A Fond Farewell To The Neon Sign

I simply can’t help it; I’m a sucker for neon signs. I just love their clear glowing lines, their curves and bends, their warm though discreet presence in the night. And I hate to see them go.

Since the invention of the long luminous gas-discharge tubes containing neon or other noble gases in the beginning of the 20th century, the faces of our cities have become lovelier and livelier than ever. But despite the retro-revival sentiment, neon signs are going extinct, thanks to all the new advertising technology, the super cheap led lights, illuminated 3D boxes, and the huge, billion coloured screens and displays.

These images are an ode to beautiful neon signs, mostly from around the US where they were extremely popular from the 1920s to the 1960s. Share your own favourite neon signs, if you have any, in the comments below.

Speedee’ McDonald’s, the world’s longest operating McDonald’s fast food restaurant, Downey, California

The iconic Vegas Vic, a 40-foot-tall neon sign built in 1951 on Fremont Street, downtown Las Vegas

Sassy Sally, another iconic neon sign in Vegas

Penguin beer pub, Budapest, Hungary

Cinema Apollo, Debrecen, Hungary

Budapest Puppet Theatre, Budapest, Hungary

Sauna, Debrecen, Hungary (dismantled)

Espresso, Budapest, Hungary

Hacienda Horse and Rider, historic neon sign, Las Vegas

Historic Vegas neon sign, Freemont Street, Las Vegas

Neons of Nanjing Road, Shanghai, China

Circus Circus Hotel and Casino neon sign, Las Vegas

Memphis Music neon sign, Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee

Old Motels and Historic Neon Art, Las Vegas

Neon sign for Mel’s Drive-In and “celebrity bar” in Hollywood in Los Angeles

Doc’s Bar and Grill, Austin, Texas

Reno, Nevada

Pappadeaux’s fish restaurant neon sign, Houston, Texas

Holiday Motel, Las Vegas

Horseshoe Casino, Las Vegas

Department of Utilities, Tuscumbia, Alabama

Radio City Music Hall, New York City

Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood, Los Angeles

Rancho Super Car Wash, Rancho Mirage, California

Tio Pepe, a Jerez wine, Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain

Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium, London