Mr. Boh will illuminate Baltimore again

Two years after the neon lights went out on the Natty Boh sign, this iconic Baltimore landmark is set to shine again—this time with LEDs.

On September 25, the National Bohemian beer company will relight Mr. Boh using new light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The sign, which stands 27 feet tall and 30 feet wide, has been a fixture atop the former National Brewing Co. building in Brewers Hill for 20 years.

The transition from neon to LEDs was driven by several factors, according to Nitasha Chopra, brand manager for National Bohemian.

Neon lights, popular throughout much of the 20th century, evoke a sense of nostalgia. However, while they add charm to bars, they are not practical for larger installations like a rooftop sign. “Repairing a neon sign of that size is extremely costly, and it doesn’t make sense for long-term investment and durability,” Chopra explained.

Neon lights also consume more electricity compared to LEDs, making LEDs a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, while the neon lights on the Natty Boh sign could only glow red, the new LEDs offer a wider range of creative possibilities.