The Neon Graveyard

One of the best things about being in Vegas for CES had nothing to do with the conference - it was a visit to the Neon Graveyard.

The Graveyard is a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Las Vegas' neon age. Back in the 50's and 60's when Vegas neon was hot, most signs were made by a single company with lease contracts so when the hotels eventually upgraded or went out of business - the signs came back. And piled up.

They are gorgeous relics of a different but not far past time, each covered in pretty toxic peeling paint and remnants of light bulbs, neon and wires.

They have so much character and speak to great aspirations for tomorrow, and by their size and effort to make suggest a sense of permanence we rarely build today. - and I'm aware that they themselves are less permanent than other things humans have made -

When you next visit Las Vegas, look up the Neon Graveyard, schedule a visit, and make the time to come. It's great.

Almost everything is neon - but that which isn't also came from a similar part of the history of Las Vegas.