Background

Ignite Sign Art Museum: A Neon Time Capsule

Experience a vibrant collection of vintage neon signs at Tucson's Ignite Sign Art Museum, preserving Arizona's history, one sign at a time.

4.9

The Ignite Sign Art Museum in Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant celebration of vintage signage. Founded by Jude Cook, a passionate sign maker and collector, the museum showcases a dazzling array of restored neon, electric, and hand-painted signs, preserving the cultural and commercial history of Tucson and the surrounding region.

A brief summary to Ignite Sign Art Museum

Local tips

  • Visit on a Saturday to watch the neon restoration team at work and see how these iconic signs are brought back to life.
  • Check out Argon Alley, a recreated streetscape featuring vintage storefronts and neon signs from Tucson's past.
  • If you're sensitive to flashing lights, be aware that some displays have them.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are staying nearby, head south toward E 29th Street. Turn left onto E 29th Street, then turn right onto S Olsen Avenue. The Ignite Sign Art Museum will be on your right at 331 S Olsen Ave. This walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20-25 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Sun Tran bus route #6 to the 'Alvernon & 22nd Street' stop. Transfer to bus route #5 towards '1st Avenue & 22nd Street'. Get off at the '1st Ave & 22nd St' stop. Walk south on 1st Avenue for about 0.5 miles. Turn left onto E 29th Street, then immediately turn right onto S Olsen Avenue. The Ignite Sign Art Museum will be on your right at 331 S Olsen Ave. A single bus fare is $1.75.

  • Ride-Sharing

    Use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. Input 'Ignite Sign Art Museum' or the address '331 S Olsen Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719' as your destination. Depending on traffic, your ride should take about 10-15 minutes from most locations in Tucson. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a short trip.

  • Car

    If driving, use a GPS or map application with the address 331 S Olsen Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719. Ignite Sign Art Museum has parking along the south side of the building, and there's also street parking. Parking is free. There are also handicap parking spaces on the south side of the building.

Unlock the Best of Ignite Sign Art Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Ignite Sign Art Museum

Step into a glowing time capsule at the Ignite Sign Art Museum, a unique Tucson attraction dedicated to preserving the artistry and history of vintage signs. Founded by local sign maker Jude Cook, the museum began as a personal collection of rescued signs, growing over four decades into a vibrant display of Americana. Inside, you'll find a diverse collection of neon, electric, and hand-painted signs, each with its own story to tell. From local mom-and-pop grocery stores to iconic brand symbols like a rescued 76 gas station ball and an enormous Arby's hat, the museum offers an eclectic and unexpected assortment. Many signs are from businesses and establishments that have been part of Tucson's history for decades. Visiting Ignite is more than just a visual experience. On Saturdays, visitors can watch neon restorers at work, bringing old signs back to life. The museum also features Argon Alley, a recreated streetscape with storefronts from long-gone Tucson businesses, complete with their original neon signs. Ignite Sign Art Museum serves as a testament to the importance of signage not only as commercial markers but also as artistic and cultural artifacts.

Popular Experiences near Ignite Sign Art Museum

Popular Hotels near Ignite Sign Art Museum

Select Currency