The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) presents “Light in the Dark: Queer Narratives in Neon.” This exhibition, which is scattered throughout MONA’s main gallery and entrance hall, will be on view through March 3. It is launched in conjunction with Circa: the first LGBTQ+ histories festival in the United States presented by One Institute. 

The exhibition features notable items in MONA’s collection including architectural lighting from Man’s Country, Chicago’s longest running gay bathhouse; LA-based bathhouse Midtown Spa; Body Builders Gym, which served LGBTQ clientele through its 45 years of existence; neon lips inspired by the Rocky Horror Picture Show; signage for Circus of Books, an LA bookstore and important gay cruising spot; and artworks made by LGBTQ artists and craftspeople past and present. The exhibition will also take place on the multimedia mobile and web-based guide Bloomberg Connects.   

A 90-minute free program on Oct. 29 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. invites audiences to explore the galleries with artists, activists, donors and MONA community members to learn the queer histories behind this radiant medium. This program will feature short readings, performances and presentations speaking to LGBTQ connections to neon art, signage, the Glendale community and the museum. 

Neon is a medium that has been pushed forward by lesbian, gay, and transgender artists.

“The Museum of Neon Art would not exist without the leadership of trailblazing artists, craftspeople and preservationists from the LGBTQ community. We are delighted to participate in the Circa Festival because throughout our 42 years of existence MONA has held strong queer leadership,” said MONA Executive Director Corrie Siegel.

For many, neon is a nostalgic marker of Americana.

“The stereotype that Americana is something as cisgender, white, and heterosexual, holds still for many folks,” Siegel added. “MONA aims to address these stereotypes and demonstrate the diverse histories neon shares. LGBTQ pioneers in neon demonstrate that queer histories are deeply woven into American history. The future of the medium continues to be advanced by LGBTQ artists and preservationists.” 

MONA is located at 216 S. Brand Blvd. in Glendale.