Community
Santa Monica Pier sign comes down for historic restoration
Crews are dismantling the 1941 neon landmark in sections before sending it to Las Vegas for repairs during the Pier Bridge replacement.
The Santa Monica Pier's blue neon entrance sign is being removed for a full restoration while construction continues on the bridge beneath it, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported October 20. The sign is being refurbished rather than replaced and is expected to return to the new bridge.
Removal schedule: Neon on October 20, crown on October 21 and main sign on October 22
Restoration: Neon repair, rust treatment, repainting and structural work
Pier access: The Pier, its businesses and attractions remain open
A landmark preserved during construction
The City of Santa Monica said YESCO will wrap the dismantled sections and transport them to the company's secure Las Vegas facility beginning October 26. The sign will remain there while the Pier Bridge replacement proceeds.
When the sign returns, it will sit slightly higher to improve visibility and vehicle clearance. A temporary half-scale replica near Pier Burger will give visitors a photo location during construction. The city says the larger bridge project is scheduled for completion by 2028, ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The original sign has welcomed visitors since 1941 and is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources.
Original reporting and official project details: Read the Santa Monica Daily Press report → · Read the City of Santa Monica release →