Los Angeles and neon signs just belong together. From old Hollywood theaters to classic roadside attractions, neon has been part of the city’s personality for generations. While exploring Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles, we came across Bulleit Frontier Works: The Neon Project, a massive, colorful neon installation that celebrates the city’s history, creativity, and love of illuminated signs.
Created in 2017 by neon artist Lisa Schulte, known as the Neon Queen, and illustrator Brendan Donnelly, the 26-foot-wide installation was commissioned by Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. The artwork features a collection of Los Angeles-inspired illustrations brought to life in glowing neon.
But there’s more to the story than an eye-catching display.
The project was created in partnership with the Museum of Neon Art, helping raise awareness and funds for preserving historic neon signs. The original campaign supported restoration efforts for a vintage 1940s sign, connecting modern artwork with an important piece of Los Angeles history.
Grand Central Market, which opened in 1917, is the perfect home for the piece. Neon has long been part of the market’s visual identity, illuminating its food stalls and adding to the energy of the historic building.
We loved discovering this unexpected bit of public art while exploring the market. It’s colorful, wonderfully over-the-top, and exactly the kind of detail that makes wandering through Los Angeles so much fun. The Neon Project is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best attractions aren’t on your itinerary — they’re the things you discover along the way.
