Big Mac 50th Anniversary Honored in Neon Display at Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh

To honor the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac, which was invented in the Pittsburgh market by hometown franchisee Jim Delligatti, a commemorative neon sculpture was unveiled at the Senator John Heinz History Center on August 2.

Members of the Delligatti family, local and state civic representatives and McDonald’s and museum employees gathered for the debut of the display which coincided with what would have been Jim Delligatti’s 100th birthday and the launch of McDonald’s international celebration of its flagship sandwich.

Featured in the History Center’s Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation exhibition, the neon sculpture is titled “What a Bright Idea” and depicts McDonald’s flagship sandwich within a glowing lightbulb. 

The custom-designed sculpture captures the legacy of the Big Mac while also celebrating the innovative creation that has shined bright for 50 years as McDonald’s most iconic McDonald’s menu item.  It was concepted by legendary McDonald’s advertising agency Moroch Partners; commissioned to neon artist Brian Hensley; and crafted by master tube bender Jorge Ruiz.