20,000+ Square Feet
Exhibits
Explore our galleries, education center, outdoor walking tour, and special collections, spanning the full story of neon and electric signage in America.
Main Level
History Center
Journey through the origins of electric advertising, from the earliest illuminated signs of the late 1800s through neon's explosive rise in mid-century America. Rare artifacts, trade ephemera, and working vintage signs tell the full story of the American sign industry.
Main Level
George Claude Gallery
Named for the inventor of neon lighting, this gallery celebrates the science and artistry of neon gas-discharge tubes. Visitors can see tube bending demonstrations and explore how neon transformed commercial signage worldwide.
Main Level
Icons Gallery
A dramatic showcase of the most iconic neon signs from American history, restored to their original brilliance. From roadside diners to gasoline brands, these are the luminous symbols that defined a century of American culture.
Main Level
Tagged Passages
A one-of-a-kind gallery featuring iconic sign tags from every U.S. state, many of which are lost to history. Alongside the tag collection, discover ephemera and memorabilia that capture the spirit of 1950s American sign culture at its most vibrant.
Upstairs
Ballroom Exhibit Space
The grand ballroom of the historic Elks Building hosts rotating large-scale exhibits and special collections. With soaring ceilings and period architecture, it is an unforgettable setting for some of the museum's most spectacular signs.
Lower Level
Argon Education Center
A hands-on learning space in the lower level dedicated to the science behind neon and gas-discharge lighting. Interactive stations let visitors of all ages explore chemistry, electricity, and the craftsmanship that goes into every hand-bent tube.
Outdoor - $10 per person
Walking Tour - The Dalles
Explore downtown The Dalles on a guided outdoor walking tour for $10 per person (all ages). The tour covers the city's celebrated murals, outdoor neon sign collection, an introduction to downtown, the early life of The Dalles settlers, and the rich history of the region. Sign up at the museum.
Special Collection
Jantzen Beach Carousel
One of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved treasures, the historic Jantzen Beach Carousel is now in the care of the National Neon Sign Museum. Hand-carved horses are on display at the museum, with ornate rounding boards that tell a story of craftsmanship, joy, and regional history.
Come Experience It
No Photo Does It Justice
From glowing neon galleries to the Jantzen Beach Carousel, the museum has to be seen to be believed.
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