Pepsi-Cola sign

The Pepsi-Cola sign is a neon billboard on the East River waterfront in Long Island City. The structure displays a large bottle and glows at night, making it visible from both sides of the river.

The sign was built in 1940 as New York State's longest electric billboard and originally stood above a Pepsi-Cola bottling plant. The plant eventually closed, but the sign remained as a standalone landmark.

The sign became a recognized city landmark in 2016, showing how commercial advertising transformed into an important piece of urban identity. It represents how Queens' waterfront shifted from an industrial area into a place where people gather to relax and enjoy views.

The sign is best viewed from Gantry Plaza State Park or from Manhattan across the river. Evening viewing offers the best visibility when the lights are on.

A severe storm in 1992 damaged the original sign so badly that it needed complete reconstruction. The modern version has stood in place since 1993.

Location: Queens

Inception: August 30, 1940

Made from material: aluminium

GPS coordinates: 40.74750,-73.95778

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05