That iconic blue neon sign that’s greeted visitors to the Santa Monica Pier since 1941 is temporarily taking a road trip. City officials announced Monday that the landmark will begin coming down this Tuesday for restoration work, not in some quiet workshop down the street, but at a specialized facility in Las Vegas.
This isn't just a spontaneous adventure for the sign; its removal is a key part of a broader project to replace the aging bridge that connects Ocean Avenue to the pier. The sign itself, recognized for its cultural significance, is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources. It’s expected to make its grand return to the pier entrance by 2028, precisely when the new bridge is slated for completion.
Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis acknowledged the sign's deep connection to the area, stating that "few sights are as instantly recognizable" as the pier sign, and that generations have memories tied to it. She emphasized that this careful refurbishment will preserve its history and ensure it can continue to welcome people for decades to come. Meanwhile, a temporary sign will stand in its place to capture those quintessential pier moments.
The intricate task of dismantling and restoring the sign has been entrusted to YESCO, a company with a particular pedigree in neon. City officials noted YESCO’s experience includes maintaining and restoring the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, so this isn't their first rodeo with a major landmark.
Workers will carefully use a crane and temporary support structures to take the sign apart in sections over several days. The delicate neon tubing is scheduled for removal on Tuesday. Following that, crews plan to remove the sign’s upper crown on Wednesday, with the main portion coming down on Thursday.
For those interested in watching a piece of local history in motion, two public viewing areas have been designated: the southern edge of Palisades Park and the northeast side of the pier entrance at Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue. The removal work is scheduled from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Drivers should be aware that one lane of Ocean Avenue near the pier entrance will be closed during these working hours. While Wednesday and Thursday forecast rain, city officials stated that work is expected to continue unless conditions like lightning or significantly reduced visibility make the operation unsafe.
Once dismantled, the sign will be carefully wrapped and loaded onto transport vehicles. Its journey to YESCO’s Las Vegas facility is expected to begin the following Monday, October 26. There, it will undergo extensive work, including repairing neon tubing, removing rust, repainting the sign and its supporting components, and completing structural repairs, all while meticulously preserving its historic features.
During the bridge construction, the sign will remain in storage at the Las Vegas facility. But fear not, the pier won't be entirely without its iconic photo op. A temporary, half-scale replica has already been installed. You can find it on the left side of the pier, just before Pier Burger, offering views of the Pacific Park roller coaster and the Santa Monica shoreline.
The overarching Pier Bridge Replacement Project is designed to improve the safety, accessibility, and long-term reliability of the connection to the pier, all while maintaining access to its businesses and attractions. Its completion in 2028 is timely, aligning with the Olympic and Paralympic Games set to take place in Los Angeles. Once the new bridge is finished, the restored sign will be reinstalled at a slightly higher elevation than before, a tweak intended to improve its visibility and provide additional clearance for vehicles.
