The Neon Museum in Las Vegas acquired the distinctive Planet Hollywood restaurant sign, which rotated for decades on a pedestal in the Caesars Palace Forum Shops and the Coliseum.
The restaurant remains open, but Planet Hollywood International / Earl Enterprises donated the sign, which is currently under review for preservation and display.
To get to the Neon Museum, the shield’s globe had to be divided into four parts. Photo credit: Neon Museum
“Much like the Hard Rock Cafe guitar, the Planet Hollywood sign is iconic because of the popularity of its venue and its sheer size,” said Aaron Berger, executive director of the Neon Museum. “Planet Hollywood was a destination for celebrities, tourists, and locals to see and be seen.”
The sign that was installed when the restaurant opened in 1994 is made of neon, lightbulbs, metal and fiberglass. The core metal structure weighs 12,000 pounds and the fiberglass ball is approximately 25 feet wide. To be taken to the museum, the globe was divided into four parts, each weighing 1,300 pounds.
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“The acquisition of the Planet Hollywood sign continues to add to the amazing collection of signs that trace the history and pop culture of Las Vegas,” said Roger Thomas, a member of the Neon Museum’s collections committee.
Planet Hollywood opened in the Caesars Forum Shops three years after the original New York restaurant opened. The chain became known for its movie and television memorabilia.
The Las Vegas location is one of only seven remaining Planet Hollywood restaurants. The nearby Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino does not have a Planet Hollywood restaurant.
