Las Vegas once looked like this:

Over the years, as newer competitors moved in, many of the old-school casinos were decommissioned, their signs torn down.

Thankfully, not all of the signs went into landfill. A variety of individuals and corporations couldn't quite bring themselves to trash the signs, and found places to tuck them away. And in 1996, a nonprofit called the Neon Museum was founded. The organization has tracked down and acquired as many old Las Vegas signs as they could find, and has set them up for display in a multi-part Neon Boneyard. The organization is "dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment."

"Dedicated individuals from the private sector, as well as corporate and government entities, worked collaboratively to promote the preservation of these national treasures as significant pieces of artistic and historical importance."

"In addition, The Neon Museum collection chronicles changes and trends in sign design and technology through pieces ranging from the 1930s to the present day."

Visitors can tour the collection as well as rent a portion of the Boneyard for events, photo shoots, educational programs and (of course) weddings. You can learn more here.