Neon signs have long symbolized creativity, nightlife, and modern art. But have you ever wondered — when were neon signs invented, and how did they become so iconic?
The invention of the neon sign wasn’t an overnight miracle. It was the result of centuries of scientific exploration, brilliant discoveries, and industrial innovation that turned glowing gases into “liquid fire.”
Let’s explore how neon evolved with Neon Beer Signs — from lab experiments in the 1600s to the bright signs we see in Times Square and Las Vegas today.
Key Takeaways
- Neon signs were first invented in 1910 by Georges Claude, turning scientific discovery into a global design revolution that lit up cities for decades.
- From Paris to Las Vegas, neon became the symbol of progress, creativity, and modern advertising during its golden age in the mid-20th century.
- Though LED technology replaced much of traditional neon, its handcrafted artistry and nostalgic glow continue to inspire today’s designers and collectors.
- Modern neon’s comeback blends vintage charm with contemporary innovation — from boutique interiors to digital-age branding.
- And yet, one mystery remains: why does the timeless glow of real neon still captivate us more than any modern light?
1. The Origins of Neon Gas
Before the first neon sign lit up the night, scientists were already experimenting with rare gases and electrical discharges. The roots of neon lighting trace back to the late 19th century, when British chemists Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers discovered neon in 1898 while isolating elements from liquefied air. When they placed the gas in a discharge tube, it emitted a brilliant red-orange glow — a visual phenomenon that immediately fascinated researchers.
Sir William Ramsay and Morris W. Travers
Ramsay and Travers described the sight as unforgettable: “The blaze of crimson light from the tube told its own story and was a sight to dwell upon and never forget.” However, at that time, neon was a scientific curiosity — beautiful but impractical for large-scale use. The breakthrough that turned it into a commercial marvel came just a decade later.
2. Georges Claude and the Birth of the Neon Sign
Georges Claude (24 September 1870 – 23 May 1960)
The man credited with transforming neon from a laboratory wonder into a commercial lighting revolution was Georges Claude, a French engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur. In December 1910, Claude unveiled the world’s first neon light display at the Paris Motor Show, showcasing two 12-meter tubes filled with neon gas that glowed with an intense red hue.
Claude’s innovation lay not only in the gas itself but in the technology surrounding it. He developed a “bombardment” process to remove impurities from the tubes and designed electrodes that could withstand prolonged electrical discharge — key improvements that made neon lighting practical and durable.
By 1912, Claude and his company, Claude Neon, began producing neon signs commercially. The first large installation was a luminous advertisement for Cinzano vermouth, followed by a glowing sign at the Paris Opera House in 1919. These early displays captivated audiences with their vivid brightness and sleek modern aesthetic.
3. Neon Sign Arrives in America
The first neon sign in America – Packard Motors, Los Angeles, California, in 1923.
The first neon sign in America – Packard Motors, Los Angeles, California, in 1923 Neon’s international fame soared when Georges Claude introduced it to the United States in 1923. That year, he sold two signs reading “Packard” to Earle C. Anthony, a Los Angeles car dealer, for the then-staggering price of $1,250 each. These glowing red signs caused such a sensation that people stopped traffic just to marvel at the “liquid fire” letters illuminating the night.
By the 1930s, neon signs had become synonymous with American advertising and entertainment culture. From Times Square in New York City to Las Vegas Boulevard, neon transformed commercial signage into an art form. At its peak, there were nearly 2,000 neon sign workshops across the United States producing custom designs for theaters, restaurants, hotels, and bars.
4. The Golden Age of Neon
From the 1920s through the 1950s, neon ruled the urban landscape. The signs were bright, colorful, and endlessly customizable. Designers could bend glass tubes into almost any shape — letters, figures, and even animated sequences — giving businesses a new way to stand out.
Neon also became a symbol of progress and modernity. During the post-war boom, glowing advertisements reflected optimism, creativity, and innovation. In cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Hong Kong, neon signs became cultural landmarks, defining the nighttime skyline.
The color palette expanded dramatically during this era thanks to the development of phosphor coatings that converted ultraviolet light into a wide range of hues. By the 1960s, there were nearly 100 available neon colors, ranging from electric blues to warm pinks and greens.
5. How The Neon Signs Are Crafted?
The creation of a neon sign is both a science and an art. The process begins with bending glass tubes into the desired shapes using intense heat. Each tube is then evacuated of air and filled with a specific gas — typically neon for red light or argon mixed with mercury for blue tones. Other colors are achieved through fluorescent coatings applied inside the tubes.
