New museum opens Oct. 30, Nevada Day (observed), showcasing approximately 50 neon signs and art pieces from a collection of more than 200
RENO, Nev. – Some of Reno’s most recognizable signs are shining again. From the neon cowboys of The Mapes to the smiling Bucky Buckaroo of Nevada Club, pieces of the city’s colorful past have found a new home at the Light Circus Nevada Neon Museum, which celebrated its opening Wednesday evening with a lighting ceremony at the National Bowling Stadium.
The new downtown attraction features nearly 50 historic neon signs and art pieces from the Nevada Neon Project’s collection of more than 200 unique signs, considered one of the world’s largest private neon sign collections. Featuring familiar names such as Harolds Club, Deux Gros Nez, Campo, and Ichiban, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to reconnect with beloved landmarks and discover the stories behind the signs that once illuminated Reno’s streets.
Lit almost entirely by the neon signs themselves, the museum creates an immersive atmosphere that celebrates neon as both an art form and an important part of Nevada’s cultural heritage. The collection spans approximately eight decades and features signs from across the Silver State, including Las Vegas landmarks such as the Tropicana and Spago.
For Light Circus Executive Director Will Durham, the journey began with a single sign. After saving a diving swimmer sign from Reno’s Zephyr Motel, Durham began recognizing how many iconic signs were disappearing as businesses closed and buildings were demolished. What started as a personal interest became a decadeslong effort to preserve an important part of Nevada’s history.
“When I started collecting neon signs, I never imagined it would lead to opening a museum. I just knew these incredible pieces of Nevada’s history deserved to be saved,” said Will Durham, Executive Director of Light Circus Nevada Neon Museum. “Every sign has a story, and for so many people, they’re connected to memories of places they loved. To see these signs glowing again and know that people will be able to experience them for years to come is incredibly rewarding.”
The opening celebration brought together community leaders, project partners, and supporters for an exclusive first look at the museum, a collaborative effort between Light Circus, Visit Reno Tahoe, re:up, and the City of Reno.
“Reno’s neon signs are part of what makes our destination so recognizable, and it’s exciting to see these pieces of our history brought back to life,” said Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe. “Light Circus is a great example of how we can celebrate what makes Reno unique while continuing to create new experiences for residents and visitors. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that’s bringing new energy to downtown and giving people another reason to explore everything our city has to offer.”
The museum’s collection will continue to evolve as new signs are preserved and restored, giving visitors new reasons to return. Recent additions to the Nevada Neon Project collection include signs from the Olympic Motel and Peg’s Glorified Ham N Eggs. Light Circus also plans to host educational programs, walking tours, art shows, films, and community events, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Nevada’s history and culture in new ways.
The museum was made possible through support from Reno Redevelopment and Urban Placemaking Agency (re:up), which provided a matching grant in the amount of $24,778.50 to help expand and enhance the museum. The initiative supports entrepreneurs and projects contributing to the continued revitalization of downtown Reno.
“Reno’s neon signs are part of what makes our city so unique,” said Reno Mayor and re:up Chair, Hillary Schieve. “We’re proud to support Light Circus through re:up’s ReStore grant program, helping preserve our history while bringing new energy to downtown and creating another reason for residents and visitors to explore our vibrant city.”
Museum Opens to the Public on Observed Nevada Day
In a fitting tribute to the state’s history, Light Circus Nevada Neon Museum will officially open to the public Friday, Oct. 30, Nevada Day (Observed), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $15, with a discounted rate of $10 for Nevada residents. Following its public debut, the museum will operate Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the National Bowling Stadium in downtown Reno.
For more information, visit lightcircus.org.
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