Neon Museum Restores Baby Dunes Sign
One of the world’s best museums has restored a sign from the iconic Dunes casino.
The Dunes entrance sign is the only known publicly displayed sign from the casino that was imploded in 1993. The Dunes site is now home to Bellagio. Perhaps you’ve heard of it.
When the Dunes opened in 1955, it was hailed as the “Miracle in the Desert.” Another miracle? The Neon Museum turning a crappy, rusted metal framework into a work of art. Again.
The Dunes sign, if you can even call it that given its poor condition, was purchased by the Neon Museum in 2002.
Here are some details of the restoration provided by the Neon Museum: “Originally constructed of sheet metal, acrylic, candelabra bulbs and a six-point flasher, the sign was moved offsite in April 2025 for a full restoration. Now weighing 1,200 pounds and standing 10 feet tall on a raised frame, the sign features LED tubes designed to mimic its original fluorescent glow, and nearly 100 incandescent bulbs that scintillate through its mechanical flasher. Remarkably, 95 percent of its original sockets and wiring were still functional, and even original Ad Art stickers were preserved under protective tape during painting. Adding to its rich story, one of the electricians, Warren Donlon, had worked on the Dunes’ towering 180-foot pylon in the 1980s and 1990s, reconnecting past craftsmanship with today’s restoration.”
Here’s how the sign looked prior to the restoration.
The five-month restoration of the Dunes sign was led by Hartlauer Signs.
Here’s more information about the history of the Dunes from the Neon Museum’s news release so we don’t have to exert any effort doing research or whatever blogs are supposed to do: “As a defining symbol of mid-century Las Vegas, The Dunes was conceived as a modern reimagining of Arabian Nights Baghdad. Guests were welcomed with costumed greeters, opulent decor and themed architecture. Designed by Bob Dorr and built by McNeil Construction, the property was financed by a group of entrepreneurs that included a theater owner, restaurateur and costume jewelry maker. Among its many innovations were the Sultan’s Table fine dining experience and risque productions like ‘Minsky’s Follies,’ the city’s first topless revue.”
In other words, cultural appropriation.
The Internet says the first topless show in Las Vegas was “Minsky Goes to Paris,” known later as “Minsky’s Follies.” The Internet is about to get into a fight with whoever writes the Neon Museum’s news releases.
Among the things that made Dunes special was the fact is was the first Strip resort imploded by explosives.
The most recent explosive-based implosion was Tropicana, which has now turned into a dumpster fire, but that’s not really the fault of the demolition company, that’s on the A’s and Bally’s Corp. Long story.
Here’s a look at the original location of the restored Dunes sign.
The two-acre Neon Museum is a mecca for fans of Las Vegas history, casinos and, you know, neon.
The museum’s Neon Boneyard (don’t you dare call it the “Neon Graveyard”) has innumerable classic signs, some restored, many not.
There’s a lot nearby the Neon Boneyard (fancifully called the North Gallery) featuring “Brilliant,” a must-see show that brings 40 vintage signs back to life through projection mapping. They refer to this experience as “Brilliant! Jackpot” now, but it was just “Brilliant” back in our day. That punctuation is awkward, so we’re referring to it as “Brilliant,” sorry.
Beyond the walls of the Neon Museum proper, there are 15 restored signs on public display throughout downtown Las Vegas, part of what’s called the Las Vegas Boulevard Scenic Byway Project. Most of these signs aren’t from casinos, so we have some trouble caring, but you can find out more on the Neon Museum’s Web site.
The world of vintage signs can be fascinating, but also confusing, so please read our story about the signs inspired by classic signs (but not actual classic signs).
If you have not visited the Neon Museum, we can’t be friends.
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