Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Check Out The New Museum Of Neon Art Before The Grand Opening
The signage has been installed! (Photo via Instagram)
()
If you've been anxiously awaiting the reopening of the Museum of Neon Art like we have, you can get a preview this month. The Museum of Neon Art shut down its downtown Los Angeles location in 2011 and is preparing to reopen at their new Glendale spot in January, according to L.A. Magazine. However, on weekends through the holiday season, the museum will be open for a little shopping, plus it will feature two fun exhibits.
In the main lobby, guests can see about a dozen neon clocks from the collections of Curtis Stimpson, Larry Albright and Eric Evavold. The exhibit is called "It's About Time." You can also check out a collection of mid-century photos of neon art in Glendale taken by photographer Glenn B. Ward.
The gift shop will be open with a selection of books, cards, T-shirts, ornaments, custom neon pieces and other gifts for sale, Adriene Biondo, MONA co-chair, told LAist. Board members will be present to answer questions or chat about neon. And while the gallery is not officially open, the open design of the museum will allow a few peeks at what's currently being put up. "We're installing a lot of things, so it won't be empty," Biondo said.
They've also installed their own neon signage, which includes a "Museum of Neon Art" sign that can be seen from Brand Blvd., a "MONA" sign in the alley, and the diving woman sign that appeared at their downtown spot. Biondo says that their museum, coupled with the nearby Americana, the recently re-lit Alex Theatre spire, and the holiday decorations on the street, make for a nice "neon Wonderland."
Support for LAist comes from
Those who visit can also peer into the crafts room and see the workshop where, once open, the museum will host a number of introductory and advanced neon classes with masters of the craft. There is currently an abstract art piece in the room from artist Brian Coleman, and Biondo likened the space to exhibition cooking, because passersby will be able to peek inside.
Outside on the paseo that connects Brand Blvd. to Central Park and the Glendale Central Library there will also be a neon Clayton Plumbers sign. When it's lit up at night, the animated water droplets pour from the leaky faucet. This original sign belonged to Clayton's Plumbing in Westwood and was donated to the museum by the business' owners in 2007. However, it sign was in such disrepair that it couldn't be displayed, so Glendale helped pay for a new sign, according to the L.A. Times.
The Museum of Neon Art is located at 216 S Brand Blvd in Glendale. Sneak peek hours are Fridays, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. starting on November 28 and extending through the holidays.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
Monarch butterflies are on a path to extinction, but there is a way to support them — and maybe see them in your own yard — by planting milkweed.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
Best of LAist