Pieces of Tropicana to be restored, preserved at Neon Museum

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Following the Tropicana Implosion pieces of the iconic resort hotel will now be preserved at Las Vegas’ very own Neon Museum. The restoration process is special because it brings those pieces back to life.

That’s where people like Jesse Hartlauer, owner of “Hartlauer signs” step in. Having restored hundreds of neon signs across the Strip and downtown, many are now showcased at the Neon Museum’s boneyard.

“Vegas is a city that constantly builds up and blows up,” Aaron Berger, Executive Director of the Neon Museum Las Vegas said.

“When we are talking about restoring signs that have been on the strip for years there’s so much that goes into it. You have to think about the age of the signs and what type conditions it’s gone through over the years. It can rust and the wire tends to get brittle,” Hartlauer said.

Following the Tropicana Implosion pieces of the iconic resort hotel will now be preserved at Las Vegas’ very own Neon Museum. What makes the preservation so special is the restoration process to bring these pieces back to life. (KLAS)

Having worked on signage like the Tropicana, Hartlauer said each project requires a different level of expertise; some easier than others.

“I worked on a Tropicana sign that we brought back to life from 1976, and as you can see, it still has the original neon on there,” Hartlauer added.

Executive Director, Aaron Berger is excited for what’s to come this year because the Neon Museum received several pieces of history. Many of those pieces are still in storage for safekeeping until The Neon Museum moves to its bigger venue in the Arts District in a couple of years.

“We have the Mirage sign from the center of the volcano and one of the igniters from inside the volcano as well in addition, we obtained the Mirage archway and it’s currently in storage,” Berger said.