every penny goes right back into maintaining this awesome land. It's a piece of Vegas history and a property that houses all the old signs from Casinos and about town.
About a year ago, my husband and I saw this on some other travel show and swore that we'd go. So, upon setting up things for a group of us to do, I checked this out and they had daily tours at 12pm and 1pm. We booked and choose to go at 12pm. On the day of our tour, we met in the gated park next to the fenced in sign lot. As the group gathered, we were walked around the back and guided in by MINDY--- she's fabulous! Little did we know it was her first guided tour! We were so lucky to be able to listen to history and capture some awesome shots... some of which will definitely get blown up and placed in our dining room. Overall I'd recommend some good gym shoes, seeing as though there is some glass scattered about and I'd also recommend NOT bringing children that are active and curious. There was the cutest kid on our tour but I'm sure everyone got nervous when she got out of her stroller and started bolting towards these vintage signs.. yikes! ENJOY!!!! -
Review from May P.
1/5/2012
For a place that changes so much, it's hard to believe that Las Vegas a place that has a history - or even wants to admit it. But perhaps its history lies in its constant reinvention. Casinos on The Strip seem to meet their ultimate demise in the form of a wrecking ball too often as newer, bigger and more modern casinos make the old ones less viable, but what remains are the signs, relics of a past life, after the concrete has been imploded and bulldozed.
Here is where Las Vegas stores its history. Sure, the town started as a railroad stop, but the casinos and neon lights are what built its reputation and made it a destination for party-goers worldwide.
The admission is a $15 "donation", but you'll find it's all worth it once you peruse the rusting signs of yesteryear. Your tour guide (ours was Mitch), will passionately explain to you where all the pieces came from, what happened to buildings they once advertised, and then tell you how this relates to the story of Las Vegas. There's a lot of drama involved!
Many people come to Vegas to lose their memories and inhibitions. The Neon Museum is a reminder that they're still there, that Las Vegas has pride in its history. Be a part of the few that don't come to Vegas just to join a giant party.
I grew up going to Vegas often, and swore I'd never come back, after a fateful 21st birthday trip. But my cousin got a free room at the Venetian, and I was itching to leave LA for a short getaway. This place was easily the highlight of the trip, as well as every previous trip to Vegas combined in my life up to now. Go! NOW! Truly not something one should miss. -
Review from Leah B.
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you're visiting Vegas, or need somwhere to take friends that isn't the strip, stop by the Neon Museum.
They are currently an outdoor only museum. When we stopped by this past weekend the tour guide informed us that they're currently builiding an indoor visitor's center and are making plans for an overall indoor facility. But, if it's winter time, bring a coat!
Book your tour in advance, wear comfy shoes, and bring a camera. The tour lasts about an hour. Our guide was friendly, funny, informative. He seemed like he really wanted to be there and liked to tell stories of old vegas.
The tour is great that you don't always have to be watching the guide. he allows you to stroll alittle and take pics at your own pace. He speaks loud enough for you to hear as you toddle along.
I got some great shots while visiting. I plan to go again next time i visit to see if they've moved around/swapped out some of the signs for more photo ops. -
Review from Thomas C.
Denton, TX
1/15/2012
This was very cool. Not clubbing at Pure cool, old Vegas with the Rat Pack cool! Have seen it on TV, and we always wanted to go. It was a lovely winter day, guide was very knowledgable, and seeing all the old signs was worth the fifteen bucks (each) we paid. When the new visitor center opens in mid-2012, it'll be even better. Definitely worth dragging yourself out of the casino for a bit of fresh air, a history lesson and some gorgeous glass working.
-
Review from Nick K.
Amazing. If you like Vegas junk and Vegas history, come here immediately. The artifacts are fascinating and the tour guide was incredible. You won't be disappointed.
A few things to note:
- The museum is not open to the public (yet). It is scheduled tours only. In order to get into the boneyard, you need to book a spot on a tour (usually 12-15 people) in advance. It will cost you $15 and usually runs for about an hour. Totally worth it.
