News Summary
The Neon Museum is set to relocate to Las Vegas’s Arts District, tripling its size to enhance visitor experience. Currently operating at full capacity, the museum can only display 35% of its collection. The move, supported by community funding, aims to showcase a broader narrative of Las Vegas history beyond neon signage. Local officials are considering three potential sites, as the museum seeks to raise $45 million to fund the project, creating new exhibition spaces and educational opportunities.
Las Vegas – The Neon Museum has announced plans to relocate to the city’s Arts District in a bid to enhance the visitor experience by tripling its current size. The museum, known for its rich collection of historic neon signs, is operating at near full capacity and has been forced to turn away about 30,000 visitors annually due to space constraints.
The museum’s present location on Las Vegas Boulevard North is only able to showcase 35% of its total collection, which includes nearly 800 signs. The move is aimed at providing additional indoor display and classroom spaces, creating a workshop dedicated to neon sign restoration, and allowing for a more extensive exhibition of its signs. This significant expansion hopes to provide a more comprehensive experience for its visitors.
Mayor Shelley Berkley has indicated that three potential sites are being considered for the new location: the Downtown Events Center, Plaza Hotel and Casino, and another Boyd-owned casino that has not yet been publicly disclosed. The museum’s relocation underscores its mission to illuminate the cultural essence of Las Vegas by sharing iconic signage and the diverse stories that reflect its vibrant history.
To bring this vision to fruition, the Neon Museum is actively seeking community support to raise $45 million needed for the relocation project, which will involve government funding and philanthropic contributions. The existing museum, currently occupying a 2.27-acre site, has plans to showcase more facets of Las Vegas’s heritage beyond neon signage in future displays.
The Neon Museum, functioning as the city’s historic preservation society, has been dedicated to preserving the history of Las Vegas since the first neon sign was lit in 2012. Guided tours of the museum’s Boneyard offer visitors insights into significant historical events, including the role of the Moulin Rouge in the Civil Rights Movement and its status as the first racially integrated casino. Educational storytelling within the museum encompasses various aspects of Las Vegas culture, including LGBTQ history and contributions from diverse communities.
Over the years, the museum has also embraced modern artistry, prominently featuring works by Tim Burton in the temporary exhibit titled “Lost Vegas.” Upcoming attractions include an interactive exhibit titled “Stories from Backstage,” created in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, which will display costumes and provide insights into the company’s various productions.
This proposed relocation is driven by the museum’s recognition of the necessity to present a broader narrative of Las Vegas history that extends beyond neon signs. The Neon Museum is committed to telling authentic and diverse stories through its collection of historic signs, each serving as a portal into the rich history of Las Vegas.
The planned expansion is not just about increasing the size of the museum but also about enhancing the educational offerings available to visitors. New initiatives are in the works, including the renovation of additional historically significant signs across the community, ensuring that the museum remains a dynamic and engaging space for learning and exploration.
As the Neon Museum prepares for this ambitious relocation project, it aims to become a more vibrant hub for celebrating the cultural significance of Las Vegas while remaining a cornerstone for preserving its storied past.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Magazine: Neon Museum Relocation Plans
- Wikipedia: Neon Museum
- 8 News Now: Mayor Announces Locations for Neon Museum
- Google Search: Las Vegas Neon Museum
- The Travel: Awesome Las Vegas Trip
- Google Scholar: Neon Museum Las Vegas
- Travel + Leisure: Neon Museum New Exhibit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Las Vegas History
- Las Vegas Weekly: Neon Museum Expansion
- Google News: Neon Museum Las Vegas
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
