The Neon Museum in Las Vegas holds some of the most iconic pieces of casino history in the world. As well as, well, lots of neon.
It now has plans to move to a more upmarket location in the Las Vegas Arts District, where it will also consider expanding its current 2.27-acre footprint. The museum announced the news this week at a Las Vegas City Council meeting.
The plans for the move indicate the independent nonprofit organization is considering one location that could expand its footprint by three times, as well as adding more indoor space.
The Museum has been struggling to deal with the frequent periods of sustained high heat levels in Las Vegas in recent years, as much of the museum and its exhibits are outside.
“Neon is Las Vegas’ native art form and the Neon Museum is an iconic attraction. We are excited that the museum will soon be a part of our vibrant 18B Las Vegas Arts District,” said Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman in a press release this week.
The Neon Collection
The current site of the Neon Museum was established in 1996. Its 40-strong collection of old casino signage includes the neon logos of many famous defunct Las Vegas casinos. That includes the iconic sign from the second casino hotel to open on the Las Vegas Strip, the New Frontier (1942 – 2007). It also has original signage from The Hacienda (1956 – 1996), The Stardust (1958 – 2006), and The Desert Inn (1950 – 2000).
The Museum’s striking main entrance and offices are inside the old lobby from La Concha Motel (1961 – 2004). It spent $6 million moving the building several miles across town in 2006.
The Museum is also responsible for restoring and maintaining around a dozen old casino signs dotted around Las Vegas, without relocating them unless necessary.
The Museum recently took charge of several pieces of signage from the Tropicana, which closed earlier in 2024. It will also be involved in maintaining legacy signage from the recently closed Mirage.
The Move
The Museum says it is conducting due-diligence checks on two possible sites in the Las Vegas Arts District, around seven miles south of its current location.
It is looking at a combined 100,000-square-foot space with outdoor and indoor possibilities. The other is a 35,000-square- foot site that has potential for redevelopment for indoor and outdoor experiences.
The plan is set to be formally outlined over the coming weeks. One of the sites has been earmarked for a parking garage by developers since mid-2023, and it is unclear if both proposals will work in tandem, or the parking plans will be dropped.
“New developments are coming to Arts District Las Vegas, North of Charleston,” the City of Las Vegas said on social media this week.
“In addition to the previously announced Evel Knievel Museum, Mothership Coffee Roasters and Heavy Metal Pizza Party, NeonMuseum just announced it will be relocating and expanding in the area!”
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
