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Neon Museum Expansion

By John Ritz

February 18, 2017 Architecture, Community, Design, News, Project Updates

Neon Museum Expansion

For the first time since opening, the Neon Museum has purchased additional land to allow for its first significant expansion.

The purchase of the parcel, which occupies .27 acres adjacent to the existing Neon Boneyard and La Concha visitor’s center, was made possible thanks to a $425,000 grant from the City of Las Vegas. Once construction is complete later this year, the new outdoor exhibit area and events center will host a variety of private events and public programs.

Body ImageThe expanded Neon Museum space will house 30 signs not currently on view, including those from the Las Vegas Club, Spearmint Rhino, Longhorn Casino, Sahara Saloon, Opera House Saloon and Riviera. Many of these signs have been held in the museum’s storage facility due to lack of available space at the existing Neon Boneyard.

SH Architecture designed the new enclosed, open-air exhibit and events space to be constructed on the new parcel. Incorporating Midcentury Modern design motifs such as a cantilevered roof, decorative concrete block and stacked stone, the space will integrate seamlessly with the adjacent Googie architecture of the La Concha motel lobby, which houses the museum’s visitor’s center and store. In addition to a space to display additional signs, the new construction will add a large covered patio canopied by a modern, solar-paneled shade structure.

“We’re grateful to the City of Las Vegas, whose grant recognizes the Neon Museum’s role in promoting and preserving our community’s history,” said Rob McCoy, president and chief executive officer, Neon Museum. “An expanded museum enables us to reintroduce even more retired Las Vegas signs to the public arena and enrich the historical narrative available to visitors of downtown Las Vegas.”

In 2015, the Neon Museum debuted its North Gallery, an outdoor exhibit space located on the existing museum campus northeast of the Neon Boneyard. At first used only for weddings, photography shoots and daytime educational programs, the North Gallery today is open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. for self-guided tours by the public.

Hear more about the expansion by clicking here.