One of California's most recognizable landmarks is being dismantled and shipped to Las Vegas for restoration as Santa Monica prepares to replace the aging bridge leading to its famous pier.
The historic blue neon Santa Monica Pier sign, which has welcomed generations of tourists since 1941, will be removed beginning Tuesday before undergoing extensive repairs at a specialist facility in Nevada.
The landmark, listed on the California Register of Historical Resources, is expected to return in 2028, when construction on the new pier bridge is scheduled to finish ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Few sights are as instantly recognizable as the Santa Monica Pier sign, and generations of residents and visitors have memories tied to seeing it at the entrance to the Pier," Mayor Caroline Torosis said.
"This careful refurbishment will preserve the sign's history while ensuring this beloved landmark can continue welcoming people to the Pier for decades to come."
Landmark to get Las Vegas makeover
YESCO will handle the restoration, the company known for maintaining some of Las Vegas' most famous neon landmarks, including the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
Workers will use cranes and temporary supports to dismantle the Santa Monica structure over several days.
Crews are scheduled to remove its neon tubing Tuesday, followed by the upper crown Wednesday and the main frame Thursday.
The sign will then be wrapped and transported to Nevada, with its journey expected to begin Monday, October 26.
Restoration work will include replacing damaged neon tubing, removing rust, repainting the structure and repairing its framework while preserving its historic appearance.
The sign will remain in storage in Nevada until the replacement bridge is ready.
When it returns, it will be installed slightly higher than before to improve visibility and provide more clearance for vehicles.
Tourists can still snap iconic pier photos
The dismantling will take place between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with one lane of Ocean Avenue closed near the pier entrance during working hours.
Visitors hoping to watch the removal can do so from designated viewing areas at the southern edge of Palisades Park and the northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue.
Work is expected to continue despite forecast rain, although lightning or poor visibility could cause delays.
Tourists will not be left entirely without the famous photo opportunity.
A half-size replica has already been installed near Pier Burger, offering views of the Pacific Park roller coaster and the Santa Monica coastline.
The broader Pier Bridge Replacement Project is intended to improve safety, accessibility and the long-term reliability of the connection between Ocean Avenue and the waterfront attraction.
Construction is scheduled to finish in 2028, when Los Angeles will host the Summer Olympics.