- If you visit in the summer, make sure to bring a hat, umbrella, etc. There is very little shade in the boneyard so gets pretty toasty. We went in October and I left soaking wet. Luckily the tour guide handed out bottled water at the end of the tour.
- If you're staying on the strip, take the bus. A cab will run you at least $20. If you're staying on Fremont, you might be able to walk.
So, next time you're in town, do yourself a favor and visit the Neon Museum. The tour is not only visually stunning but a great history lesson. It's really great to see that at least someone is preserving and sharing a slice of this city's rich history. -
Review from Nick A.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
Absolutely unique, you will never find anything like this again in your life.
The ghost of Vegas past lives at the Neon Museum. The guides here will teach you more about Vegas than you would believe. All of the classic signs from the iconic Vegas hotels now reside here, making it the perfect place for an old school photo shoot. -
Review from michele h.
Natick, MA
12/14/2011
Make this part pf your old classic Vegas tour.....
How much do I Love the Neon Musuem???!! OMGosh it was so fun, different, interesting and cool.
The Boneyard was so fun to take pictures in. We went last February and so the weather was great, not too hot or cold.
We also took the recommendation of the tour guide and drove along Fremont Street East to look at all the still functioning Neon signs, which was a fun little drive at night.
I also was surprised by how many people from other countries were on the tour, which I thought was even cooler.
Just up Las Vegas Blvd North from the musuem is THE best casino in Vegas, Jerry's Nugget. Seriously, we gamble here every day we're in Vegas because it's old school Vegas and I always win at video poker here. Plus the coffee shop has great food (see my review). -
Review from catie a.
San Jose, CA
12/5/2011
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Do not miss this place. Firstly, there's no smoking and you're outside so it gives you a very nice break from the hotels and throngs of people. Secondly, it's a nice bit of Las Vegas history. Thirdly, if you're into photography, this is the place for you. This was just a lovely experience and the highlight of our trip.
Their visitor center is supposed to be open in the summer of 2012 and then you'll be able to just show up and go on a tour, but until then, you must go to their website and make your reservations that way. -
Review from Fenny L.
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!
If you're getting married in Vegas - plunk down the extra cash and get a photo shoot here!
If you're not getting married in Vegas - plunk down the extra cash and get a photo shoot here!
If you're not into photo shoots - plunk down the extra cash and do the tour here!
If you're not into tours - still plunk down the extra cash and do the dour here!
SO freaking amazing! And not just because I'm obsessive about old Vegas lore. It's seriously AMAZING.
P.S. If you bring your kids here, make sure they are leashed. Because if they run around and break any of these signs...I WILL yell at your kids. After I yell at you. I'm just sayin'.
P.P.S. You can see some of the working signs up and down Fremont Street...but it's not as awesome as coming to the Boneyard. -
Review from Rob O.
Updated - 9/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Where do Vegas signs go when they die? When the casinos and hotels decide to retire their glitz and trade it for a new look, what happens to the classic sparkle? Thankfully, the people who run the Neon Museum saved what others wanted to throw away. And they've put together an amazing collection of Vegas neon signs from the past.
The Neon Museum or Neon Boneyard is one of the most unique places Vegas has. It's not a copy of Italian or French or Egyptian culture. It's Vegas culture and Vegas history and its incredible. The Boneyard is filled with signs from the 40s through the 90s that hung high above the Vegas strip, lit up with bright neon and hundreds of light bulbs.
The volunteers and curators that run the museum offer a reservation-only guided tour through the signs explaining their history and significance in the world of neon art. And it's really inspiring to listen to them explain the place these signs held as icons in Vegas past.
For lovers of Vegas, this is a treasured place--a place that captures some of the ghosts of Vegas past. It's also a place that proves remains surprisingly undiscovered. Right now it's still an impressive collection of signs that are housed in an empty lot just north of 95. But the plans to build a visitor center and a better organized space should lift the Boneyard 's prominence up a little higher.
It's a little expensive at $15 a person for the tour, but consider it as a tour of a museum. Hell, it's the best collection of art in Vegas.1 Previous Review:
-
5/14/2010
One of the best attractions in Vegas and not enough people know about it.
-
-
Review from bob a.
