In the heart of downtown Mesa, tucked just off Macdonald Street, a new attraction is lighting up more than just the skyline — it’s lighting up local history. The Neon Garden in Mesa is a vibrant, open-air installation celebrating the city’s mid-century era, when East Main Street was lined with bright neon signs that welcomed travelers, energized the night, and helped shape the character of the East Valley.
A Look Back at Mesa’s Neon Past
For decades, Main Street was the beating heart of Mesa’s business and travel corridor. Before the freeways connected every corner of the Valley, this stretch of road was where visitors stopped for gas, meals, or a night’s rest. Neon signs weren’t simply ads — they were landmarks.
Each glow represented community identity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of a growing small desert town. But as highways expanded and redevelopment reshaped downtown Mesa, many of those signs were removed, destroyed, or slowly faded away.
The Neon Garden in Mesa brings that glow back.
How the Neon Garden in Mesa Came to Life
The concept for the Neon Garden began during Mesa’s downtown revitalization efforts. When the city renovated the historic federal building at 26 North Macdonald Street — now known as The Post — planners saw a chance to honor Mesa’s past in a meaningful, visual way.
Behind the building, they envisioned an outdoor plaza filled with restored neon signs: a “living museum” where the public could connect with the city’s history.
The project was created in partnership with the Mesa Preservation Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring historic signage and architecture. Funding came in part from a voter-approved cultural bond, allowing the Neon Garden to serve both as a historical exhibit and a public gathering place.
The Iconic Signs on Display
When the Mesa Neon Garden officially opened in May 2025, six restored or recreated signs lit up the night:
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Bill Johnson’s Big Apple – A beloved Mesa restaurant known for its Western charm and steaks.
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Watson’s Flowers – A towering 30-foot sign once seen along West Main Street for generations.
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Dairy Queen – A classic neon cone from the original 1949 Main Street location.
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Smiley/Berge Ford – A 1960s dealership sign symbolizing Mesa’s modernization.
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Frontier Motel – A true Route-60-era beacon guiding travelers east of town.
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The Diving Lady – A faithful replica of the Starlite Motel’s animated neon diver, destroyed in a storm in 2010 but revived as the Garden’s shining centerpiece.
Each sign in the Neon Garden Mesa exhibit tells a story — not just of old businesses, but of the families, workers, and travelers who shaped the community. During the grand opening, many longtime residents shared memories of seeing those signs glowing during their childhood.
Why the Neon Garden Matters to Mesa
The Neon Garden is more than a nostalgic art display. It’s an important piece of Mesa’s cultural preservation.
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It keeps the city’s history visible and accessible.
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It revitalizes downtown Mesa by drawing in visitors, photographers, families, and tourists.
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It reconnects generations — older residents who remember the original signs and younger visitors discovering them for the first time.
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It showcases Mesa’s commitment to honoring local heritage during a time of rapid growth.
Mesa Preservation Foundation representatives have noted that several more historic signs are waiting in storage to be restored. Future plans include expanding the plaza, adding more signage, and hosting downtown events under the neon glow.
Walking Through Mesa’s Neon History
A stroll through the Neon Garden in downtown Mesa feels like stepping back into the 1950s: chrome, color, and the warm hum of neon lighting the desert night. These restored signs remind visitors that Mesa’s identity has always been shaped by creativity, community, and perseverance.
Today, those glowing lights are making a comeback — not as relics, but as symbols of Mesa’s enduring story.
How to Visit the Neon Garden in Mesa
You can find the Neon Garden behind The Post at 26 North Macdonald Street, Mesa, Arizona.
The space is open to the public year-round and is free to visit.
Whether you’re visiting during a downtown Mesa event, taking pictures at sunset, or simply enjoying an evening stroll, the Neon Garden is a can’t-miss stop. It’s quickly becoming one of the top Mesa attractions and a favorite spot for photographers, families, and history lovers.
