We got to check out the new exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver called NEON VANCOUVER, UGLY VANCOUVER. It explores Vancouver’s gritty, urban past and the rapid growth of neon signs throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s.  The exhibit also showcases the crusade to rid the city of neon signs because of light pollution, visual distraction and the representation that Vancouver was a more industrial city when in the 60s and 70s there was a push to make Vancouver a green and natural space.

Now it’s art, and another one for our history books.

“We’re being led by the nose into a hideous jungle of signs. They’re outsized, outlandish, and outrageous. They’re desecrating our buildings, cluttering our streets, and – this is the final indignity – blocking our view of some of the greatest scenery in the world.”
- Tom Ardies, “Let’s Wake up from Our Neon Nightmare,” Vancouver Sun, 1966

NEON VANCOUVER, UGLY VANCOUVER is at the Museum of Vancouver (1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver). Exhibiting now till August 12th, 2011. Visit MuseumofVancouver.ca for hours of operation and more info.

Photos by: Ali Hudon