United States
Hollywood Sign
Welcome to Los Angeles! The Hollywood Sign is a set of huge white letters on a hillside that has become the symbol of the movie and TV industry.
Why is it famous?
It is instantly recognized around the world as the symbol of Hollywood movies and television.
It sits high on Mount Lee, overlooking the neighborhood where countless films have been made.
How was it built?
It was first built in 1923 as an advertisement for a new housing development, originally spelling out "HOLLYWOODLAND."
The sign was so popular that in 1949 the last four letters were removed, leaving just "HOLLYWOOD" as a permanent landmark.
Amazing facts
Each letter of the sign stands about 45 feet tall, roughly as tall as a four-story building.
The sign was originally lit up with thousands of light bulbs so it could be seen at night.
Quick facts
- Each letter of the sign stands about 45 feet tall, roughly as tall as a four-story building.
- The sign was originally lit up with thousands of light bulbs so it could be seen at night.
- By the late 1970s the old sign had crumbled, so a brand-new steel sign was built and unveiled in 1978.
- The sign sits inside Griffith Park, one of the largest city parks in the United States.