Photos: Iconic, mid-century Tucson Inn through the years
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Rick Wiley
Photo editor
- Updated
The iconic Tucson Inn opened its doors in 1953. It was one of a new genre of "motor court" hotels, designed as a destination for the motoring public.
Its neon sign was the de facto gateway to downtown Tucson until Interstate 10 was completed.
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Opening of the Tucson Inn in January, 1953. A little chilly to be poolside.
The Tucson Inn under construction in November, 1952. Tucson had 150 hotels at that time. "The motor-hotel business in Tucson is one of the resort town's thriving activities," according to the Tucson Citizen.
Photographers Ben Maxey and Stan Davis draped the Tucson Inn with more than three miles of wiring and 600 flash bulbs to create this amazing night image. The photographer was 78-feet aloft in a concrete bucket dangling from a crane.
Opening of the Tucson Inn in January, 1953. Tie optional.
Writer Ernest Hemingway with longtime friend and notable painter, Waldo Peirce, in the Baghdad Room at the Tucson Inn in Tucson, Ariz., on March 20, 1959. Peirce met Hemingway in Paris in 1927. Peirce's sister Ada lived in Tucson. This photo was supposedly the last time the two met in person before Hemingway died.
Model Kate Kish models a dress by fashion designer Erin Bradley in front of the Tucson Inn at 127 W. Drachman.
Traffic cruises by the neon sign for the Tucson Inn, 143 W. Drachman, part of the city's neon culture, Tuesday, April 18, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Arizona Daily Star/Tucson Citizen newspaper clipping on the Tucson Inn.
Arizona Daily Star/Tucson Citizen newspaper clipping on the Tucson Inn.
Arizona Daily Star/Tucson Citizen newspaper clipping on the Tucson Inn.
Arizona Daily Star/Tucson Citizen newspaper clipping on the Tucson Inn.
A United States Postal Service truck departs after making a stop at the Tucson Inn, 127 W. Drachman St., on May 5, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz.
The Tucson Inn neon sign in 2003, before it was restored.
Arizona Daily Star/Tucson Citizen newspaper clipping on the Tucson Inn.
Chuck Penson gets a cell phone photo of the newly refurbished neon sign for the Tucson Inn shortly after it was lit for the first time, Tucson, Ariz., December 14, 2022. This lighting is temporary as the sign is expected to be fully operational early next year. The iconic neon sign was refurbished through the partnership of the city's Thrive in the '05, Pima Community College and Ignite Sign Art Museum and has around 800 feet of neon, 22 transformers and nearly 800 bulbs.
A pedestrian stroll past the newly refurbished Tucson Inn neon sign shortly before a ceremony to throw the switch and light the iconic landmark again, Tucson, Ariz., December 14, 2022. A small crowd turned out for the block party to celebrate the sign's return.
The newly refurbished neon sign for the Tucson Inn seen through the lights of a decorative Christmas tree shortly after the neon sign was lit, Tucson, Ariz., December 14, 2022.
A few people stop to get photos the newly refurbished neon sign for the Tucson Inn, glowing along Drachman Street, Tucson, Ariz., December 14, 2022.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
As featured on
PCC might tear down historic Tucson hotels needing costly workFor Star subscribers: After it gathers more public comment, Pima Community College board will vote on whether to demolish three 1940s/'50s hotels on Drachman near downtown, including the Tucson Inn.
