American Sign Museum 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington. The American Sign Museum opened in 2012, helmed by Tod Swormstedt who spend much of his life, learning about, writing about and collecting signs. Explore the museum's over 100 years of signage. This 20,000-square-foot museum has everything from pre-electric signs to beautiful art-deco neon signs to modern plastic-faced signs. Photo: Hailey Bollinger

American Sign Museum Photo: Hailey Bollinger

If you’re ready to step back in time and get lost in the ads and landmarks of yesteryear, you’re in luck: the American Sign Museum is reopening to members on Wednesday, July 1 and the general public on Wednesday, July 8 — with reduced capacity (at or below 25% of its normal audience, says a release).

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the American Sign Museum, but the health of our guests and staff is our greatest priority. We want to reopen safely and we ask for everyone’s continued patience, understanding, and support as we institute new operational practices and adjust to new norms,” said museum founder Tod Swormstedt in a release. 

Regular hours will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. The museum will be closed for the Fourth of July.

In addition to a reduced capacity, the museum has also implemented the following to keep guests and staff safe:

  • All staff and visitors are required to wear masks (disposable masks are available for $1 at the museum)
  • Social distancing markers have been placed throughout the property
  • Everyone will receive a temperature check upon arrival
  • The advance purchase of timed entry tickets is recommended, but if there is room, tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Special hours have been set aside for seniors and vulnerable populations from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays and Thursdays starting July 8
  • Guided tours have been suspended until further notice
  • Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been enacted and acrylic partitions have been placed at the admission desk
  • Large bags and outside food and drink are prohibited 

The largest public sign museum in America, the 20,000-square-foot exhibition and event space is a glowing wonderland. Winding pathways of colorful signage give way to a mocked-up Main Street, with faux storefronts, cobblestone and giant logos from Howard Johnson, McDonald’s and Marshall Field. From roadside nostalgia and a looming Big Boy to pharmacy signs and gas station markers, the flashing lights, buzzing electricity and rotating wonders illuminate and preserve the past with a collection that encompasses signs from the late 1800s to the 1970s. 

1330 Monmouth Ave., americansignmuseum.org. 

This article appears in The Summer Guide.

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