Santa Monica Removed Historic Pier Neon Sign
The city has taken down the 1941 neon sign to begin a multi-year restoration process.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Officials in Santa Monica have removed the iconic Santa Monica Pier neon sign for a comprehensive restoration project. The sign will remain off-site while construction continues on the local Pier Bridge.
Why it matters
The removal marks the start of a preservation effort for a landmark that has served as a gateway to the pier since 1941. The city aims to integrate the restored sign back into the area following the completion of broader infrastructure upgrades.
The sign was originally installed in 1941, representing a long history of neon signage in the region dating back to the first Los Angeles install in 1923. The restoration project involves a specialized team of 20 people tasked with preserving the structure.
The players
Santa Monica Pier
This landmark serves as a major tourist destination and a historic gateway for the city of Santa Monica.
YESCO
This company is the contractor responsible for the structural repairs and restoration of the neon sign.
Signmakers L.A.
This 20-person team specializes in restoring historic neon marquees across the Los Angeles area.
The details
Contracted experts at YESCO will conduct the restoration, which includes removing rust and rewiring the sign's structural components to ensure long-term stability. The process mirrors the meticulous techniques used by local professionals, such as Signmakers L.A., who utilize heated glass tubes to reshape and restore classic marquee components.
Timeline
1941: The original neon sign was first installed at the pier.
Late 2027: Construction of the Pier Bridge and the sign restoration are expected to conclude.
Market Landscape
This restoration project follows a regional trend of preserving historic neon signage, similar to previous work done on the Rialto Theatre and Kirk Douglas Theatre marquees. These efforts maintain the architectural heritage of the Los Angeles area amidst ongoing urban infrastructure updates.
Residents and visitors will not see the neon sign lit at the pier entrance for the duration of the bridge construction project. The restoration ensures the landmark remains a permanent fixture for the public long after the current infrastructure work concludes.
The takeaway
Preserving historic signage requires specialized craftsmanship that balances modern structural safety with original aesthetic design. Protecting these landmarks ensures that local history remains visible to future generations of visitors.
What happens next
The city of Santa Monica plans to reinstall the restored sign once construction on the Pier Bridge is finalized in late 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on local landmarks, visit Santa Monica Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Magazine.
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