NEON audio tour

In the glow of neon lights

Have you ever wondered what makes neon lights so captivating that it’s almost impossible to look away? Before modern LED lights and screens took over the cityscape, neon signs illuminated the streets with their vibrant colours.

The journey of neon lighting began in the 17th century, but it reached its peak in the mid-20th century, when these bright lights adorned the facades of nearly every shop, cinema, and hotel.

The biggest breakthrough occurred over 120 years ago when scientists discovered neon, the noble gas, and the first glowing signs soon became iconic landmarks in the urban landscape.

Today, we still refer to anything that glows brightly—whether it’s lights, clothes, or colours—as ‘neon.’

At this Neon exhibition, we’ll explore how neon lamps work, how they have evolved over time, and discover their closest relatives—other gas-discharge light sources.

To learn more about the creators of this incredible exhibition, take a look at the display on the exhibition wall. A big thank you to those who introduced us to this fascinating world of light!

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

The story of the neon lamp

The story of the neon lamp began in the 17th century. In 1675, French astronomer Picard noticed that shaking a mercury barometer caused it to emit a faint glow. This marked the beginning of humankind’s fascination with glowing light.

In 1761, English inventor Kinnersley demonstrated how electricity could make a wire glow, and in 1859, German physicist Geissler created the first glowing gas-filled glass tube, known as the Geissler tube.

In 1898, British chemists Ramsay and Travers discovered neon, a noble gas that emitted a vivid orange-red glow when electricity passed through it. Then, in 1902, French inventor Claude took this concept further by filling a glass tube with neon gas, creating the first neon lamp.

A few years later, he stunned audiences at the Paris Motor Show with two 12-meter-long glowing red neon tubes. By the mid-20th century, neon lamps had become iconic in storefronts, advertisements, and art installations.

Although LEDs began to replace neon signs in the 2000s due to lower costs, neon’s vibrant glow remains a beloved part of art and design, preserving a colourful piece of history.

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

What happens inside a neon lamp?

Have you ever wondered what gives a neon lamp its mesmerizing glow? Let’s take a peek inside!

A neon lamp is a sealed glass tube filled with a special, rarefied gas – often neon or another noble gas. At each end of the tube, there are electrodes: one positive, the other negative. When connected to a power source, these electrodes create an electric field inside the tube, and that’s when the magic begins.

The electric field energizes the gas, pulling electrons away from atoms and creating positively charged ions. These particles start rushing through the tube – electrons zooming toward the positive electrode, and ions racing in the opposite direction.

Along the way, collisions happen – lots of them! When an atom’s electrons get bumped to a higher energy level, they can’t stay there for long. As they return to their normal state, they release tiny packets of light called photons.

And here’s the best part: with enough collisions, the photons combine into the brilliant reddish-orange glow that neon lamps are famous for.

So, the next time you see a neon sign, you’ll know it’s more than just a light – it’s a dazzling dance of atoms and electrons, bringing colour and life to the world around us.

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

Relatives of the incandescent lamp

Generating light has not always been as simple as it seems today. Many modern lighting solutions trace their origins back to the fascinating family of electrovacuum devices, which include incandescent lamps, neon lamps, as well as glow and gasotron lamps.

Before the advent of modern LED lights, incandescent lamps were our primary source of illumination. Inside an incandescent lamp, the glass bulb is filled with argon, which protects the filament from burning out too quickly. When heated, the filament glows and emits light.

There are also various types of lamps that operate using gas discharge. Among them are neon, glow, and gasotron lamps, all of which are featured in this exhibition. These lamps produce light through the interaction of gas and electric current. Neon lamps, for example, use neon gas, while glow and gasotron lamps rely on other noble gases.

Glow lamps were once used as indicators in electrical systems, similar to today’s charging lights that signal a device is connected to power.

The principles of electrovacuum technology have also found applications beyond lighting, such as in old cathode-ray tube televisions, X-ray machines, and microwave ovens.

The Neon Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore how these devices work and highlights the critical role these engineering marvels have played in shaping everyday life.

