 By Joe Oesterle of Weird California
It’s more cool than spooky, but it doesn’t take much of an imagination to envision the spirits of a Las Vegas of long ago traipsing through the Neon Boneyard.
Located just a short distance from The Fremont Street Experience, the Boneyard is an opportunity of a lifetime for lovers of old fashioned Vegas kitsch.
The non-restored historic signs sit inside a fenced and guarded 3 acre lot, and have been the backdrop to the Tim Burton movie, Mars Attacks and at least one CSI episode.
Inside you will find the beautiful and gaudy worn out husks of such literal Sin City icons as the actual oversized Silver Slipper, from the hotel and casino of the same name, the entrance sign to the Golden Nugget, and the original giant pirate skull from Treasure Island.
The collection ranges in date from the 1940’s to the present day, and the signs themselves could teach a history of signage over the last sixty plus years for anyone who takes the time to notice how the colors and typography changed and evolved over the years.
It doesn’t take a degree in graphic art to appreciate the difference in styles between the pre-neon World War II era “time to swing to Standard Wholesale Supply” sign to the vastly more modern, post-neon “Burger King” symbol, but if you have one you owe it to yourself to check this place out, and if you’re planning on getting a degree, a carefully studied afternoon at the Neon Boneyard is worth an entire semester in design 101.
The Neon Boneyard is open by appointment only. Regular appointment hours are Tuesday-Friday between 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Other days and times subject to staff and volunteer availability.
Tours are available for groups of 10 or more for $5.00 per person. Smaller groups are welcome with a minimum $50.00 donation. All ages welcome!
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