Las Vegas iconic neon signs are definitely part of this electric city’s fame. At the same time they bring out the nostalgia of the old times. Sparkling on the sky along the strip or downtown, they became part the tourists’ memory throughout the years.
Las Vegas iconic neon signs on the strip
Nevertheless, the most iconic and nostalgic symbol of the city is the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas ” sign.
…The sign has never been trademarked, so many many variations have appeared. For instance, the Las Vegas ski lovers can see a copy of it at the Ski and Snowboard Resort on Mt. Charleston. Furthermore, on the Fremont Street Experience, you can see a “Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas”.
On the Strip you can see a lot of them shining day and night.
I called this one below “January Night Fever” and used it for some cool fashion and accessories designs. Check them here: Las Vegas Strip at Night Fashion Design
Flamingo nostalgic neon sign
For me this Flamingo neon sign was the one that always reminded me of Las Vegas. Returning after more than 10 years I was happy to see it again :)
The Flamingo hotel and casino front sign dates back to 1953. It was designed by Bill Clark of Ad-Art when the original version of the hotel was remodeled.
BTW: Check these fashion and accessories designs I made with this sign!
Circus Circus
Another famous Las Vegas neon sign is the clown at the “Circus Circus” casino entrance – it’s just across from where Riviera used to be. The sign was provided by Young Electric Sign Company, and was constructed in 1976.
The Circus Circus casino, was designed as a giant circus tent and it is illuminated by neon and thousands of light bulbs. It is also known as “the largest permanent big top in the world”
Paris Las Vegas
The beautiful Montgolfier neon sign at the Paris hotel, is not an antique sign. It has been standing on the Las Vegas strip since 1999. However, it deserves full attention, because of its unique spherical shape.
Pepsi-Cola Neon Sign
This is a cool animated neon sign above Starbucks Cafe on a side of the NY-NY complex on Las Vegas Strip. Although it looks like a vintage neon sign with classic characters, I couldn’t find any information about it’s history… If anybody knows anything about it, please share.
Las Vegas Nostalgic Neon Signs on the Strip
Part of the famous neon signs of Las Vegas unfortunately disappeared over time . Many have been changed, but some of the original ones. In the meantime some new ones have appeared. For instance, this WestGate hotel sign was Hilton’s sign until 2007.
Riviera hotel and casino neon sign
The hotel was imploded in May 2015, after 60 years of existence – read this: “Fabled Las Vegas casino closes after 60 years“….
A big loss was the colorful neon sign that was displayed on the Riviera hotel and casino starting April 20, 1955… . It was bought by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in order to build a convention center in its place. I’m glad that I was able to take this photo before…
… and this is how Riviera looked inside, viewed from the strip:
Las Vegas Neon Museum
At the Neon Museum artists technicians are restoring many of the old historic signs which were the pride of famous hotels and casinos now defunct. Nostalgic tourists can see and admire them inside. The museum displays them there to bring back memories of what the city once was.
I just read that the Riviera sign found its home at this museum as well: The light shines again on the Riviera’s iconic sign. Liberace would have maybe come to celebrate this last event of the Riviera, as he did for its inauguration. But Liberace himself doesn’t have a home in Las Vegas anymore…
* Many of these signs are available as art prints for wall and home decor in my Fine Art America Las Vegas Gallery.
However, the famous Las Vegas lights don’t end here, and not on strip either. Most of these iconic nostalgic neon signs can be seen on Fremont Street Experience, and downtown.
– Stay tuned for more…
Lens-Artists Challenge #75 – Nostalgic |
Thank you so much!
Nice take on this week’s challenge!
Thank you John
Thank you Fred 😀
Having difficulty commenting, but there is nothing quite like Viva Las Vegas!
Excellent. Like the clothing and accessories too. There is nothing quite like ‘Viva Las Vegas’!
Thank you Tina – There are a lot of nostalgic things to see and visit in Las Vegas and one of the best places to see them is actually the Nevada State Museum in Las Vegas: http://vegasgreatattractions.com/nevada-state-museum/
A really fun response Tatiana, and definitely a great example of nostalgia