In 1923, the first neon sign in America was installed in downtown Los Angeles.
It wouldn't be long before neon would become synonymous with Hollywood nightlife. L.A.'s fascination with neon light is part of a new series of nighttime walking tours offered by the Museum of Neon Art.
What You Need To Know
- Neon became synonymous with Hollywood nightlife after the first sign in the U.S. was installed in downtown L.A. in 1923
- The Museum of Neon Art specializes in saving historic signs, showcasing historic neon artwork, and teaching about how to make neon signage
- At the moment, there are three districts that the museum will be touring, but the tours will continue to grow
- The purpose of the tours is to preserve human connection safely while learning about the history of neon signs in L.A.
When it comes to L.A., things like neon signs and palm trees go hand-in-hand.
"I honestly don't think that people in Los Angeles see their home," said Eric Lynxwiler, president of the Board of Trustees at the Museum of Neon Art. "Once they're outside of their automobile, on-foot, walking through a neighborhood that they may not have visited before, they're going to be seeing a brand-new Los Angeles. Maybe they'll appreciate that piece of Los Angeles, return to their backyard, and see it through new eyes as well."
As it was growing in the 1920s, L.A. was also blooming with car culture.
"Not only did we have the movie industry, with giant movie premiers and glittering marquees, but we also had the birth of automobiles driving all over the city," said Lynxwiler. "That expanded the city by creating new mom and pop shops and restaurants, and every shop had to have a neon sign."
"The Museum of Neon Art is the first of its kind," said Executive Director of Museum of Neon Art, Corrie Siegel. "We're the first museum dedicated to neon artwork. It specializes in saving historic signs, showcasing historic neon artwork, and teaching about making neon signage. There is a fully functional classroom and studio lab, the neon cruises — which we can't do right now because of COVID-19 restrictions."
At the moment, there are three districts that the museum will be touring, but the tours will continue to grow.
"We want to make sure we're not only out there and for people to remember us, but we want to be able to give back to the community," said Lynxwiler. "We want to make sure that our members are happy and have options."
"Because the world is changing so quickly — and we've seen it happen more drastically during the pandemic, I don't want people to forget the human connection," said Ani Mnatsakanyan, curator of education and engagement at the Museum of Neon Art. "And if we can preserve that and stories that people have passed down from generation to generation with neon signs, that would be one of the best things for me as an educator at the Neon Museum of Art."
The museum adds more tour dates to their schedule, so check out neonmona.org for more information.