Neon Museum in Warsaw:
an unusual and beautiful place
If you didn’t know or didn’t guess, now you’ll know for sure – Warsaw is the city of neon signs. It may not be so obvious nowadays, due to the abundance of outdoor advertising, but back in the middle of the last century Warsaw was literally glowing from neon. Warsaw has an entire museum dedicated to the capital’s neon signs – Muzeum Neonów. It is located in the Praga district (in the Soho Factory complex), exact address: ul. Minska 25.
Before you start going through the exposition, you will be offered to see a historical stand, which will tell you the whole history of neon Warsaw, which is about to be 100 years old already. The first neon sign was an advertisement for Haberbusch i Schiele beer in 1926. Later, at the end of the 30’s the city was already glowing with several dozen neon signs, but everything was destroyed by the Second World War, which completely destroyed all of Warsaw, not a single sign was preserved. Then there was the time when Poland was under the influence of the USSR and Warsaw was no longer vibrant.
After Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953, the Eastern Bloc went through what is known as the Khrushchev Thaw, which led to an easing of social and cultural repression. In Poland, one consequence of this shift was the era of “neonization,” an official policy aimed at attracting the glare of Western nightscapes to the streets of Polish cities.
Commissioned from the official state advertising agency Reklame, these advertising structures were often intended to highlight cultural and nightlife venues, as well as grow consumer culture. However, since there were no officially branded or privately owned stores or businesses, signs in sleek electric-colored loops often simply stated what could be found at a location (e.g., “Jewelry,” “Sewing Machines,” “Dancing,” “Theater,” etc.).
The signs were designed by Poland’s most prominent artists and graphic designers, and often featured completely unique handwritten fonts. There were also many non-typographic, purely decorative signs designed to adorn gray facades and enliven the night landscape. These neon signs became a defining characteristic of Polish city streets and served as landmarks for people to follow.
As these signs began to fade in the era of the end of the Cold War, photographer Ilona Karwinska decided to document this unique form of industrial art that left an indelible mark on Polish urban life. The resulting exhibition “Polish Neon” laid the groundwork for the Neon Museum, which Karwinska opened with her partner David Hill in 2012. This is the largest collection of neon signs in Europe.
The Neon Museum seeks to preserve and showcase the signage created through this strange but charming government program. The museum’s collection consists of hundreds of neon signs that were installed throughout Poland in the 1950s and 1970s.
The oldest neon sign is probably located at the Warszawa Stadion train station. The museum acquired, among others, neon signs for the restaurants Shanghai and Ambasador, the café Jaś i Małgosia and the cooperative trading house Sezam.
The Art and Craft of Glass Neon Signs
Glass neon signs are a testament to traditional lighting craftsmanship. Since the early 20th century, they have illuminated cities and become art pieces. Creating these signs requires high skill and precision, making the process intricate and fascinating. The process begins with selecting high-quality glass tubes, which are heated and bent into shapes by skilled artisans. This delicate process requires precise temperature control to avoid breaking the glass. Once shaped, the tubes are filled with neon or argon gas to achieve the desired color.
The Unique Appeal and Durability of Glass Neon Signs
Glass neon signs have a unique charm with their warm, vibrant glow and intricate designs. Their handcrafted nature adds authenticity and character, making them popular for businesses and homes. Properly maintained, these signs can last for decades, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly lighting solution.
The Unique Value of Glass Neon Signs
While glass neon signs are losing popularity, their limited production and high craftsmanship enhance their value. Each sign is handmade, which prevents mass production and increases both time and costs. The need for skilled artisans, who are becoming rarer, drives up labor costs. Additionally, few new apprentices are interested in learning this craft, further limiting production capacity. These factors position glass neon signs as high-end, unique art pieces rather than common commercial lighting solutions.
Preserving a Legacy
The Neon Museum in Warsaw plays a crucial role in preserving the legacy of glass neon signs. By collecting and showcasing these historical pieces, the museum not only highlights their artistic value, but also educates the public about their cultural significance. The collection serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of the past, inspiring future generations to appreciate and continue the tradition of neon sign craftsmanship. If you’re interested in getting a custom glass neon sign, make sure check out this page.
Glass neon signs are more than just lighting fixtures; they are pieces of art that tell a story. Their unique appeal, durability, and versatility make them a timeless addition. Whether used for commercial purposes or personal expression, these signs continue to captivate and illuminate, preserving a legacy that spans over a century.