Flushing, MI
11/14/2011
Really, I'm just mad because I didn't even get to see this very cool sounding place.
I read through a couple good reviews, but it didn't take much convincing for me to want to go to a Neon Museum.
After a $25 cab ride to get there, we were shut out. Of course - we didn't make a reservation - I missed that in any of the reviews, and didn't bother to check their website. Normally a "Museum" does not require reservations - a "TOUR" would make sense to make a reservation.
I was prepared to give them 2 stars, just because I'm sure it is pretty awesome if you get in. The dude at the gate who was working at the fold up table with a clipboard said we could wait around for an hour and "Maybe you can get in if we have a cancelation." My guess is that a group probably just went in about 5 minutes before we got there because he at least asked if we were on the list and it was 1:05. Seriously, dude - let the two extra people in who offered to give you some cash. He lost the other star by not even mentioning that there is a section we could see without having a reservation.
I guess I now know how the people feel that try to get into the clubs, wait in line, and pay expensive covers. I have a pretty good hook-up for that scene - unfortunately, I was more excited about the Neon Museum - maybe next time, but for now you get one star. -
Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
8/27/2011
This is precisely what Yelp's "Local Flavor" is about, and this off the beaten path traipse through the wrong side of town and stellar Vegas history is as amazing as the story you get from the blue haired guide; she was worth the price of admission!
If you are looking for curiosities or oddities, or rare excursions for the curious and adventurous... check this out. If you need more pics or want to see more:
PICS: https://picasaweb.goog...
lousy youtube vid: http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from lara b.
Seattle, WA
12/27/2011
One of the best things I've done in Las Vegas. I'm a designer and typographer so it was paradise for me, but my friends who are not found it amazing too. It was nice to get off the strip and learn a little history and get close to the sheer scale of the old signs. i'm so glad someone decided to preserve these treasures instead of blowing them up!
-
Review from Kevin L.
10/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I would have loved to be able to go in the museum! My brothers and I have always wanted to visit and finally had the chance since we were in charge of our trip. Sadly, the place is closed to the general public and only runs two tours a day (at least when we were there).
The guy at the front gave us hope that they're merely waiting for permits to open to the public fully (and hopefully expand), but right now it's just gated exhibit for the lucky few who have tour reservations. -
Review from Crystal W.
Foothill Ranch, CA
12/16/2011
This is a must see! I knew iit would be cool, but it was beyond neat. Seeing the old signs and learning the history of them was well worth the $15. You must make reservations, but it is well worth it.
-
Review from Paul C.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's definitely worth going out of your way to check this place out. If you're staying on one of the usual places on the strip, though, be prepared to shell out $20 for a taxi. You're much better off renting a car or scooter and getting down there.
BTW the museum itself is good, but the tour is GREAT. These guys know their stuff and they are very cool people. Don't forget to make a reservation. -
Review from laura k.
Ambler, PA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had so wanted to see this place the first time I visited Vegas years ago but this time I had the time and presence of mind to book a tour. SO worth it. Since you only have the option of taking the guided tour twice a day, 5 days a week, and both of those time slots are at peak overhead sun intensity, it will make photo-taking a bit challenging and my pale a@@ melt. The tour guide very informative with some pretty amazing stories, if a bit goody. I learned a lot. The signs themselves were amazing and nicely arranged in the open air "museum". If you love typography, kitsch, Americana, history, the old Vegas aesthetic, or just unusual attractions.... it is not to be missed. A few words to the wise: Book ahead or else! There are currently no facilities there or nearby. Bring water and wear a hat. And they are a bit dramatic with the we-will-hunt-you-down photo releases.
-
Review from qirk z.
Los Gatos, CA
8/24/2011 2 photos
I had read on SFGate about this museum. Knowing that I would be out to LV soon, I checked up on the museum's website and how to get on the tour.
Their site says they don't take walk-ins, only requests. So I filled out their form for a requested tour on a certain date/time. Their offices are closed over the weekend, and it was about mid-week when I got an email from them. I nearly deleted the email since I thought it was spam, but then remembered I had signed up for a "tour". I read the email and sure enough we got our spots for the tour.
