Neon Boneyard

The neon signs of Vegas' past rest in one unique spot in downtown Las Vegas.  The Neon Museum, founded in 1996, displays neon sign relics of the city's past in an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard.

Tourists and locals alike have long been able to visit this interesting site, albeit during the day.  That changed this spring when the 4Wall Systems team added lighting to the signs to transform the Boneyard into a space fitting of its Vegas nightlife heritage.

Design and layout for the project was completed by 4Wall and local design firm Alios.  After submitting a design in March, the project became fast-tracked after a May 1st approval date. 4Wall was left with just three weeks for installation and programming before a May 20th deadline.

The 4Wall team made the most of their time new wiring, and programming quickly.  Among the units used for the project were 72 Color Kinetics ColorBurst Powercore fixtures along with 46 Color Kinetics iW Burst Powercore units.

The lighting effectively creates the impression that each sign lying in the Boneyard is still somehow powered up at night, welcoming Vegas visitors.

For Shaun Ballew, a Las Vegas native and 4Wall's designer and programmer for the project, the work had a special meaning.

"We were thrilled to get a chance to light the Neon Boneyard," said Ballew, "not only is it a landmark in the city where 4Wall was founded, but I personally had a great connection to it as my family was involved in the design of many of the signs themselves.  The new lighting system helps these signs be seen at night as they were originally intended."

The Neon Museum's Executive Director, Danielle Kelly, seconded the notion that the lighting has greatly enhanced the boneyard:

"The custom-designed lighting dramatically showcases our collection and offers an attractive option for those who want to experience the signs from a dazzling new perspective."

For more info on the Neon Boneyard, visit www.neonmuseum.org
For more info on Alios, visit www.Alios.com