The Neon Boneyard
Downtown Las Vegas is going through a revitalization with tons of street art, fun tours, and interesting museums. One such museum we visited was the Neon Boneyard, the final resting place (or rescue place) of neon-lit wonders. About 2 acres in size, although not all open to the public, it is a fascinating conglomeration of sharp broken glass and beautiful rusty memories.
Tours must be booked in advance and be prepared to bask in the Vegas heat for an hour or so (although complimentary shade umbrellas are provided). Here, we're passing by the sign for the Moulin Rouge, the first major interracial hotel.
In the gift shop are coasters made up of individual letters and numbers from around the boneyard, perfect to spell that perfect word and protect the coffee tables too.
There are layers of signs and remnants of signs piled all over each other which means changing the angle of a photo even a little bit can reveal something new.
All of the signs are kept behind a border of stones that we were not allowed to cross for safety reasons. These signs are left out in the elements so broken glass is a regular hazard here.
Speaking of broken glass...
My favorite sign in the boneyard.
Old casino signs aren't the only inhabitants, although they are some of the more impressive. There are sign pieces from parking lots...
...apartments...
...and used car lots (yes, that's where the duck is from - Ugly Duckling Car Sales).
This pool player is one of the tallest metal sculptures found here and stands at 10 feet.
A giant skull rescued from back when the Treasure Island hotel did live pirate shows.
The China Garden Cafe sign rescued from Cedar City, Utah.
The Stardust is the collection's brightest...well, star.
Recognize the signature? It's Liberace!
I think we may have discovered the inspiration behind Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" song. She's actually swinging from a clock pendulum, not a wrecking ball.
Taking a selfie with a few of the Neon Boneyard inhabitants.
The lamp from the Aladdin hotel. Definitely room for a super genie inside there!
There are over 200 signs here, but somehow, it feels like more.
Through donations, the Neon Boneyard is able to restore some signs back to their former fully lit glory.
This place is one of those places that captures the eye and the imagination. We took way more pictures in this little space than on the helicopter tour, so here are a few more...