Santa Monica Pier's historic neon sign removed for restoration

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 22:32 · Archive

The 85-year-old blue neon Santa Monica Pier sign has been removed and will be restored in Las Vegas before returning in 2027 or 2028.

The historic blue neon Santa Monica Pier sign, which has greeted visitors since 1941, was removed on Friday after a 24-hour delay. The 85-year-old landmark was originally scheduled for removal on Thursday, but city officials postponed the operation to allow time for necessary pre-removal and rigging preparations.

Work on the sign began earlier in the week when crews stripped away neon tubing on Tuesday and detached the sign's upper crown on Wednesday. A crane and temporary support framing then lowered the main sign structure from its position over the pier entrance. The sign, listed on the California Register of Historical Resources, is being removed as part of a multimillion-dollar Pier Bridge Replacement Project.

Nevada-based YESCO will handle the restoration, a company known for restoring landmark neon installations including the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. The refurbishment will include repairs to neon tubing, rust removal, repainting and structural reinforcement. Once dismantled, the wrapped sign will be loaded onto transport vehicles for departure to YESCO's Las Vegas facility on Monday, 26 October.

The Independent World reports the restored sign is expected to return in 2028, whilst the New York Post states it will return in late 2027. Upon reinstallation, it will sit at a slightly higher elevation to increase vehicle clearance and improve visibility. The city emphasised that the sign is not being removed permanently or replaced, but refurbished to preserve its historic character.

How it is being reported

• Iconic Santa Monica landmark dismantled as major pier makeover gets under waySanta Monica’s most iconic sign is about to disappear from the pier.New York Post · 23 Oct, 22:16
• Last-minute delay hits dramatic removal of iconic Santa Monica Pier signThe historic blue neon Santa Monica Pier sign, which has welcomed generations of tourists since 1941, will be removed beginning TuesdayIndependent World · 23 Oct, 15:47

In this story: Santa Monica Pier · Santa Monica · YESCO · Las Vegas · California Register of Historical Resources

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