Chicago Sign Museum

04/10/2026

Thanks to the Chicago Tribune for the recent article on our efforts to preserve Chicago’s Signs.

Kelsey and Andrew McClellan founded the Chicago Sign Museum last year. It works to save vintage signs that are at risk of being erased by cheap vinyl graphics.

03/30/2026

Check out our new website and look for the “Sign Survey” page to nominate a sign in your neighborhood!

We are working on a comprehensive sign survey of Chicago & Chicagoland and we need your feedback. Share with the local business owners if they are interested in receiving support to restore their vintage signs.

https://www.chicagosignmuseum.com

Chicago & Chicagoland Sign Survey The Chicago Sign Museum is undertaking a survey of remaining vintage neon, plastic signs, and hand painted signs. It is important we hear from every neighborhood in the city. Recommend a sign and share your local histories via the link below. Recommend a Sign

03/25/2026

Made and installed in 1956, this beautiful Foremost Liquor sign came down yesterday after 70 years on Argyle.

Despite weeks of negotiations and providing alternative solutions for the sign, including relocation, the sign was ultimately purchased by an out of state buyer who will take the sign to Indiana.

Thank you to everyone who helped with this effort and brought attention to the matter.

06/12/2020

This is something we’ve wanted to do ever since we started , a paper sign show highlighting the tradition of paper signs in Chicago. Last year we ended up moving and after going hard with shows and running our business, we completely burned out so had to put things on hold. But in the last few months and within the last week it’s been clear the influence and access to these signs is needed so we decided now is the time to move forward and open it up to sign painters everywhere. Please visit for details on how to get involved. ❤️

”Paper Signs of the Times” is the documentation and exhibition of the signs of 2020. From paper signs to protests signs, this is a pivotal time in the world and these signs tell the story of change and uprising.

✨Very secial thanks to Southwest Signs for making the title showcard ✨

handpaintedsigns
@ Gary, Indiana

10/01/2018

See you there!

Showcasing a grouping of West African movie posters from the collection of Deadly Prey Gallery. These posters were once the product of a much larger industry known as the “Ghanaian Mobile Cinema”. This business started in the late 1980’s when artistic industrious groups of people formed video....

09/15/2018

Vinyl is for records! This beauty by out of Portland Oregon is a super clean 2 layer show stopper perfect for keeping your record collection company or to adorn the walls of your record store.
Enamel on MDO, available for purchase DM for info🔊

08/27/2018

#1 pick last month 🙌 September's show is sure to impress!

TOP V. WEEKEND PICKS (8/9-8/15) by Visualist Chicago | Aug 9, 2018 | Blog | 0 comments 1. Party at your Place August 11, 2018, 6-10PM Work By: Kelly Golden Electro Pepper Gallery: 1109 W Berwyn Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 2. Archives + Futures: Materials August 9, 2018, 7-9PM Interviews with: Victoria....