Not so long ago, neon played a huge role in American life. It was just about everywhere we looked – from the signs on storefronts to illuminating old-fashioned clocks. A visit to the Neon Museum in Philadelphia, a one-of-a-kind Pennsylvania museum, takes guests through a time warp, providing a glimpse at the rich history of America’s neon signage, a unique art form that dotted the country’s roads during the 20th century.
Keep an eye out for the sign that alerts you that you’ve arrived at The Neon Museum of Philadelphia. It sits in front of an unassuming building that belies the treasures within.
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Paying homage to the rich history of America’s signage, the museum bills itself as both “an American art and history museum disguised as a neon museum.”
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A unique Philadelphia destination since 1983, the Neon Museum is the realized dream of Len Davidson. He, along with friends, spent the late 1970s running a tavern with the theme “American Dream.”
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During that time, he began collecting neon signs, a rich part of America’s past and, in short order the Neon Museum of Philadelphia was born.
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The eclectic museum has two distinct missions. It is dedicated to preserving neon and to creating it.
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Today, the museum draws curiosity seekers, art lovers, and history buffs. It boasts a permanent collection of more than 150 neon signs and artwork.
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Stroll through the museum, where you’ll see historic commercial signs from Philadelphia, commercial signs from around the United States, animated signs, and window signs.
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The museum also hosts special exhibits, including the recent Alchemy Illuminated: The Art of Crafting From Trash. (Keep an eye on the museum’s website for current exhibits.)
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You can even take classes and workshops at the museum, which also offers tours around Philadelphia.
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Stop by the official website of the Neon Museum of Philadelphia for days, hours, and more information. Or, go here for Facebook.
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Have you been to the Neon Museum of Philadelphia? Share your experience in the comments! Did you know that Philadelphia’s the home to the world’s first pizza museum? If you love pizza and memorabilia, visit Pizza Brain for a bite to eat after a trip to the Neon Museum.
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Address: The Neon Museum of Philadelphia, 1800 N American St, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
