LAS VEGAS, NV – Following months of restoration, The Neon Museum re-illuminated the iconic Palms Casino Resort sign, which first debuted in November 2001. The restoration was made possible by a grant from The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority.
“It’s our pleasure to partner with The Neon Museum for this monumental restoration,” said Cynthia Kiser Murphey, Palms General Manager. “We love to embrace the history and nostalgia of our great city, Las Vegas. The fact that the Palms sign will be on display for thousands upon thousands of guests to enjoy is a proud moment of team members and our leadership. The Neon Museum is always on my list of must-see attractions in Las Vegas and now even more so.”
As part of the grant from San Manuel, The Neon Museum also unveiled a new panel describing the history, presence, and impact of Nevada’s first peoples – appropriately timed with recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November.
“Nevada is rich in Indigenous culture,” said Latisha Prieto, Chairperson of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority. “Our San Manuel Tribe from California are visitors in the lands of the Nevada Native Americans that came before us. We are pleased that tribal history is included as part of this restoration and presented as an educational opportunity.”
This piece of Palms signage came from an early 2000’s billboard advertisement after the property debuted in November 2001. The sign was originally located two blocks east of the resort’s location and was acquired by The Neon Museum in 2013. In 2021, the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority, a legal entity of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians from Highland, CA, made history, becoming the first Native American tribe to wholly own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas when the tribe completed the purchase of Palms Casino Resort.
“The relighting of the Palms sign not only celebrates an iconic Las Vegas property, but the grant also provided a gateway into discussions of the Indigenous peoples of southern Nevada,” said Aaron Berger, The Neon Museum’s Executive Director. “As the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority is the first tribal entity to own and operate a casino resort in Las Vegas, we can now add the contributions of Native Americans to the undertold stories of the Valley and educate our visitors in thoughtful new ways.”
The relit sign was unveiled during a ceremony at The Neon Museum and included remarks from Prieto, Murphey and Berger.