Conservation, Restoration and Preservation: Keeping the Mid-20th Century Visible
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Conservation: The act of protecting and preserving resources
Restoration: The process of returning something to a former, original, or unimpaired condition
Preservation: The act of keeping something valuable (like historic places, natural resources, or cultural artifacts) safe from harm, decay, or destruction
Conserving neon signs and mid-century architecture is not just about nostalgia, it means protecting an era that captured a time of optimism, innovation, and strong urban character. Neon signs once lit up main streets and highways, guiding people and shaping nightlife. Mid-century buildings highlighted bold ideas with clean lines, new materials, and a focus on people. By preserving these features, we retain a physical link to the cultural, social, and economic history of the mid-1900s. This helps cities keep their unique personality instead of all looking the same.
Restoration is key to keeping these icons both alive and working. For neon signs, skilled artisans bend glass tubes, fix transformers, and match the original colors and animations using time-tested methods. Restoring mid-century buildings also requires careful research into old plans, materials, and construction methods. This might include refinishing terrazzo floors, repairing steel window frames, or retaining the feel of the original façades. Good restoration finds a balance between staying true to history and meeting today’s safety and energy needs, so these places can still be used without losing their past.
Preservation, ultimately, is a forward-looking act. By protecting neon signs and mid-century buildings, communities invest in sustainable reuse rather than demolition, reducing waste and honoring craftsmanship that is increasingly rare. These preserved landmarks can anchor revitalized neighborhoods, inspire contemporary designers, and educate future generations about the values and aesthetics of a transformative period. In safeguarding these glowing signs and iconic structures, we preserve not just physical objects, but the spirit of creativity and progress that shaped modern urban life.
Over the years, we have experienced neon signs disappearing, being covered or changed out for plastic and LED lights.
The reasons are simple:
Cost of maintenance or repair.
Not “modern” looking.
Out of business or name change.
Businesses who feel the need to replace their original neon sign should investigate donating them to museums.
And as with neon signs, mid-century buildings are being replaced with larger, “modern” looking and updated structures. The good thing with many MCM buildings is that they are protected by cities, neighborhoods and preservation organizations.
Palm Springs, an international destination for mid-century enthusiasts, is committed to preserving its architectural history. However, even with this dedication, buildings that fall outside the jurisdiction of the city and the Preservation Foundation, are replaced with contemporary, and architecturally bland structures.
The following is a very short and by no means complete list of non-profit organizations committed to Conservation, Restoration and Preservation.
Neon Signage:
The Neon Museum, Las Vegas, NV
YESCO Conservation Fund at the Neon Museum, Las Vegas, NV
Museum of Neon Art, Glendale, CA
American Sign Museum, Cincinnati, OH
Mid-Century Modern Architecture:
Modernism Week, Palm Springs, CA
PS ModCom, Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, Palm Springs, CA
California Preservation Foundation, San Francisco, CA
Arizona Preservation Foundation, Phoenix, AZ
Sacramento Modern, Sacramento, CA
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