Long before the internet and social media existed, signs were one of the best ways of generating public interest for a business. Neon signs brightly proclaimed a restaurant or store’s presence, and the more eye catching they were, the better – and so they performed a function for commerce, but many were striking works of art in their own right. As this method of attracting customers faded, many of the signs were lost; the Neon Museum of Philadelphia’s goal is not only to present a striking collection of these relics, but also to offer insight into their historical and social context.

The idea for the Neon Museum of Philadelphia started with neon decorations in a tavern owned by Len Davidson. As he became more engrossed in the subject, his collection grew, and he came to view the preservation and display of these signs as an important facet of our national heritage.

It would be hard for a visitor to the museum to disagree; while the physical space the museum occupies is relatively small, the collection is a diverse and well-researched cross section of Philadelphia’s past. Visitors should come prepared not just to enjoy the signs themselves, but spend some time reading the laminated cards that detail their origins. There’s also a terrific collection of art books that visitors can peruse. Davidson’s passion for the subject is infectious, and one can’t help but marvel at the artistry with a bit of wistfulness for a time when these glowing beacons lit up the night and beckoned curious passersby.

Admission to the Neon Museum of Philadelphia is currently $10 for adults and visitors must purchase tickets ahead of time on the museum’s website: neonmuseumofphiladelphia.com/tickets