Perched atop the hills of Los Angeles, California stands one of the most iconic symbols in the world: The Hollywood Sign. It has been a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions of people around the world since it was first erected in 1923. Let’s take a look at the history behind this beloved landmark and cultural icon.
How it Began
The Hollywood sign was originally created as an advertisement for a real estate development called “Hollywoodland.” It was commissioned by Harry Chandler, owner of the Los Angeles Times, and eventually constructed in 1923 by workers who welded together 4,000 light bulbs to form each letter. The sign was approximately 50 feet tall and 350 feet wide and cost $21,000 to build.
The Hollywood Sign Over Time
Over the years, the sign has gone through many changes. In 1949, it was changed from “Hollywoodland” to just “Hollywood” after the LAND portion of its name was removed by a local civic organization called The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. In 1978, Hugh Hefner helped finance a restoration project which saw each letter being replaced with 45-foot-tall steel letters that were painted white. Then in 2005, following another renovation project funded by Spielberg and other celebrities such as Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise and Arnold Schwarzenegger, new lighting fixtures were added to make each letter more visible during night time hours.
The Sign Today
Today, the sign stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring actors and filmmakers alike who come to L.A., hoping to make their dreams come true in Tinseltown. It is also home to many birds native to California like hawks, falcons and quail who often nest atop its letters or perch on its surrounding hillside rocks. It is visited by thousands of tourists every year who come to take pictures with this iconic American landmark that symbolizes stardom and success in Hollywood cinema culture.
Conclusion:
The Hollywood Sign is more than just an advertisement — it’s part of our shared cultural fabric here in America. This beloved landmark has endured for almost 100 years now thanks to its numerous renovations over time – from changing its name from “Hollywoodland” to “Hollywood” all those years ago to adding lighting fixtures recently so that it can be seen even during night-time hours today – all so that future generations can marvel at its beauty for years yet still come!
Whether you’re visiting Los Angeles or simply looking at photos online, don’t forget about this incredible symbol that has become part of our collective history!