Not too long ago I also stumbled upon the Museum of Neon Art storage unit. This warehouse is currently home to hundreds of old and new neon signs from all over California. As I walked through I noticed tucked in the back was the one and only Grauman's Chinese Theater sign.
Before the sign was added
Pictures courtesy of The LA Times Past
Grauman's Chinese Theater opened in 1927 but the neon dragon signs were not added until 1958. The signs were torn down in 2001 as a plan to restore the theater to it's original facade. One of the dragon signs was left outdoors to rot and the other sign went temporarily missing! The signs are now at the MONA. It was really special to see a bit of history, and even more fun when you least expect it. The director of the MONA, Kim Koga, told me that they are hoping to restore the sign and had recently been receiving phone calls from some "very important people" who she is thinking might help with the restoration, since it will cost thousands of dollars due to their condition. We shall see! If you would like to visit this amazing space (which also houses the original Brown Derby neon light hat) you must check it out! You can even take an 8 week class to become a "bender" or as we know it, a person who makes neon signs. The museum's physical building will be in Glendale with hopes to open soon.
Check out more at: www.neonmona.org and read up here for an article I found in the Glendale News Press.
www.pomonapackingplant.com
Check out more at: www.neonmona.org and read up here for an article I found in the Glendale News Press.
www.pomonapackingplant.com
1 comment:
The signs were definitely the best part of the evening!!! I liked the "Howdy Folks" Frog the best! We always have so much fun with you guys!
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