Museum of Neon Art

Neon signs brighten up a city, but they also have cultural and historical significance. Learn about these glow-in-the-dark works of art at the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), where you’ll find vintage neon signs and artwork. “Kids are pretty fascinated by neon. The lights are flashing and
blinking. They’re very colorful,” says Kim Koga, director. Since the museum is in a temporary site and will move to a permanent location in a year or two, its entire collection is not on display. However, there’s still plenty to see and do. On the second Thursday of each month, free demonstrations show how gases and flame are used to bend tubing into neon shapes. MONA also operates three-hour Neon Cruises on a doubledecker bus on Saturdays June - October. The tours, $55 per person, visit neon sites in downtown L.A., Hollywood and the Wilshire District. “You’ll learn everything you want to know about neon in L.A.,” says Koga. The museum is open by appointment from noon-6 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 136 W. Fourth Street, L.A., 213-489-9918, www.neonmona.org. $7 adults, $5 students 13-22 with I.D., $3 ages 5-12 and free for kids under 5.

Source: LA Parent Sept. 2009