Electrodes are attached at both ends, and the tubes are sealed to prevent leaks. Once electrified, the gas glows, creating the iconic neon effect. Skilled artisans known as tube benders play a critical role in shaping and assembling each sign, blending craftsmanship with chemistry.
Read more: How Neon Signs Are Made and Why They’ll Never Go Out of Style?
6. The Decline of Traditional Neon
By the late 20th century, traditional neon began to fade from dominance. The rise of LED technology offered a cheaper, more energy-efficient alternative that required less maintenance. By 2010, LED signs accounted for nearly 40% of illuminated signage, while traditional neon dropped to below 20%.
Cities once defined by their neon skylines, such as Tokyo and Hong Kong, began replacing older installations with LED replicas. Some critics argued that this shift diluted the artistry and warmth of genuine neon, which emits a distinct, organic glow that LEDs struggle to replicate.
Nevertheless, preservation efforts have emerged to protect vintage neon signs as part of cultural heritage. Organizations and museums now restore and display classic neon artworks, ensuring the craft’s legacy endures.
7. Neon in Modern Design and Culture
Despite its decline in mainstream advertising, neon remains deeply influential in design, art, and pop culture. Artists use neon lighting to explore themes of identity, nostalgia, and modernity. Architects incorporate neon for retro-inspired aesthetics in bars, cafes, and boutique hotels.
Modern neon is also evolving with LED neon flex, a flexible, energy-efficient material that mimics traditional neon’s appearance while allowing for greater creative freedom. These modern solutions are ideal for custom wall art, event decor, and brand signage — combining classic glow with contemporary convenience.
The emotional connection to neon’s glow has also fueled its resurgence on social media and in interior design trends, where neon signs serve as backdrops for photography, branding, and personal expression. In short, neon never truly disappeared — it simply adapted.
8. Key Milestones in Neon Sign History
| Year | Event |
| 1898 | Discovery of neon gas by Ramsay and Travers |
| 1910 | Georges Claude demonstrates first neon lamp in Paris |
| 1912 | First commercial neon sign (Cinzano) |
| 1923 | First neon signs sold in the U.S. (Packard dealership) |
| 1930s–1950s | Golden Age of neon advertising |
| 1960s | Expansion of phosphor coatings → more colors |
| 2000s | LED technology begins replacing neon |
| 2020s | Neon revival in art, interior design, and branding |
Why Are Neon Signs Still Popular Today?
Today, Neon signs are more than vintage lighting; they represent creativity, craftsmanship, and human connection to light and color. Each piece tells a story — not just of a business, but of an era when cities glowed with character and optimism.
Even in today’s high-tech world, the unique visual and emotional warmth of real neon continues to attract designers, collectors, and brands seeking authenticity. Whether used in retro diners, luxury storefronts, or modern art galleries, neon remains a timeless form of luminous expression.
FAQs
1. Who invented the neon sign?
Georges Claude, a French engineer, is credited with inventing the first practical neon lamp and commercializing neon signage in 1910.
2. When were neon signs first used commercially?
The first commercial neon signs appeared in Paris in 1912, with a major installation for the Cinzano brand.
3. What gas is used in neon signs?
Pure neon gas produces red light. Other colors are created using gases like argon or mercury, often combined with phosphor coatings.
4. Why did neon signs decline?
Neon’s decline began with the rise of LED technology, which offered lower energy use, easier installation, and longer lifespan.
5. Are neon signs still used today?
Yes — both traditional and LED-based neon signs are popular in retail, hospitality, and home decor for their nostalgic glow and design flexibility.
Wrapping It Up
Now you know when neon signs were invented — in 1910, when Georges Claude transformed glowing gas into a global design revolution. Since then, neon has done more than light up cities; it has defined eras, inspired art, and become a timeless icon of creativity.
While LEDs may rule modern signage, authentic neon still burns brighter in spirit — a handcrafted glow that captures nostalgia, passion, and artistry like nothing else.
From Paris to Las Vegas, each neon sign tells a story of innovation and imagination that continues to shine through generations. Want to bring that iconic glow to your own space? Discover the magic of handcrafted brilliance with Neon Beer Signs — your trusted source for vibrant, custom-made neon creations.
Shop Neon Beer Signs today and light up your story.