Neon signs have a hip, vintage, retro appeal that's been lighting up streets since the mid-20th century. Neon dipped in popularity over the following decades, but these handmade creations are enjoying a real comeback.
What makes neon signage even more impressive is that it's still largely handmade — no machines are involved. Each sign is the product of real artistry, patience, and skill, often made by artisans working with high heat. It's worth appreciating that craft the next time you spot a neon sign on a road trip.
8 Landmark Neon Signs Around the World
Around the world, neon signs continue to glow along some of the busiest streets, attracting attention and building brand recall wherever they're installed. Here are eight of the coolest examples that have become landmarks in their own right.
1. The Ear Inn
Located in the historic James Brown House, the Ear Inn is one of the oldest bars in New York City. Its original sign simply read “Bar” — the owners painted out part of the B to form an E, creating the Ear Inn's name and one of the city's most recognizable neon signs.
2. Circus Liquor
The Circus Liquor sign in Los Angeles features a 32-foot neon clown, a landmark of North Hollywood for over half a century. It's a striking (some would say unsettling) sight at night, and a testament to just how long a well-built neon sign can last.
3. Blue Swallow Motel
In Tucumcari, New Mexico, this family-owned motel has welcomed travelers along Route 66 since 1939. It's kept its retro character intact, from the original bathroom fixtures and rotary telephones to its iconic neon sign.
4. Little Bao
The pink “Neon Baby” sign at Little Bao in Hong Kong takes a different approach — wordless and simple, shaped like a Buddha baby. It's proof that a minimal design, done well, can be just as memorable as an elaborate one.
5. Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas
Likely the most famous neon sign in the world, this landmark is easy to visit and a favorite photo backdrop, with a small park built around it. The back of the sign carries its own message for those leaving the city: “Drive carefully. Come back soon.”
6. The Pink Elephant Car Wash Sign
Considered one of the most photographed attractions in Seattle, this rotating sign sits a block from the Space Needle. The Elephant Super Car Wash has operated since 1951 and remains a Puget Sound tradition.
7. Sammy's Kitchen
The iconic cow sign at Sammy's Kitchen in Hong Kong stood as a local landmark for 37 years before being removed after being classified as an illegal structure. It's since been preserved and now sits in a local museum.
8. Moulin Rouge
The historic cabaret first opened in 1889 and has drawn celebrities and royalty ever since. Its iconic red neon windmill, set in the heart of Paris's red-light district, still attracts visitors more than a century later.
Get a Neon Sign for Your Own Business
If you're considering a neon sign for your business, look for reputable artisans who treat signage as a craft rather than a commodity — each sign involves careful design planning and precise tube bending or shaping to get right. Working with an experienced sign maker also helps ensure the finished piece is safe as well as striking.
A neon sign adds retro flair to a storefront and is an effective way to draw in passersby. Used indoors, it brings a warm, nostalgic feel to a space, and gives customers a natural backdrop for a photo. Request a quote from Neonific to start planning your own.
Canada has its own share of standout signage — see our roundup of iconic neon signs in Montreal, and if you're curious how today's LED versions compare to these classic glass originals, read flex neon vs glass neon.
