Last week, the city of Las Vegas shared a rendering on Twitter of how the Neon Museum will look once it relocates and reopens in 2027, only to swiftly delete the post. The rendering showcased a stunning vision for the museum’s new home, part of an announcement about upcoming changes to the downtown Arts District. Although the tweet and accompanying graphic were quickly removed, Vital Vegas managed to preserve the rendering, keeping it in public view.
Current plans envision the museum, known for its classic neon casino signs, occupying the top two floors of a newly constructed parking lot at the corner of Art Way and Boulder Avenue. The 9th floor is set to offer 47,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, while the 10th floor will boast 60,000 square feet outdoors. This update promises nearly triple the museum’s current exhibit space.
The top floor intends to feature neon signs that still illuminate. The new rendering reveals well-known signs from iconic places like the Stardust and El Cortez, and even the famous Gibson Les Paul guitar from the original Hard Rock Café. These signs are among 26 restored neon pieces currently displayed in the Neon Museum’s outdoor area, known as the Neon Boneyard. Of these signs, only those from the Riviera and Fitzgeralds arrived in working condition, necessitating extensive restoration for the remaining pieces.
Repairing these historic signs is a costly endeavor. For instance, restoring and installing the Hard Rock guitar sign required a substantial $350,000, with funds gathered from private donations. The museum continually rallies financial support for such projects, and the recent acquisition of the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel sign is no exception. Delivered to the Boneyard last month, its restoration will be the first project financed through the YESCO Conservation Fund, alongside contributions from the Debbie Reynolds Estate and additional funds raised by Reynolds’ son, Todd Fisher.
The city’s decision to delete the rendering tweet hints at the possibility of significant changes as planning continues. A representative from the city, responding to a remaining tweet from @LasVegasLocally, emphasized that the renderings are preliminary and subject to change.
The museum’s relocation will demand an estimated $45 million, a sum hoped to be covered through government funding and philanthropic donations.
