Museums & Culture · Our pick in Las Vegas
Vintage Vegas: neon, El Cortez and the Golden Steer, the back story
The back story
About Vintage Vegas: neon, El Cortez and the Golden Steer, the back story
Old Las Vegas has not vanished. You just need to know where to look: in the Neon Boneyard, on Fremont East and in the red booths of a 1958 steakhouse.
The signs
The Neon Museum, founded in 1996, keeps old signs on a 2.27-acre campus, from the outdoor Neon Boneyard to the North Gallery. Its visitors’ centre is the lobby of the 1961 La Concha Motel, moved to the site. Inside Circa, Vegas Vickie, the famous neon cowgirl, now presides over a bar.
The old resorts
El Cortez opened in 1941 and is the longest continuously running casino resort in Las Vegas, with its vintage façade on East Fremont Street. The Golden Nugget still displays the Hand of Faith nugget.
Vintage Las Vegas glows brightest after dark.
The steakhouses
The Golden Steer has served steaks since 1958, and Hugo’s Cellar under the Four Queens keeps tableside service alive.
The sign
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign has stood since 1959, now powered by solar panels.
Our advice: book the Neon Museum’s evening tour, then dine at the Golden Steer for the full vintage night.
Why it's on our list
- The signs
- The old resorts
- The steakhouses
- The sign
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Vintage Vegas: neon, El Cortez and the Golden Steer, the back story before you go.