Ignite Sign Art Museum

I found this museum listed under "Iconic Places" in Tucson while searching the Google Maps app on my visit. I'm happy I did, too, since one of the friends I was visiting didn't know it existed!If you're a fan of neon, hand-painted signs or old memorabilia of the days gone by, this museum is a lovely little collection of just that. They've done a great job of taking you through history, and they have a scavenger hunt if you're into that, too. I admittedly gave up and wanted to admire the artistry of it all. There was also a neon-bending workshop happening on the weekend I stopped by. So, if you're local to the area, look into that. The gift shop was surprisingly filled with all kinds of things: Ignite merch, magnets, postcards, jewelry, random (single) letters for decor, and whatever knickknacks for your friends and family back home. The bonus was that the owner had neon pieces for purchase! I would've gotten one if I weren't on a road trip since it's such a unique souvenir.

I'll cut to the chase. If I could give this place 6 stars I would. Go and support a local business and learn about Tucson history at the same time. Ignite just hit its 5th year anniversary and I hope to see it around for at least twice as long. The museum was started by Jude Cook, whose career has been around signs for at least 40 years. He started restoring Tucson none signs 9 years ago. I got to meet Jude and his partner on a Friday afternoon. Jude gave me tips about neon signs to see around town. His partner actually gave me a private tour as I showed great interest in the signs. I learned so much from these two but also the signs in the museum. Also, there is much more to this place than the signs. There is an old retro TV and juke boxes and a small diner setup, a small gas station setup, etc. Tip#1: Prepare to spend at least 2-3 hours here if you want to read all the signs , as questions, watch the demo, and take pictures. At least one of the signs is interactive too.Tip#2: check out the website and come on a day they are doing a neon glass bending demo. Learn about how it's done, how they get the Neon or Argon gas into it, how they get the different colors, and the equipment used to do the work. Tip#3: sign up on their mailing list for special events. I heard they might actually turn on some of the signs in the evening for an event.Tip#4: Do not skip the gift shop. See works of art made in the museum that you can purchase, buy letters and numbers that came from signs, get Tshirts that have a story behind them, and much more. See what sign they are also working on restoring next. Jude and his partner love showing the signs and the work they do and it shows. I am going to go back again in the future. 6/5 stars!

A gem of a museum, very quaint and full of local history. Lots of cool neon signs and memorabilia. Lovers of retro and vintage will love this place. The staff is super-nice, and there is a little scavenger hunt game you can play while there if you feel like it. Tons of free stree parking around. The neon bending demos and the free umbrellas on hand for the outside area are just some of the nice added touches!

I can't believe I've lived in Tucson for 14 years and never been here before. What a secret gem, nestled into the south side of Tucson just past 2nd and 4th. Good off-street parking, excellent value at $10 for us cotton-topped seniors.We spent almost 2 hours here just wandering around and gawking, taking picture, etc. Do NOT miss the video on how neon signs are made, it makes the exhibit of neon-making gear right behind it much more meaningful.We'll be back when we have the right visitors come to town that enjoy this kind of Americana.

Cute smaller museum. There's a lot of neon signs and tons to read about them. They have a few interactive activities which is nice.They have a short video on an iPad but it would be nice if they put it on a TV and with a few chairs so people can sit down. There's a lot of reading so that would give people a break from reading. They also do private events. This would be such a unique venue to have a private event at!

Found this spot on IG and was on my Tucson bucket list for awhile. My husband and I decided to stop in on our way home. So glad we did! I learned so much about neon lights, the science behind it, and even got to listen in on a demonstration. Pretty neat! I recommend for everyone-family and friends. After that, I was looking at signs differently throughout the day. Lol the staff was great and ver helpful!

History in neon and other signs beautifully displayed and detailed. Fun for all ages- lots of hands on activities as well as neon bending demonstrations and optional lessons. One of a kind gift shop.

A really fun museum with a lot of signage on display, neon and otherwise. Very informative. Their neon sign bender, Steve, demonstrated his art to a group of museum patrons - very cool.

Great fun! Family Friendly. Excellent class instruction. Wonder and enthusiastic staff... even more wonderful volunteers!A hidden gem... but not for long. Also a great place to have a private party!

This was a great museum especially if you enjoy vintage neon signs and old letters. People there were very friendly and it was fun visiting with them. Very easy to get around and our dog was welcome which was a huge bonus! What