The Neon Museum Receives Famed Planet Hollywood Sign

Adults who came of age in the 1990s will remember fondly the iconic Planet Hollywood sign. And now, that sign can be seen at The Neon Museum in Las Vegas — the museum recently acquired the restaurant sign that originally rotated upon an iconic column pedestal in front of Caesars Palace Forum Shops and Colosseum. Planet Hollywood International/Earl Enterprises donated the sign, currently being assessed for conservation and display plans.

The sign, originally installed in 1994, is made from a variety of materials, including neon, incandescent lightbulbs, metal and fiberglass. The core metal structure weighs 12,000 pounds, and the fiberglass globe is about 25 feet in diameter. To make the move to the museum, the globe was dissected into four pieces that weighed 1,300 pounds each.

“Similar to the Hard Rock Café guitar, the Planet Hollywood sign is iconic given the popularity of its venue and sheer size,” said Aaron Berger, executive director, The Neon Museum. “Planet Hollywood was a destination for celebrities, tourists, and locals to see and be seen. I am excited to hear the stories of those who attended its legendary opening and ate at the celebrated restaurant.”

The Las Vegas outpost of Planet Hollywood Restaurant opened in 1994, three years after the original New York location. The restaurant chain was best known for movie and television memorabilia, and was owned by Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Las Vegas restaurant was the 14^th to debut, and today seven remain.

“Acquiring the Planet Hollywood sign continues to enhance the amazing collection of signs that trace the history and pop culture of Las Vegas” said Roger Thomas, member of The Neon Museum’s collection committee. “Both the museum staff and collections committee are honored to have received this iconic sign that will now be carefully reviewed to determine how best to display it.”