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The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is nearing completion on its new space inside the Hellman Building at 4th and Main. MONA was shuttered after its lease expired at South Park’s Renaissance Tower in 2006 and was unable to find a suitable location for its large collection of historic neon signs.

Since the museum has secured its new home in the Old Bank District, there’s buzz building around the three-part Soda Pop exhibition that’s set for a public debut on April 3.

An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 12.

Three Shows in One

From the collection of Mario Pancino comes a number of modern and historic neon signs with big product names like Coca-Cola and 7-Up in addition to lesser-known brands. Pancino, who has had a hand in designing never-before-seen experimental signs, will display some of those creations in this exhibit.

According to MONA’s director, Kim Koga, these neon soda pop signs were intentionally designed in cool colors to create the craving for an ice-cold drink.

Photographer Tom Zimmerman, whose black-and-white photos have captured the history of Downtown Los Angeles, will be showing his stills of faded soda pop ghost signs. The historic signs are a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era in advertising throughout the nation.

Furthermore, the museum’s group exhibit contains a few pieces related to soda pop, only by chance — the crowd standout of which is described as illuminated effervescence in glass.

“Nobody knows how it does what it does, but it does it,” explains a giddy Koga.

Ups and Downs

MONA’s new 16-foot-high ceilings are perfect for showcasing the oversized pieces it’s famous for. Unfortunately, access into the space is severely limited due to the building’s historic nature.

Therefore, several of the largest signs that have been donated over the past year are being held in an off-site warehouse or larger exhibit space elsewhere. Some of these are the highly-recognizable 76 ball and others from Studio City Camera and the Brown Derby.

With its bright and varied collection of neon signs that once graced the boulevards of Los Angeles and beyond, MONA is an exciting addition to the already vibrant street scene of the Old Bank District.

Thousands of passersby will be exposed to the nostalgic pieces that so fundamentally shaped our city’s unique character during a time of explosive growth. With the onset of car culture and auto-oriented development — popularized by the bold buildings and bright signs of Wilshire Boulevard — neon played a particularly significant role in Los Angeles during this period.

Museum of Neon Art (MONA)
136 W 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-489-9918
 neonmona.org

Opening to the public April 3
Opening reception April 12, 7:00 to 10:00pm
Free to MONA members, $10 admission for all others

Don’t Forget the Neon Cruise

MONA is also behind the popular Neon Cruise, a journey through the streets of historic Los Angeles that gives insight to our city’s many charming and quirky neon icons. From Downtown’s Broadway to the Miracle Mile and Hollywood, the three areas are all experiencing a revival — which means good things for the color glowing beacons.

Riders travel with style, sipping wine in one of LA’s few double-decker buses. The cost is steep but worth it - $45 for MONA members and $55 for all others. Dress warmly or bring a blanket!

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4. brief display of colorful historic core neon