DescriptionAn icon of the American road trip, the Holiday Inn “Great Sign” was one of the most successful 20th century advertisements. With its huge size and eye-catching design, it called to travelers from the road and promised a “quality, predictable experience.” Holiday Inn opened in 1952 in Memphis, TN and worked with the Cummings Company of Nashville on the sign’s bold design. Cummings created small models to design the iconic brand. Models were also used at promotional events. Along with a model, technical drawings and blueprints, one of which can be seen on the adjacent wall, were also used to refine the sign. Although smaller than the final size, the model is still an impressive eight feet tall. It is almost identical to the Museum’s full-scale version thanks to their flashing neon, chasing lightbulbs, vibrant coloring, and star-topped towers. However, the model has hand-painted lettering while the full-scale “Great Sign” is lit up in neon. The Museum received the model as a gift in February 2001. Shortly after, it was first exhibited in the “Prototype Museum” at the International Sign Association’s Annual Expo in Las Vegas, NV.