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Museum of Neon Art

Museum
In Glendale, California
3.8 mi from Route 66

The Museum of Neon Art, known as MONA, is an art museum in Glendale, CA, about 4 miles off the old road. Founded in 1981, it shows historic neon signs along with electric and kinetic art, including signs that once hung at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Brown Derby. For Route 66 fans who love the glow of old motel and diner signs, it is a natural stop near the end of the road.

What is Museum of Neon Art?

MONA is devoted to light as an art form. Its collection covers vintage neon signs as well as electric and kinetic works. The kinetic pieces move, so the galleries feel busier and brighter than a typical art museum. Two of the best-known pieces come from Hollywood landmarks: the Brown Derby restaurant and Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

The museum is more than a gallery. It runs its own studio and offers beginner classes in glass bending, the craft used to shape neon tubes. Tours and exhibitions round out the program.

History of Museum of Neon Art

The museum dates from 1981. Neon signs were once everywhere along Route 66, pulling drivers into motels and cafes after dark, and many have since been lost as businesses closed. Collections like this one help keep that part of American roadside design alive. In 2020, Corrie Siegel was named executive director.

Visiting Museum of Neon Art: tips

Plan about an hour inside. Admission is charged, so check the museum's website before you go. Restrooms and parking are available, the building is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the museum is a good fit for children who like bright colors and moving parts. For photos, turn off the flash; it washes out the glow of the tubes.

Griffith Park attractions are close by: the Autry Museum of the American West is about 1.6 miles away, the Los Angeles Zoo about 1.7 miles, and the ruins of the Griffith Park Zoo about 2.1 miles.

Practical info

Address: 216 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204
Phone: +1 818-696-2149
Website: neonmona.org
Hours: Thu–Sat 12–7 · Sun 12–5
On site & nearby

Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix

Where to eat near Museum of Neon Art

All diners →

Diner & restaurant
Musso & Frank Grill
Los Angeles, CA · 5.4 mi from Museum of Neon Art
Hollywood's oldest restaurant, operating on Hollywood Boulevard since 1919 and named for its two founders.
Diner & restaurant
Philippe's
Los Angeles, CA · 5.9 mi from Museum of Neon Art
A downtown Los Angeles restaurant running since 1908 that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich.
Diner & restaurant
Twohey's
South Pasadena, CA · 6.2 mi from Museum of Neon Art
A 1950s-style diner in South Pasadena, founded in 1943 and known for a burger called the Little Stink-O.