The Neon Museum in Las Vegas has acquired the distinctive Planet Hollywood restaurant sign that rotated for decades on a column pedestal at the Caesars Palace Forum Shops and Colosseum.
The restaurant remains open, but Planet Hollywood International/Earl Enterprises donated the sign, which is being evaluated for conservation and display.
To be moved to the Neon Museum, the sign's globe had to be divided into four pieces. Photo Credit: Neon Museum
"Similar to the Hard Rock Cafe guitar, the Planet Hollywood sign is iconic given the popularity of its venue and sheer size," said Aaron Berger, Neon Museum's executive director. "Planet Hollywood was a destination for celebrities, tourist and locals to see and be seen."
The sign, installed when the restaurant opened in 1994, is made of neon, incandescent light bulbs, metal and fiberglass. The core metal structure weighs 12,000 pounds, and the fiberglass globe is about 25 feet wide. To be moved to the museum, the globe was divided into four pieces, each weighing 1,300 pounds.
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"Acquiring the Planet Hollywood sign continues to enhance 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 collection committee.
Planet Hollywood opened in the Caesars Forum Shops three years after the original restaurant opened in New York. The chain became well 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.