When you imagine the Las Vegas strip, there’s no doubt you’ll picture it glowing with neon. From the early days of Sin City, casinos, restaurants and hotels have been shouting their presence in bright, pulsing light. Though neon has been largely replaced with contemporary technology, there are some who had the good taste and foresight to preserve those vintage Las Vegas signs. Here is a pictorial ode to the designers, neon benders, marketers and preservationists that created and who maintain these works of commercial art.
Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas
Illuminated signs are a distinctive element of the Las Vegas streetscape, led by none other than THE “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign, a historic landmark and tourist favourite. The sign at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South – between the airport and The Strip – has been welcoming visitors to the city since 1959. It was commissioned by salesman Ted Rogich who owned a small neon company in Nevada.
The design was created by commercial artist Betty Willis, in the Googie style which was all the rage through the 1940s and -50s. Betty was kind enough to gift the design to Las Vegas and therefore it was never trademarked. This has given way to oodles of Vegas merchandise bearing the design.
Disclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending.
Las Vegas is the only city in the world whose skyline is made up of neither buildings [as in NYC] nor trees [Wilbraham, MA], but signs. One can look at Las Vegas from a mile away and only see signs …towering, revolving and oscillating.”
Tom Wolfe, 1963
Where to find vintage Las Vegas signs
- Tour The Neon Museum, dedicated to preserving this element of Las Vegas history. This Museum is a must-do on your Vegas itinerary, whether you’re into design, history or juicy urban legends.
- Take a free, self-guided walk to see nine restored neon signs that have been placed into public spaces in Las Vegas. Get more information including a map here.
- Get your photo with the original Welcome sign (there are now two other replicas). My advice is to arrive early in the morning (before 8am) to avoid a long queue. There is parking available within the median strip where the sign is located which can be accessed by southbound lanes only.
Soulful Souvenirs
You can take home a piece of the famous “Welcome” sign, by purchasing a light globe that was used in the landmark. They are sold to raise money for charity through the website Official Las Vegas Light.
Enjoy the bright lights, mid-century design and fabulous history of vintage Las Vegas signs. For more on Vegas, see my Southwest Road Trip Itinerary.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo