The Hollywood sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It’s been featured in movies and TV shows and has become a symbol of the entertainment industry. But few people know who designed it. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the Hollywood sign and find out who created it!
What is the Hollywood Logo?
The Hollywood logo is a white steel sign that spells out “Hollywood” in big letters. The sign is located on Mount Lee, in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1923 and originally said “HOLLYWOODLAND.” The word “LAND” was later dropped after the area around the sign became developed.
This simple yet iconic design became one of the most popular signages around the world. Soon after its development, the Hollywood logo became a tourist attraction around the globe. A lot of people from different parts of the globe go to Los Angeles just to get a chance to take a picture with this famous logo.
Who Designed the Hollywood Sign?
The Hollywood sign was designed by the Crescent owner Thomas Fisk Goff. Goff owns the Crescent Sign Company, which was a credible signage firm during the time.
Goff’s company was contracted by two real estate developers: Woodruff and Shoults. The two real estate developers wanted to create a way to promote their new housing development, which was initially named “Hollywoodland.”
So, Woodruff and Shoults contracted Crescent Sign Company to design a big sign that would say “HOLLYWOODLAND” and put it up on Mount Lee. Goff proposed the design and had a dimension of thirty feet wide and fifty feet high white block letters. In addition to the significantly large letters, the entire sign is also surrounded by four thousand light bulbs, along with a searchlight below it, giving it a flashy and brighter finish.
The original sign cost $21,000 to build in 1923. In modern currency, the project would cost roughly $330,000.
How Has the Hollywood Sign Changed Over the Years?
After the creation of the Hollywood sign, it instantly became one of Los Angeles city’s iconic landmarks. Seeing the Hollywood sign makes people appreciate the rapidly growing entertainment industry in the city.
However, the once glorious Hollywood sign started to fall from its peak and gradually became an eyesore in the 1940s. The paint on the sign began to peel, and the letters started to sag. Also, the letter H was destroyed, which authorities said was caused by heavy winds.
In 1978, Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, led a restoration project to save the Hollywood sign. Hefner planned to replace the original design with more durable and permanent signage.
Each letter of the Hollywood sign was sponsored by an individual donor. These donors were company owners, actors, singers, and publishers who were concerned about the Hollywood sign’s appearance. The restoration project was a success, and the nine donors gave around $27,000 each, which totaled roughly $250,000.
The accumulated funds were enough to replace the original Hollywood sign with a more permanent design consisting of steel letters; this is much more durable than the initial wooden structure. The steel letters are also supported by steel columns placed on a concrete foundation to ensure each letter stays in place.
The new signage had a larger dimension, scaling forty-five feet tall and ranging from thirty to forty feet wide. The restoration was introduced to the public on November 11, 1978.
This project saved the sign, and it has been well-maintained ever since.
Most Famous Hollywood Landmarks That Can Be Seen From the Sign
Aside from being one of the most popular tourist attractions in Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign is also a great spot to view other parts of the city.
Here are some of the most famous landmarks that can be seen from the Hollywood sign:
- Griffith Observatory
- Downtown Los Angeles skyline
- Santa Monica Mountains
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, seeing the Hollywood sign is always a fun and exciting experience. So next time you’re in Los Angeles, don’t forget to take a picture with this world-famous landmark!
How to Visit the Hollywood Sign?
If you’re planning to go on a trip to Los Angeles and want to visit the Hollywood sign, there are some tips you could follow to make your experience more exciting and memorable.
The best time to see the Hollywood sign is early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer people around. This way, you’ll be able to get a clear view of the sign and take pictures without any interruption.
If you’re planning on hiking to get a closer look at the sign, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. The hike could be challenging for some people, so it’s important to be prepared.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera! Seeing the Hollywood sign is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure to document it.
Visiting the Hollywood sign is definitely a fun and unique experience. So if you’re ever in Los Angeles, make sure to add this to your list of things to do!
Final Thoughts
The Hollywood sign is among the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles. It was first created in 1923, but over the years, it gradually became an eyesore. In 1978, Hugh Hefner led a restoration project to save the Hollywood sign and replace it with a more permanent design. Each letter of the new signage was sponsored by an individual donor. The restoration project was successful, and the Hollywood sign has been well-maintained ever since. Most importantly, this project saved the sign from being destroyed. If you’re ever in Los Angeles, make sure to visit this world-famous landmark!