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
Photo: David McNew/Getty Images
The iconic Vegas Vic, a 40-foot-tall neon sign built in 1951 on Fremont Street, downtown Las Vegas
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Sassy Sally, another iconic neon sign in Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Penguin beer pub, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Cinema Apollo, Debrecen, Hungary
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Budapest Puppet Theatre, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Sauna, Debrecen, Hungary (dismantled)
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Espresso, Budapest, Hungary
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Hacienda Horse and Rider, historic neon sign, Las Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Historic Vegas neon sign, Freemont Street, Las Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Neons of Nanjing Road, Shanghai, China
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Circus Circus Hotel and Casino neon sign, Las Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Memphis Music neon sign, Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Old Motels and Historic Neon Art, Las Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Neon sign for Mel’s Drive-In and “celebrity bar” in Hollywood in Los Angeles
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Doc’s Bar and Grill, Austin, Texas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Reno, Nevada
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Pappadeaux’s fish restaurant neon sign, Houston, Texas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Holiday Motel, Las Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Horseshoe Casino, Las Vegas
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Department of Utilities, Tuscumbia, Alabama
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Radio City Music Hall, New York City
Photo: Attila Nagy/Gizmodo
Hollywood and Vine, Hollywood, Los Angeles
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Rancho Super Car Wash, Rancho Mirage, California
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith/Library of Congress
Tio Pepe, a Jerez wine, Puerta del Sol, Madrid, Spain
Photo: Carlos Muina/Cover/Getty Images
Walthamstow Greyhound Stadium, London
Photo: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images