Las Vegas has a soft spot for its classic signs and marquees — and that includes the Blue Angel, who’s found a way to stand out and survive since first appearing in 1957.
😇 Las Vegas Angel
Today, the Blue Angel towers above the Five Points East intersection of Fremont, Charleston, and Eastern, perched atop a fenced-off pillar and rotating — ever slightly — a few degrees back and forth. The 15-foot-tall statue stands next to the restored Blue Angel Motel sign. Both were part of the original business, which included the Blue Onion drive-in restaurant and was demolished in 2015 on a lot just steps away, now home to a Taco Bell.
🎰 A Piece of Vegas History
The Blue Angel was designed by Betty Willis, who also famously created the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. Crafted with metal and fiberglass, the statue went through a series of renovations over the years before it was removed in 2017. Her hair and skin color changed over the years. At one point, a star was attached to the wand and a halo was placed above her head. Using grant money, the Las Vegas Historic Preservation Commission restored the piece as close as possible to the original design. With a fresh makeover, the Blue Angel was included in a temporary exhibit at the Neon Museum and installed in its current location in 2020, just days before pandemic restrictions would limit the fanfare.
🛎️ Rough Neighborhood
Despite revitalization efforts, Five Points East remains a working class neighborhood that’s seen its share of highs and lows over the years. Longtime locals will remember the Green Shack Restaurant and the Showboat Casino, later renamed Castaways. The area was also known as a red light district for pornography shops. Other Fremont Street motels continue to show their age, offering a glimpse back in time to another era. Some are still open. Most are closed. All have seen better days.
🎞️ An Enduring Image
The Blue Angel isn’t exactly a tourist destination, but it’s a historic landmark with a place in pop culture. The image inspired a 2019 mural by artist James Stanford and was featured in films like “Midnight Run” (1988) and “The Last Showgirl” (2024). While her motel is long gone, the Blue Angel continues to have a role in our city, watching over Downtown as it continues to evolve.
