The bright and colorful neon signs of Las Vegas have been one of the city's most memorable sights for countless visitors throughout the years. These multi-story advertising beacons became one of the city's claims to fame. Today, the Neon Museum is working hard to preserve some of the city's history by purchasing, storing, and in some cases, refurbishing the historic neon signs that have gone by the wayside as businesses have faded or new signs have taken the place of older icons. You can see many of these signs by taking a guided tour at the Neon Museum, where old neon signs are stored outside in a large compound. Guides provide the history of the signs and designs, which have evolved over the years. Efforts at the museum are ongoing, and signs stand in varying conditions. In some cases, only a portion was saved or found, while others have been restored to their former glory. This contrast makes the museum that much more interesting and gives visitors insight into how much work and upkeep is required with these giant signs.

It has been known by many names; the Graveyard, the Neon Sign Museum, the Boneyard, the Neon Graveyard, and perhaps many more I'm not even aware of. When I visited what is now consolidated and called, most simply, the Neon Museum, an appointment was required and a fee was paid. Behind a chain link fence and hardly visible from the road was a haphazard collection of neon signs that acted as a visual representation of the grand days of old Las Vegas. Picture the glory days of Sinatra and Davis Jr. before Clooney and Pitt were paying homage to them in Ocean's Eleven and you're on the right track. Yet all signs were rusting and unattended and the glory was harder to picture.The official museum now stands away from the dusty lot I visited and is a modern and organized home for the beautifully restored signage from the golden era of Sin City. It comprises the Neon Boneyard, the Downtown Gallery and the Las Vegas Signs Project.Don't go in the middle of the day to the Boneyard as the Nevada sun will beat down on you and force you to want to hurry through an exhibit that should really be savored. You should take time to view the over 150 donated and rescued signs dating from the 1930’s to present day. Guided tours take place Mondays through Saturdays starting at 10:00 a.m. Tickets begin at $12. Photography is strictly for personal use only unless an additional permit is purchased and an appointment is arranged in advance.By Kirsten Alana, AFAR Local Expert

This nonprofit project is doing what almost no one else does: saving Las Vegas' history. Book ahead for a fascinating guided walking tour of the ‘Neon Boneyard,' where irreplaceable vintage neon signs – Las Vegas' original art form – spend their retirement. Start exploring at the visitor center inside the salvaged La Concha Motel lobby, a mid-century modern icon designed by African American architect Paul Revere Williams. Tours are usually given throughout the day, but are most spectacular at night. Make tour reservations at least a few days or a week in advance, as they book up quickly. Children under 12 years old aren't recommended on boneyard tours for safety reasons.

Vegas has a reputation for rigging its history with explosives and sending it into a cloud of dust. However the neon of Vegas past has escaped that fate thanks to this Downtown museum and its fantastic Boneyard full of vintage signs. Book a guided tour in advance and learn about the town’s legendary haunts and odd characters through the signs they left behind. Pro tip: Opt for an evening visit when you can see some of the refurbished signs illuminated to their former glory.

After years of opening by appointment only as the “Neon Boneyard,” the collection of 150 neon signs dating from the 1930s—the largest in the world—takes you through some of the retired icons of the Golden Age of Las Vegas. Moulin Rouge, Lady Luck, Desert Inn, and the Stardust—they’re all here. The iconic La Concha Motel lobby stands as its visitor center. The best way to see it is at night where a guide will take you on a walk through the pathways of dramatically lit un-restored signs. Because of the glass, rusty metal, and darkness, it’s a tour best reserved for adults.

Las Vegas is famous for the neon lights that light up its night. Some of those signs have become iconic in their own right. But obviously all those different flashing wonders couldn’t stay the same year after year, and so were retired…until the Young Electric Sign Company, which had kept these beauties in their boneyard, let the Neon Museum restore them. The museums been re-establishing the signs along the Fremont Street Experience and the Boneyard itself contains over 150 signs. The museum also houses fibreglass sculptures such as the Giant Skull from Treasure Island. Tours of the Boneyard must be booked beforehand, but the 12 restored signs of downtown Las Vegas can be toured by you. Also, visit the popular attractions in the city by following Las Vegas itinerary 5 days.