Neon Museum

The Neon Museum Las Vegas: Visiting Hours, Tickets, History, and Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is an iconic institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the city’s legendary neon signage. Known as the “Neon Boneyard,” this open-air museum offers visitors an immersive journey through decades of Las Vegas history, culture, and design. Since opening in 1996, the museum has become a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and travelers seeking a unique perspective on the city’s vibrant past. Anchored by the stunning mid-century La Concha Motel lobby, the campus at 770 Las Vegas Blvd N features over 200 historic neon signs, innovative exhibits, and engaging community programs (Neon Museum official site; The Tourist Checklist).

Introduction
Origins and Evolution of the Neon Museum
Museum Layout and Key Attractions
Visiting Hours and Seasonal Considerations
Ticket Options and Pricing
Visitor Experience and Practical Tips
Accessibility and Family Information
Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives
Future Developments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary of Key Visitor Information
References

Origins and Evolution of the Neon Museum

The Neon Museum was founded to safeguard Las Vegas’s disappearing neon legacy as the city modernized and older signs were replaced by LED displays. The nonprofit organization, supported by local preservationists and city officials, assembled a collection representing every era from the 1930s onward. A highlight is the relocated La Concha Motel lobby, an architectural gem by Paul Revere Williams, now serving as the museum’s visitor center and symbolizing Las Vegas’s commitment to preserving its artistic and cultural history (mpaproject.com).

Museum Layout and Key Attractions

Campus Overview

The museum is located on a 2.5-acre outdoor campus featuring the Main Boneyard, North Gallery, and the La Concha Visitors’ Center (Neon Museum official site). Visitors can stroll among restored and unrestored neon signs from legendary casinos and hotels, with interpretive plaques and guided tours providing context for each piece.

Main Boneyard

The heart of the museum, the Main Boneyard, features over 200 neon signs—some restored to their original brilliance, others artfully displayed with dramatic lighting. Highlights include the Stardust, Fitzgerald’s, and Riviera signs, along with significant pieces like the Moulin Rouge, representing the city’s first racially integrated casino (visitlasvegas.com; neonmuseum.org).

North Gallery and Brilliant! Experience

The adjacent North Gallery hosts special events, educational programs, and the acclaimed “Brilliant!” augmented reality show, which animates unrestored signs through immersive projections and sound (Neon Museum official site). This experience is a highlight for many visitors, especially during evening hours.

La Concha Visitors’ Center

A striking mid-century modern structure, the La Concha lobby marks the entrance to the museum. Inside, guests can check in, explore interpretive displays, shop for souvenirs, and access amenities like restrooms and water stations (Exploring Leisure).

Temporary Exhibitions

The museum regularly collaborates with other cultural organizations, hosting rotating exhibitions such as the upcoming “Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas” (Neon Museum news).

Visiting Hours and Seasonal Considerations

As of June 2025, the Neon Museum is open daily. Typical hours are 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Monday through Wednesday and 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday through Sunday. Always check the official website for the most current hours, as they may vary for holidays or special events (TripSavvy).

Because the museum is primarily outdoors, weather is a factor, especially during summer when temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C). Tours may be canceled for extreme heat, high winds, or lightning (AnyTots).

Ticket Options and Pricing

Advance online ticket purchase is strongly recommended, as tours and special experiences often sell out (Las Vegas Then and Now).

Admission Types (as of June 2025):

Daytime General Admission: From $20. Self-guided exploration of the Boneyard.
Evening General Admission: From $30. Experience the signs illuminated.
Guided Tour: From $28. 45-60 minute tours with expert guides, offered primarily in the evening.
Brilliant! Experience: From $25. 25-minute immersive light and sound show.
Combined Guided Tour + Brilliant! Experience: From $42.
Discounts: Available for Nevada residents, seniors, veterans, students, and military with valid ID. Children six and under are free but require a ticket (CS Ginger).
Annual Memberships: Start at $75, offering unlimited admission and perks.

Visitor Experience and Practical Tips

Arrive Early: Allow time for check-in and to browse the gift shop.
Dress Appropriately: The museum is outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Photography: Personal photos are encouraged during evening tours. Professional photography requires advance booking (AnyTots).
Duration: Plan for 1.5–2 hours to fully explore the museum and exhibitions.
Location and Parking: 770 Las Vegas Blvd N, with free parking available. The museum is accessible by car, rideshare, and public transit (CS Ginger).
Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with the Fremont Street Experience, Mob Museum, or Arts District (TripSavvy).

Accessibility and Family Information

The museum is ADA compliant, with wheelchair-accessible pathways and ramps. Service animals are welcome (Feeling Vegas). Due to the outdoor setting and historic artifacts, daytime tours are best for visitors ages 10 and up; night tours are recommended for ages 12 and up. Children six and under are free but require a ticket.

Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives

The Neon Museum is a hub for community involvement, offering educational programs such as STEAM Saturdays and artist residencies (mpaproject.com). School groups benefit from hands-on activities, while the museum’s archives support research on Las Vegas history and neon art. Membership and volunteer opportunities further foster local connections and cultural engagement.

Future Developments

Big changes are on the horizon. The museum plans to relocate to a larger, 60,000-square-foot facility in the Arts District, tripling its exhibition space and enhancing amenities. The new campus will include indoor galleries, preservation labs, and a “maker space” for neon workshops. The La Concha shell will be restored and relocated as the new lobby. This expansion, set for completion in 2027, will accommodate growing demand and further integrate the museum into the city’s cultural fabric (lasvegasmagazine.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Neon Museum’s visiting hours?
A: Typically 9:00 AM–10:00 PM Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 AM–11:00 PM Thursday–Sunday. Check the official website for updates.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: $20–$42, depending on the experience. Discounts are available.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, ADA compliant with accessible pathways.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Personal photos are allowed during most visits. Professional photography requires advance booking.

Q: Is it suitable for children?
A: Yes, though best for ages 10 and above during daytime, 12 and above at night.

Summary of Key Visitor Information

The Neon Museum offers an unparalleled look at Las Vegas’s luminous past, preserving an array of historic neon signs in a thoughtfully designed campus anchored by the La Concha Visitors’ Center. With flexible ticket options, engaging guided tours, and the immersive Brilliant! experience, visitors can tailor their exploration. The museum’s focus on accessibility, education, and community ensures a rich and welcoming experience for all. Looking ahead, a major expansion promises even more to discover. For up-to-date details, tickets, and resources, visit the official website and follow the museum on social media. Enhance your trip with the Audiala app and explore related Las Vegas attractions nearby (TripSavvy; CS Ginger).