First published in the May 14 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
The Museum of Neon Art will launch its new season of Neon Cruises starting Saturday, May 14.
MONA invites audiences to board the open-air top of a double-decker bus to get an “intimate view” of historic neon signs and permanent installations of contemporary neon art through downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. The live, narrated tour departs from downtown L.A. and points out neon’s historic and aesthetic dimensions, placing them firmly within the context of 20th century L.A. cultural history.
From the classic movie marquees of downtown L.A.’s theater district to the glittering lights of Hollywood and the glowing pagodas of Chinatown, guests will see innovative electrical advertising as well as outstanding examples of contemporary art on this award-winning tour, according to the museum.
Part historic tour, part stand-up comedy and fully a love letter to Los Angeles, this tour is “crafted for locals who may have missed parts of L.A. history hidden in plain sight,” as well as tourists who want an offbeat insider’s look at what makes this complex city glow. Tours will be led by longtime guide Eric Lynxwiler.
“Getting up close and personal with the most iconic neon in Los Angeles is an extraordinary way to immerse yourself in the city’s complex cultural history,” MONA Director of Education Ben Weber said in a statement. “Each display of dazzling lights comes with Eric’s fascinating stories of the entrepreneurs, artists, entertainers and community leaders who have shaped the built and social landscape of Los Angeles over the past century. There’s no better way to learn about L.A.”
Lynxwiler, who has been leading the cruises for the past 22 years, is an urban anthropologist and author of “Wilshire Boulevard: Grand Concourse of Los Angeles,” “Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm” and “Signs of Life: Los Angeles Is the City of Neon.”
“Eric Lynxwiler has changed the way I see Los Angeles, as well as my image of what a historic tour can be,” said MONA Executive Director Corrie Siegel. “MONA’s Neon Cruises are playful, informative, dynamic and full of unexpected surprises, it’s no wonder that many take the tour numerous times.”
MONA’s Classic Neon Cruises are scheduled for the following dates, all running from 7-10:30 p.m.:
• Saturday, May 14
• Saturday, May 28
• Saturday, June 4
• Saturday, June 25
• Saturday, July 9
• Saturday, Aug. 6
• Saturday, Aug. 20
• Saturday, Sept. 3
• Saturday, Sept. 17
• Sunday, Sept. 18
Tickets for general audiences are $65. Tickets for MONA members are $55. To purchase tickets, visit store.neonmona.org/collections/neon-cruises.
