LUMENS Project/LA Theatre

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Museum of Neon Art
LUMENS Project (Los Angeles Theatre)
2003

Project Area: CBD/Historic Core
Project: Relighting of Historic Neon on Los Angeles Theatre
Project Location: 615 S. Broadway
Project Type: Cultural Trust Fund

Description:

Situated between two unassuming buildings in the Historic Theatre District on Broadway Street, The Los Angeles Theatre’s looming and dignified façade peers out onto the busy street of Broadway. Nearby the corner of Broadway and 6th, this theater was designed by S. Charles Lee in 1931 and was the last movie palace built on Broadway. The theatre was completed in time for the premiere of Charlie Chaplin’s "City Lights." Its sumptuous architecture abounds with baroque details alluding to the grandeur of Versailles. Four colossal columns flank the central alcove at the heart of the structure. At night, the rich architectural ornaments encrusting the façade take a back seat to the soft glowing display of its neon marquees refurbished under the LUMENS project overseen by the Museum of Neon Art.

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Artist Profiles

The LUMENS Project (Living Urban Museum of Electric and Neon Signs) was created in partnership with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs in an effort to rescue and restore neon signs within Los Angeles County. More than 130 neon signs dating from the 1920s to the 1940s were restored thanks to the help of LUMENS.
The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) was founded to exhibit fine art in electric and kinetic media; to document, preserve, restore, and collect outstanding examples of neon signs; and to educate the public about the cultural, historical, aesthetic, and technical aspects of electric art. MONA acts as a forum and catalyst for persons interested in exploring, enjoying, and producing artwork that uses light and/or motion as its expressive language. Since 1985, the museum has hosted the MONA Neon Cruise, a nighttime bus tour of neon signs, movie marquees, and permanent installations of contemporary neon art in Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood. The Museum of Neon Art is currently seeking a permanent home and has loaned some of its collection for traveling exhibits.