$15 "donation" and a photo waiver.
The January morning was as blue as can be, it was nice under the sun. Perfect for photos.
The tour was awesome, our guide gave a great tour and history. We had time to take photos, but towards the end we were a bit rushed as the alloted time was nearing.
I'll return in a few more years when the new building is complete and they have more things on display. -
Review from Sara C.
Pittsburgh, PA
6/3/2011
This was the highlight of my trip to Vegas. If you're interested in Vegas history, not just spending hours upon hours in smoky casinos losing ungodly amounts of money, the Neon Museum is perfect for you.
Book at least a week in advance though their website or via phone or you might not get a reservation. They take very few people at a time through the boneyard, which helps when you're taking the zillions of awesome photos that you're bound to take. They make you sign a release saying you won't sell the photos commercially or use them on a professional blog, which I can understand.
The tour is $15, they hold two a day most days at noon and two, and some if not all tour guides are volunteers. Kim was our tour guide and she blew us away with the depth of her knowledge about Vegas history. The $15 fee is a donation for which you can receive a receipt for tax deduction purposes. So not only do you get a rad tour, but you're also helping to establish this museum which right now isn't much of a museum. Not yet.
Take water and wear a hat if you're visiting during the summer months - there's very little shade to be found on the tour.
Also, they don't allow big bags - they worry that you'll back up and hit a sign with your bag - so you need to leave them at the museum's office during the tour.
A cab from Fitzgerald's casino to the museum was around $7.50 and we took the Deuce bus back to Fremont afterward. The Deuce (inbound toward the Strip) stops right outside of the museum. It's pretty darn close to Fremont if you're staying Downtown.
If you have even a fleeting interest in Vegas history, take the tour. It's definitely worth your time and money. -
Review from Rosemarie Y.
Las Vegas, NV
4/7/2011 2 photos
3.5 stars. (docked a star for the barely audible boring tour guide, and docked 1/2 a star for the price of $15.) Nonetheless, it is a landmark I have wanted to visit for a while now, and I am glad I did.
I did learn some fun facts, and I was able to take some fabulous photos. They have 1 hour tours twice a day and advance reservations are required. Wear closed-toe shoes because you are walking through rocks, dirt, and rubble.
And I haven't tried it yet, but you can see the old Treasure Island gigantic Skull on satellite google maps.Listed in: The softer side of Las Vegas
-
Review from Christine H.
Pasadena, CA
10/16/2011
It's worth a trip to see all the great ol' signs of vegas. The guide is pretty detailed but nothing on how much any of them cost to make as a completed project. They told us about how much a neon bend costs but nothing about how much neon gas costs. Nothing on how or why some of these casinos went out of business. Overall, I felt the layout could have been a little more spread out. There are signs on top of signs. There's respect here but not sure if they're doing a good job of protecting it. It's outdoors and eventually it is going to rot. :( Maybe vegas should invest in this project a little more than they are.
-
Review from Ali R.
Staten Island, NY
5/20/2011
Ok granted, this place was very cool and interesting to look at. I was totally psyched to get here and see the place....
HOWEVER.... the boyfriend and I were kind of disappointed because of the extremely boring tour guide who seemed to be a bit annoyed everytime people wanted to take photos. If you were a little behind and he couldnt see you, he would get annoyed. [There were all adults in the tour.. its not like we are children climbing all over the signs!]
Its a shame because we wanted to take so many more pix and we felt rushed. We could barely hear whatever he actually WAS saying. Also, there is a $15 "donation".
If you are coming from The Strip and you dont have a car, think carefully about how you are getting there and back. We took a cab which came to about $24. The way back we had to walk forever just to find a bus stop [Mind you I had blisters all over my feet and a swollen ankle]. This walk was torture!
All in all, I do recommend this tour only because of the beauty of the neon signs. -
Review from Jenn D.
Las Vegas, NV
Great time at Sculpture field trip. 4students thru UNLV Sculpture class w/Prof. Kennerk only $5.Bring hat from 2:30-5:15pmish if desiRED.