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

The Secret Behind Neon’s Iconic Glow

Did you know that the bright red-orange glow of a neon lamp is a marvel of physics? To light up a neon lamp, its electrodes need a jaw-dropping 15,000 volts. Imagine connecting 10,000 AA batteries just to make it shine!

Here’s how it works: that powerful voltage energises the neon gas inside the lamp. The outer electrons of the neon atoms soak up this energy, causing the gas to ionise. This means some electrons break free, allowing electricity to flow through the gas. The remaining electrons, however, get a boost of energy and jump to higher energy levels—like leaping up a staircase.

But what goes up must come down. When these excited electrons fall back to their original state, they release energy in the form of light particles called photons.

And here’s the cool part: the colour of the light depends on how far the electrons “jumped.” In neon gas, the steps are just right to create that unmistakable red-orange glow we all recognise.

So, the next time you see a glowing neon sign, remember—you’re watching a microscopic dance of electrons creating a radiant masterpiece!

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

A neon lamp can also contain helium

Did you know that neon lamps don’t always contain neon gas?

Sometimes, they’re filled with other noble gases like helium, argon, krypton, or xenon.

It all began in 1869 when Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleev published the first periodic table, organizing the then-known 63 elements by their atomic mass. Later, in 1894, Scottish chemist William Ramsay discovered the noble gases, which belong to group 18 of the periodic table. These gases—like helium, argon, and xenon—are colourless, odourless, and barely reactive. Their electron shells are fully occupied, making them chemically inert.

Neon lamps take advantage of these gases’ unique properties. Each noble gas glows in its own distinct color when electrified. Neon gives the classic reddish-orange light, while argon produces a bluish-purple hue. Krypton, xenon, and helium also have their unique shades. However, you won’t find radioactive gases like radon or laboratory-generated oganesson in these lamps—they’re far too unstable and dangerous.

So, the next time you admire a glowing neon lamp, remember it might not even contain neon! Instead, it could be helium or another noble gas, creating that mesmerizing glow. Chemistry truly lights up our world!

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

Creating a neon lamp is a delicate task

Did you know that every neon lamp is a handcrafted masterpiece? Its glow is the result of a precise blend of science, engineering, and artistry.

The process starts by heating glass tubes to 900–1200°C using a blowtorch. Skilled artisans shape the heated glass, bending it to follow the design and making each tube a unique creation.

Next, the tube is evacuated of air and reheated to remove impurities. This process is repeated until the pressure inside the tube is significantly lower than atmospheric pressure. Then, the tube is filled with a carefully measured amount of noble gas, such as neon or argon. The low pressure is crucial for the lamp’s efficiency and longevity.

While classic neon gas glows red, different colours can be created by using other gases or mixing with mercury and phosphorus. Coloured glass or luminescent coatings can also enhance the effect, making the glow even more vibrant.

Although neon lamps are often linked to advertising, they’re also valued in art and design. Crafting neon lights requires exceptional precision, making them not just light sources but symbols of both engineering expertise and artistic expression.

So, the next time you see a neon lamp, remember the delicate balance of science and creativity that makes it glow.

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.

Neon advertising in the cityscape

Did you know that the first neon advertisements appeared in Tallinn in the 1930s? Their true heyday came during the Soviet era, when every sign had to pass an approval process before being displayed.

By the 1980s, the brilliance of neon lights began to fade in cities worldwide. Despite their durability – neon lamps can last for decades – they still require regular maintenance.

Advancing technology brought cheaper, more energy-efficient, and brighter LED lights to the streets. LED screens also allow ads to change quickly and often.

Yet, neon advertisements haven’t completely disappeared. They are still appreciated for their unique appearance, which LED solutions often mimic but rarely surpass.

Tallinn still boasts its iconic Kosmos cinema neon sign, reminding us of the elegance of that era.

Neon lights are now also used in artistic light installations and stylish interiors. You can even find LED signs in stores that imitate the tubular shape and nostalgic glow of neon lamps, offering a retro touch.

Neon advertisements tell the story of urban development. They represent a harmonious dance of technology and style, continuing to bring colour and shine to our daily lives.

The completion of the exhibition and educational program was supported by the Estonian Research Council.