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South of Union Square
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Bright Lights, Big City

New York is the city that never sleeps, and these photos prove it. If you were looking for a (neon) sign, we've got a few here!

ByUrban Archive logoUrban Archive
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3540 Broadway
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3540 Broadway

Healy's Restaurant highlights this corner of Hamilton Heights.
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Essex House
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Essex House

This 44-story Essex House began construction one day after the Stock Market Crash in 1929. The building’s most well-known feature: its the roof-topping six-story red neon sign, was erected in 1932.
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Radio City Music Hall
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Radio City Music Hall

A view of the neon lights lining the facade of Radio City Music Hall is an iconic image of the Big Apple.
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Palace Theatre
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Palace Theatre

Not far from Radio City Music Hall, the Palace Theatre was where lauded flick Citizen Kane had its world premiere in 1941.
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1540 Broadway
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1540 Broadway

The lights of Times Square advertise various pictures including Hell's Angels, a particularly high-grossing film from the early days of sound films.
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Ideal Theater
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Ideal Theater

Even the arches of the Ideal Theater on 8th Avenue are illuminated by bright bulbs.
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1 Times Square
1 Times Square icon

1 Times Square

Times Square is perhaps New York's brightest intersection and with its lights come brands like Pepsi and Chevron seen here.
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24 East 42nd Street
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24 East 42nd Street

Though near the Theater District, these bulbs advertise something a little less glamorous than a theater...milk!
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6 St. Marks Place
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6 St. Marks Place

What opened as a Russian and Turkish bathhouse for East Villagers without hot water in the early 20th century eventually transformed into a cruising hall for gay men in the late 70s.
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Washington Square Arch
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Washington Square Arch

McKim, Mead, and White's infamous Washington Square Arch was lined by strings of lights in the early 20th century.
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117 Second Avenue
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117 Second Avenue

Cohen's Clothing, at 2nd Avenue and 7th Street, has displays that shine bright on this corner.
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18 Delancey Street
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18 Delancey Street

The bright lights here belong to Freud & Kraus, a clothing seller on the corner of Delancey and Chrystie Street.
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