Los Angeles’ Chinatown passes a historic milestone this Saturday, June 28 as the Central Plaza marks its 70th anniversary.

In celebration of the event, DSR Design, Inc. and the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), have paired up to restore rooftop neon to some of the Central Plaza’s most prominent buildings.

An 8:30pm lighting ceremony will be the first time the public will see the restored neon lighting that was once lost to the years — but not forgotten by neon enthusiasts. It is unknown when and why the lighting was removed in the first place.

As part of the ceremonies, MONA has sponsored an exhibit titled Historic Chinatown Neon in Postcards at the plaza’s Hong Office Building. The exhibit brings forward a number of postcards displaying the original look of Chinatown’s iconic neon lighting.

Historic Chinatown Neon in Postcards
June 28 - November 2, 2008 (Sat and Sun only, 1:00pm-5:00pm)
Opening reception June 28, 7:00pm-9:00pm
445 Gin Ling Way Los Angeles, CA 90012
$2 admission for the general public, free for MONA members

The Chinatown Business Improvement District also joins the festivities with a throwback party to the ’30s and ’40s: a big-band swing performance with period cocktails and dancing, as well as a montage of movie clips shot in the neighborhood. “Best Costume” awards go to those who can most accurately represent the attire of the era.  It’s a good excuse to check out the neighborhood’s multiple eateries and bars.

Chinatown’s art and nightlife scenes may be booming now, but sometimes it’s good to pay homage to the vibrancy of the neighborhood’s past.

Chinatown’s Central Plaza 70th Anniversary Celebration
951 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Festivities 7:00pm-11:00pm

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