The Neon Museum

Matchbook Monday! Debuting in 1942 as the Last Frontier, this iconic property became the second hotel and casino to open on the Las Vegas Strip, following the El Rancho Vegas, which had welcomed guests just a year earlier. Over its 65-year history, the property evolved through multiple name changes, reflecting its dynamic presence on the Strip: the Last Frontier (1942), New Frontier (1956), the Frontier (1967), and finally returning to the New Frontier in 1998.

Tuesday Trivia - Racing Edition Which legendary race car driver set the all-time fastest lap at the Stardust Grand Prix in 1968? ANSWER: Mario Andretti ??: Courtesy Driving101

The late-1990s saw the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or NASCAR, establish its presence in Las Vegas in two groundbreaking ways. First, in 1996 with the opening of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and later in 1999, when construction began on the NASCAR Café, located at the Sahara Las Vegas. The Café held its grand opening on March 2nd, 2000, with an opening ceremony attended by NASCAR legends such as Dale Jarrett and Dale Earnhardt. In addition to displaying memorabilia, the property featured a roller coaster and the world’s largest stock car, known as “Carzilla,” which weighed over three tons. ??: Courtesy UNLV Special Collections

The Mirage opened its doors on November 22, 1989 and housed special attractions such as the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The hotel was decked out in a Polynesian theme and its Volcano fountain was one of the first sidewalk attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. It was known as a venue where tourists could see Siegfried & Roy taming white tigers or a Cirque du Soleil act set to a Beatles song. ??: Courtesy UNLV Special Collections

Escape the F1 hustle and step into a world of vintage Vegas charm! We're teaming up with Neon City Festival to celebrate their Inaugural Downtown Las Vegas Music & Culinary Experience. Make your weekend unforgettable with Buy 1, Get 1 Free tickets for Daytime or Evening Admission. https://bit.ly/3ATV4Iw

The culmination of decades of European auto racing, Formula One was formally established in 1950. In the near-80 years since its founding, races have been held in unique locales across the world, including Melbourne, Mexico City, and Las Vegas. Formula One began its relationship with Las Vegas in the early-1980s, in the form of the short-lived Caesars Palace Grand Prix, which failed to generate much of an impact for drivers and fans alike. In 2023, however, Formula One returned to Las Vegas for the 3.8-mile Las Vegas Grand Prix, estimated to have made an economic impact of over $1.2 billion, resulting in what the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has referred to as the city’s “best November ever.” Despite his vocal criticism of the event, which he dismissed as “99% show, 1% sporting event,” Red Bull driver Max Verstappen emerged victorious, with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez placing second and third, respectively.

Tuesday Trivia - Racing Edition Which legendary race car driver set the all-time fastest lap at the Stardust Grand Prix in 1968? a) Mario Andretti b) Bruce McLaren c) Ayrton Senna d) Jackie Stewart

As we mark Transgender Awareness Week, we shine a light on the individuals who shaped the history of Las Vegas through courage and innovation. The Green Shack, opened in 1929 by Mattie Jones, was more than just a celebrated restaurant—it was a cultural landmark. By 1940, it hosted remarkable performances, including those of Hot-Cha Hinton, a pioneering transgender artist who not only dazzled audiences but also advocated fiercely for LGBTQ+ rights, and Billy Richards, whose mastery of female impersonation earned acclaim as “The Entertainment Sensation of the World.” Their contributions remind us of the deep roots of diversity and inclusion in our city’s past and present.

Trivia Tuesday! What casino’s sign used a “daytime neon” color scheme to draw attention even under the Las Vegas sun? ANSWER: Sassy Sally's Casino

On this day in 1958. A rare snowstorm on Fremont Street in Las Vegas! ??: Las Vegas News Bureau Collection, LVCVA Archive