Betty Willis never copyrighted the sign, intending for it to be a gift to the city of Las Vegas.
The sign was originally located further south and was moved to its current position in the 1990s to accommodate urban growth.
The four silver dollars represented on the sign are meant to evoke the Nevada 'Silver State' nickname.
The sign was retrofitted with solar panels in 2014 to power its lighting.
It is technically located in the unincorporated town of Paradise, rather than the city of Las Vegas proper.
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is a 25-foot-tall roadside attraction located on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip. Designed by Betty Willis in 1959, the neon sign features a stylized mid-century modern aesthetic. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure consists of two upright poles supporting a diamond-shaped sign with incandescent bulbs and neon tubing. It sits in a dedicated median island that separates traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard. The sign serves as the official southern gateway to the city. It remains one of the most recognized cultural icons of 20th-century American commercial design.
The center of the pedestrian median directly in front of the sign.
Use the dedicated crosswalk and signal light to reach the median island; do not attempt to cross moving traffic.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid the longest queues for photos.
If the main line is long, consider shooting from the side angles for a unique perspective without the crowd.
Do not attempt to park on the shoulder of the main road, as this is prohibited and dangerous.
Expect a social queue where visitors take turns in front of the sign; maintain order and respect the line.