@2:30pm it's on! Most Def., that the 2nd time around is better especially when it's a field trip (cheaper4 students)!Thanks, Prof. Kennerk!
_________________________________________________
My Wife was so jealous when I mentioned to her that I got to go to the smaller gated lot that was not available to the public this past December 2010 when she & I went. All I could say to her was, "hegh, hhhhegh!"
At first, I was trying to get out of it cuz I weather app'd it and it said 80 degrees and for those who's not a local well, when the sun peeks onto Las Vegas, Las Vegas seem to reciprocate back with heat just to be stubborn: Hot! Ladies 'n Gents. I'm glad that Professor Kennerk made it a "highly recommended to mandatory" field trip.
Those who wanted to take pictures needed to sign the disclosure legal docs. Took my own pics/notes on iphone of what made me curious like the faded blue & orange rusting paints from the double sided "H" from the SAHARA/Harrahs sign, 6 to 12inches bolted pipes slightly camouflaged in front/traced around the signs to only be identified as a ladder for technicians to change a bulb, Justin's enthralled lecture of the boneyard, and Prof. Kennerk's presence (not ass/brownie kissing): If it wasn't for her it would've been more than 5 bucks (uh, budget cuts). -
Review from Hong V.
Garden Grove, CA
4/28/2011
I love art and places like this! Wanted to come here after seeing "The Killers"
music video for "All These Things That I've Done" and was excited to share this experience with the boyfriend!
The tour was interesting, you get to learn facts about different signs and the hidden secrets about LV. It's smaller than I thought but totally a good way to see all these lost signs in person. I wish the allowed the tour to go into the other side of the boneyard though.
Totally recommend this tour if you're sick of walking up and down the strip and want to check out some cool old LV signs! Remember to bring a hat and water as there's mp shade at all and it can get really hot during the tour. -
Review from Jessica C.
Costa Mesa, CA
7/5/2011
Visited the neon graveyard to do something different in Vegas. The tour was very interesting & it makes for tons of fun photo-ops!
I definitely recommend it if you can pry yourself away from the tables & bar for an hour. Be sure to call ahead & reserve your tour, -
Review from Anhdao D.
1/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have an abundance of complaints about Sin City. The people, the extreme heat, the extreme cold, the culture clashes and lack thereof, the nausea-inducing unnecessary parading of silicone-filled flesh, the Hollys and the Madisons of the moment, the fried dreams and burnt ambitions, the construction.
But, there is something about the fearless honesty of the numerous impostors on which this city is built, something that sneaks up and endears itself to my heart, vulnerable once every two weeks.
I like the name "Neon Boneyard" better than "Neon Museum", I've visited many less-than-mediocre museums in this town, and only one fabulous boneyard. The graves of old neon lights is a place where the true spirit of Vegas resonates from the crevices of all its rawness. If only those signs could talk, I would be more than happy to leave Vegas Present to be among apparitions of mobsters, prostitutes, gamblers, and tourists of Vegas Past. Visit when the sun is about to set, and look at the lights through the lens of your camera, that limited and frozen image at the dying of the day is something that haunts you, in a good way. -
Review from Liz M.
12/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Neon Museum is a must see if you are in Vegas. This was by far the coolest attraction I saw while I was there this Christmas.
TIP: Schedule your tour online well in advance as the tours actually fill up. You have to have a reservation to get in!
Not only are the old signs awesome to look at, but the stories behind them are lots of fun! Our tour guide was a hoot and made the tour very amusing.
The Neon Museum has a lot of changes coming up in the near future and they are preparing to expand their offices and collection to make an even better experience. Our guide told me their ultimate goal is to restore as many signs as they can and get them back into Las Vegas. A good example is Aladdin's Lamp on Fremont Street, downtown.
The whole tour is outside so, plan for the weather. It's $15 per person and they take cash and cards. If you want to take pictures, you have to sign a release that you wont publish them or sell them. It's no big deal, just sign it. The pictures you get out there are awesome.
The people working the Neon Museum are really passionate and it shows in their effrots. If you haven't been, locals and travelers alike should go!
Support Vegas History, people!!Listed in: Take your large group here!
-
Review from Samantha G.
