LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — One of Southern California’s most iconic landmarks is packing up and heading to Las Vegas for a neon makeover.
City of Santa Monica officials recently announced that the historic Santa Monica Pier sign will be temporarily removed for restoration and preservation during the Pier Bridge replacement.
The sign, welcoming guests at the pier since 1941, is slated to be dismantled in mid to late September and shipped to Las Vegas, where sign fabricator YESCO will oversee its refurbishment.
Officials emphasize the removal is not permanent. Instead, the well-deserved makeover will preserve its historic character for decades to come, with the sign returning to its rightful home when bridge construction wraps in late 2027.
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According to the city, the project, which broke ground in 2025, will upgrade the 86-year-old Pier Bridge to modern seismic and safety standards, giving it a 75-year lifespan. The revamp will also widen sidewalks for pedestrian access and reconfigure pier deck walkways to ease foot traffic.
City officials add that a temporary half-scale replica has been installed during construction to ensure visitors don’t miss out on taking a picture with the notable landmark.
The provisional sign, which lights up at night, is located near the bridge just before Pier Burger to the left, providing a beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Park roller coaster and shoreline.
The pier is slated to be ready well before the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
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