Welcome to Hollywood, the land where dreams come true and stars are born! It’s no secret that the iconic Hollywood sign is a symbol of glamour and fame. But did you know there’s more to this landmark than meets the eye? In this blog post, we’ll uncover eight fascinating facts about the Hollywood sign that you never knew before.
From its humble beginnings to its dramatic history, get ready to discover some hidden gems about one of LA’s most famous landmarks. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through time as we explore the mystery behind the Hollywood sign!
The Hollywood Sign’s History
When people think of Los Angeles, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Hollywood Sign. The world-famous landmark has been a symbol of the entertainment industry for over 90 years. But what many people don’t know is that the Hollywood Sign’s history is full of mystery, intrigue, and even tragedy.
The Hollywood Sign was originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a new housing development called Hollywoodland. The sign was meant to be temporary, but it quickly became an iconic fixture of the Los Angeles skyline. In 1949, the “land” portion of the sign was removed, and the now-familiar HOLLYWOOD sign was born.
Over the years, the Hollywood Sign has undergone several renovations and has been vandalized numerous times. In 1978, it even caught on fire! But through it all, the sign has remained a beloved icon of Tinseltown.
So next time you’re admiring the Hollywood Sign, take a moment to think about all the history and mystery behind this world-famous landmark.
The Hollywood Sign’s Design
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It is synonymous with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The sign was originally designed by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler as an advertisement for his housing development in 1923. The sign originally read “Hollywoodland” and was illuminated by 4,000 lightbulbs.
It was intended to be a temporary installation, but after it proved to be popular with the public, it was left up permanently. In 1949, the “land” portion of the sign was removed to make it more visible from a distance. Today, the sign is made up of 13 letters that are each 45 feet tall and 30 feet wide.
The Hollywood Sign’s Location
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. But did you know that its location was once a remote mountain top?
In 1923, real estate developer Woodrow Wilson Mizner had the idea to build a giant sign on Mount Lee to promote his housing development in Hollywood. Mizner hired Los Angeles Times artist John Miller to create the sign, which read “HOLLYWOODLAND.” The sign was constructed of wooden letters mounted on a frame and lit with 4,000 light bulbs.
The sign quickly became a popular tourist attraction, and in 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce refurbished it as part of a campaign to promote tourism in the area. The “LAND” portion of the sign was removed, and the remaining letters were repaired and painted white.
Today, the Hollywood Sign is an internationally recognized symbol of Tinseltown. It stands at 350 feet tall and 450 feet wide, and can be seen from anywhere in Los Angeles.
The Hollywood Sign Today
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic symbols of Los Angeles. It was created in 1923 and originally read “Hollywoodland.” The Sign was meant to be a temporary advertisement for a new housing development in the hills above Hollywood.
The Sign has undergone many changes over the years. In 1949, the last four letters of the Sign were removed to spell simply “Hollywood” and became a permanent fixture in Los Angeles. In 1978, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce restored the Sign to its original appearance.
The Hollywood Sign is now a national landmark and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. Visitors can take a hike to get up close and personal with the Sign or take a helicopter tour for an aerial view.
8 Things You Never Knew About the Hollywood Sign
- The sign was originally built as an advertisement: The Hollywood Sign was originally created as a billboard for a real estate development in 1923. It wasn’t until later that the sign became an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry.
- The original sign read “Hollywoodland”: The sign was originally constructed with the word “Hollywoodland,” which was the name of the real estate development that it was advertising. The last four letters were removed in 1949.
- The sign was never meant to be permanent: The original Hollywoodland sign was only supposed to be up for 18 months. However, it became such an iconic symbol that it was allowed to remain.
- The sign has been the target of several pranks: Over the years, the Hollywood Sign has been altered to read things like “Hollyweed,” “Holywood,” and “Oil War.” In 1976, a group of protesters changed the sign to read “Save the Peak” to protest development in the surrounding area.
- The sign has been restored several times: The Hollywood Sign has been restored and rebuilt several times over the years. The most recent restoration took place in 2012, when the sign was given a new coat of paint and LED lighting.
- The sign is protected by a trust: The Hollywood Sign is owned by the City of Los Angeles, but it is protected by the Hollywood Sign Trust, which is responsible for maintaining and preserving the sign.
- The sign has been used in several movies: The Hollywood Sign has appeared in countless movies and TV shows over the years. Some of the most famous include “La La Land,” “The Day of the Locust,” and “Mulholland Drive.”
- The sign is a popular spot for suicides: Unfortunately, the Hollywood Sign has also been the site of several suicides over the years. The sign is surrounded by a fence to prevent people from jumping or climbing onto it.
How to Visit the Hollywood Sign
Most people think that the only way to get up close and personal with the Hollywood Sign is to drive up into the Hollywood Hills. But did you know that there’s a public park right next to the sign? Griffith Park offers incredible views of Los Angeles, and it’s also where you’ll find the trailhead for an easy hike to the sign.
The Hollyridge Trail is a popular choice for those looking to get a photo in front of the Hollywood Sign. The trail is about 1.5 miles round trip, and it’s considered to be moderate in difficulty. You can access the trail from either Mulholland Highway or Beachwood Drive. Keep in mind that parking can be difficult to find on busy days, so it’s best to arrive early.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue on from the Hollyridge Trail and make your way up Mt. Lee. This will add an additional 3 miles onto your hike, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Los Angeles from the summit.
Closure
The Hollywood Sign is one of the world’s most iconic symbols, and its story has been shrouded in mystery for decades. From learning about its original purpose to the celebrities who have embraced it, there’s no doubt that this iconic sign holds a special place in the hearts of many. We hope that this article has helped you uncover some of those mysteries and discover 8 things you never knew about the Hollywood Sign!
