EL CORTEZ HOTEL & CASINO DONATES HISTORIC ADVERTISEMENT SIGN TO THE NEON MUSEUM
Parking Garage’s ‘Prime Rib $19.95’ Neon Sign to Live on within The Neon Museum’s Collection
Downtown Las Vegas’ El Cortez Hotel & Casino has donated its “Prime Rib $19.95” neon sign advertisement to The Neon Museum. The historic piece – which was located on the hotel’s parking structure and dates to 1974 – was given to the Museum by El Cortez to preserve the property’s rich history as it enters future renovations.
Credit: The Neon Museum
“We are honored to donate a piece of our hotel to The Neon Museum, for locals and travelers to appreciate it for years to come,” said Kenny Epstein, CEO and Chairman at El Cortez. “As one of Las Vegas’ oldest and most treasured hotels, we take pride in offering our guests a glimpse into the city’s past. Now, with the addition of our historic parking garage sign, visitors to The Neon Museum can experience our storied legacy firsthand.”
El Cortez received a permit in 1969 to build the parking garage adjacent to the hotel, which was completed in 1974, and the 18′ x 24′ sign was installed shortly after. Located off 7th Street and Fremont Street, it’s crafted with neon, lightbulbs and backlit plexiglass and has retained its nostalgic charm over the years.
The Neon Museum’s Executive Director Aaron Berger said, “We are so thankful to El Cortez for their generosity. However, being historically minded, it is no surprise when it comes to their leadership. El Cortez has maintained the integrity of its building for over 80 years. The property has intentionally embraced its past and made updates to meet the needs of today’s visitors without tearing down. That’s unique in Las Vegas, a city known for making way for something new. These important artifacts are distinctive because while they are from a property on the National Register, El Cortez is still thriving today. Displaying them will provide an engaging piece of living history.”
El Cortez first opened its doors in 1941. Although it has undergone several extensive renovations, the property still retains the same facade it had in 1952 when its neon signage was installed. On February 13, 2013 the building became the only existing casino to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Neon Museum is open daily and includes an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard, filled with some of Las Vegas’ most iconic neon signs; the North Gallery, home to the immersive audiovisual experience “Brilliant! Jackpot” which uses technology to re-illuminate more than 40 non- operational signs; the Boulevard Gallery outdoor exhibit and event space; and its visitors’ center inside the former La Concha Motel lobby.
Details on the future of where the sign will live in The Neon Museum’s collection after an assessment.
About El Cortez Hotel & Casino
El Cortez Hotel & Casino is a family-owned and operated casino, as well as one of the oldest and most treasured hotels in Las Vegas. It is located in the heart of the Fremont East Entertainment District, an area known for its resurgence and influx of unique restaurants, bars, and nightlife. El Cortez has undergone several renovations, with the most recent revamp culminating in 2023, but keeps the spirit of classic Vegas alive through its Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, Original 47 rooms and coin-operated games on the casino floor. In 2013, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the only standing casino on the list.
About The Neon Museum
Founded in 1996, The Neon Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying, and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. In 2021, The Neon Museum achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition bestowed to museums in the United States. On its 2.27-acre campus, The Neon Museum has an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard (“boneyard” is traditionally the name for an area where items no longer in use are stored); the North Gallery, home to the immersive audiovisual experience “Brilliant!” which uses technology to re-illuminate more than 40 non-operational signs; and its visitors’ center inside the former La Concha Motel lobby. The museum collection also includes 14 restored signs installed as public art in downtown Las Vegas. Public education, outreach, research, and arts preservation represent a selection of the museum’s ongoing projects. For more information, including tour schedules and tickets, visit www.neonmuseum.org. Also follow @NeonMuseum on Facebook and Twitter and @theneonmuseumlasvegas on Instagram.