Washington, DC
12/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've done the reservation-only tour twice now. Back in May when the boneyard was relocated to the Cashman parking lot and recently when it was relocated back to the site where the actual museum is being built.
A physical museum does not yet exist, but is under construction and expected to open in Fall 2011.
Making a reservation is rather simple and easy. We've made our reservations 1-2 weeks in advance, and both times we went were during holiday breaks (Memorial Day weekend and just after Christmas). You do need to be flexible, though. Both times, we didn't get the time we wanted, but did get the day we wanted at an earlier time. They typically aim for about 20 people on a tour with typically two tours happening during each time slot (so 40 people total for each time).
While the museum is being built, you meet up for the tour across the street at the Reed Whipple Center. A few minutes before your tour time, they check everyone in, everyone pays their $15, and you sign a "I won't sell these pictures, etc." form if you are planning on taking photos (and you definitely should take photos).
This tour is an absolute must! Everyone I've taken on the tours with me has completely loved it. No matter how much you know about Las Vegas and its history, you will almost certainly learn something new. And it's just so awesome the way the signs are arranged and being able to see them up close. This is all that is preserved of so much of old Vegas. Definitely a very unique experience.
Our tour guide both times was Justin - fabulous, fabulous tour guide! He really knows his stuff and does a great job of telling the stories behind the signs.
Again, this is a completely unique Vegas experience and a total must-do. -
Review from Paolo D.
Possibly the most interesting dirt junkyard in existence.
I've been wanting to visit this place for quite a while. You usually have to book a tour that costs $15 per person. I was extremely happy to find out (through Yelp no less) about their annual open house. $5 gets you in. It's only a subset of the full tour and there's no tour guide per se, but it was definitely worth it.
I arrived before their 11am opening time, so they suggested I check out the brand new Neon Boneyard Park that just opened that same day. It's a nice little park across the street with plenty of table space to eat a packed lunch.
On to the museum itself. It's a fascinating collection of signs both recognizable and obscure. Some of the signs are hilarious, like the one for Ugly Duckling Car Sales. One of the signs isn't even from Nevada (it's from Utah). My only wish is that they had more room to display everything. As it is now, many signs are stacked on top of one another. Then again, this definitely gives it that "boneyard" feel.
If I remember correctly, they said they will finally be opening up next year. This confused me at first. Then I realized that they are currently operating in kind of a preview mode. You can book tours, but once they open up, you will be able to walk in and visit on a whim.
If old school Las Vegas interests you at all, the Neon Museum is certainly worth a visit. -
Review from Danna C.
12/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I visited the museum/boneyard yesterday during their open house. Rather than having to make a reservation and pay $15, during the open house we were able to just show up and only pay a $5 admission.
We didn't want to wait in line, so we opted out of taking pictures and were able to skip the long picture promise line. (signing an agreement that you weren't going to sell the pics)
I have heard about the boneyard in the past and always thought it would be a neat place to visit. I was right.
The place was smaller than I expected, some of the areas were roped off, and many of the signs were stacked in front of each other. However, we still got to see many, many historic signs up close and personal. I recognized a lot of the signs from when I was a kid.
My favorite sign was the duck. I'm not sure where it was from, but it was really cute. My wife liked the big pool player. She was curious about where a big skull sign came from, so she asked one of the volunteers...who turned out to be Misti Y.! It was my first time meeting a Yelper (let alone Misti) so I was excited. Anyway, it turned out the skull was from Treasure Island.
After we walked through the boneyard, we stopped by the park which is quite small. The neat thing about the park is the sign that was designed for it which was based on several old Las Vegas signs.
Definitely a fun trip and a great deal! -
Review from Kevin F.
Sherman Oaks, CA
8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a true gem in Vegas! Definitely make a trip north to enjoy the history of this town through these fantastic Neon signs. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and you will leave with a new appreciation for Sin City!
-
Review from Hayley H.
Chicago, IL
3/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yay! If you are tired of doing all the fun stuff on the strip, venture off and take the tour of the Boneyard!
It was so cool to learn all the hidden facts about the lights of vegas. Everyone should see what it used to be before LED lights.
