Hollywood Sign

Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign in 2015
Former namesHollywoodland Sign (1923–1949)
General information
LocationGriffith Park, Mount Lee, Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California
CountryUnited States
Coordinates34°8′2.62″N 118°19′17.73″W / 34.1340611°N 118.3215917°W / 34.1340611; -118.3215917
Completed1923 (1923)
RenovatedRepaired in 1949
Rebuilt in 1978
Repainted in 2005
Repainted in 2023
Cost$21,000
ClientWoodruff and Shoults (Hollywoodland)
Technical details
Structural systemWood and sheet metal (1923–1978)
Steel (1978–present)
Size45 ft (13.7 m) tall,[1] 450 ft (137.2 m) long[1]
Design and construction
Architect(s)Thomas Fisk Goff
DesignatedFebruary 7, 1973
Reference no.111

The Hollywood Sign is an American landmark and cultural icon overlooking Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Originally the Hollywoodland Sign, it is situated on Mount Lee, in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. Spelling out the word "Hollywood" in 50-foot-tall (15.2 m) white uppercase letters and 450 feet (137.2 m) long,[1] it was originally erected in 1923 as a temporary advertisement for a local real estate development, but due to increasing recognition the sign was left up,[2] and replaced in 1978 with a more durable all-steel structure.

Among the best-known landmarks in both California and the United States, the sign makes frequent appearances in popular culture, particularly in establishing shots for films and television programs set in or around Hollywood. Signs of similar style, but spelling different words, are frequently seen as parodies. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce holds trademark rights to the Hollywood Sign[3] but only for certain uses.[4]

Because of its widespread recognizability, the sign has been a frequent target of pranks and vandalism across the decades. It has since undergone restoration, including the installation of a security system to deter mischief. The sign is protected and promoted by the nonprofit "The Hollywood Sign Trust",[5] while its site and the surrounding land are part of Griffith Park.

Visitors can hike to the sign from the Bronson Canyon entrance to Griffith Park or from Griffith Observatory.[6][7] There is also a trailhead near the Lake Hollywood Reservoir outside of Griffith Park, and although not an access point in itself, there is a popular scenic vista point around Lake Hollywood Park near the trailhead.[8]

  1. ^ a b c "Fast Facts About The Hollywood Sign". The Hollywood Sign. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  2. ^ "The Hollywood Sign: A Beat-by-Beat Plotline" (PDF). The Hollywood Sign. May 19, 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 9, 2007. Retrieved August 12, 2007.
  3. ^ "Licensing for the Walk of Fame". Hollywood Walk of Fame. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  4. ^ "Op-Ed: The Hollywood sign is a public treasure, and no one should have to pay to use its image". Los Angeles Times. April 26, 2020. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  5. ^ "About the Hollywood Sign Trust". The Hollywood Sign. Archived from the original on June 10, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
  6. ^ "The Hollywood Sign: Best Viewpoints". The Hollywood Sign. June 20, 2017. Archived from the original on March 22, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  7. ^ "The Hollywood Sign: Hiking to the Sign". The Hollywood Sign. Archived from the original on June 11, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
  8. ^ "Lake Hollywood Reservoir Trail | Los Angeles | Hikespeak.com". www.hikespeak.com. Archived from the original on December 21, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2020.