Oh and you will get some cool new Facebook pictures. lol Pictures are allowed, but no videocameras. -
Review from Alex S.
Las Vegas, NV
10/13/2010
I had seen a show that had information on the Neon Museum. I tried to book a tour and was told they were sold out. I was instructed to try again, giving some advance notice as the museum doesn't take walk ins. The woman on the phone was very pleasant and courteous. So, I called ahead and was able to get a tour for today.
The museum is hard to find, but is well worth the effort. I arrived and paid my admission. The staff was friendly and accommodating. While the tour started a few minutes late, it was nice, because some late comers were allowed to join.
Our tour guide, Alex, was very entertaining. He was knowledgeable about the signs and told a lot of stories about Vegas history. He explained that the museum tries to restore signs and is installing the restored signs in Las Vegas, including the Silver Slipper outside of the boneyard which is illuminated at night. He also mentioned several signs on Fremont Street which have been restored to their former glory.
The most remarkable thing about the museum is that the signs are beautiful to see up close. Alex mentioned that each sign was individually designed by professional artisans. The attention to detail that went into these signs is amazing. I was able to get up close to the sign and take a few pictures.
Some people may call it junk, but the signs enable the tour guide to tell stories about the people and places of Vegas. It puts it in context. It is also an interesting study in architecture. I highly recommend visiting this museum.
A few caveats: The museum is outside and it does get hot. The museum allows you to bring in water. Also, make sure you wear comfortable shoes that are close toed. There is broken glass on the ground and this can cut exposed toes if you aren't careful. -
Review from Natalia J.
New York, NY
1/5/2011
Must visit! I'm glad I got to see the boneyard in its raw state before they open an official museum sometime later this year. Great photo opportunities and Brent was very knowledgeable. If I'm ever in Vegas again, I'll be visiting again.
*Getting a cab back to the strip was very difficult. The cab companies we called told us they could not come to pick us up. Bring several cab numbers with you. -
Review from chuck r.
Tustin, CA
9/13/2011
What a great experience! Book way in advance (they claim they're now booking 1-2 months in advance). It took a little more than an hour, as our guide was very knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions and discuss tangential history as it came up. It's also interesting to see how the signs worked.
Love it, love it, love it. -
Review from kellie b.
Long Beach, CA
3/27/2011 3 photos
This tour is great. You learn a lot about Las Vegas casino history and get to see lots of beautiful old neon signs. Eventually they want to have the signs restored and working, which will be incredible. In the mean time you can see several vintage signs they've saved down on Fremont St.
Go take the tour and contribute to the Museum....it's a worthwhile endeavor! -
Review from Laila R.
Upland, CA
2/18/2011
This is seriously one of the most interesting things you can do while in Las Vegas! The Neon Museum is an amazing goldmine of history, it's amazing to walk amongst the old neon signs and ponder what kind of people used to venture there back in the day.
There is not an actual museum in place yet, it is being built, so for now if you want to visit, you have to go to their website and sign up for a tour on the day you wish to go. I suggest signing up a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you get a tour because they do fill up.
I was excited to be able to view these signs before the museum opens up (January I believe they said). It's a rare "treasure" that is fairly hidden right now. Our groups consisted of about 10 people and we had a really nice guide who were able to tell us a lot of fun facts about the hotels that these signs used to belong to, as well as facts about the signs themselves, such as how much is involved in creating a neon sign and the science behind a lot of it. All in all, it was incredibly interesting and you literally feel like you're going back in time as you wander in between the signs while listening to tales about the mob and about how Las Vegas used to be.
I highly recommend this for everyone, it's sooo cool! It won't be the same once there's an official museum there, but I'm happy they will be able to open one so that they can get funding to restore and keep these signs.
So... if you're reading this in order to find out whether it's worth it or not to pay $15 for the tour... yes! Go! Sign Up! You will not regret it .... plus the $15 is tax deductible ;-) Enjoy the tour!
(Oh and PS ... Fun Fact: Try locating the Neon Boneyard through Google Earth.... one of the signs are literally staring up at you!! ;-))
