On July 13, 1923, one of the most iconic Hollywood signs was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. However, the original sign read "HOLLYWOODLAND" and was not intended to represent the movie industry. Instead, it was constructed as an outdoor advertisement for a new suburban housing development called "Hollywoodland."
The sign, built by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, featured 50-foot-tall white block letters and was illuminated by 4,000 light bulbs, proudly glowing each night. The project cost $21,000 (over $300,000 today) and was only meant to last for a year and a half. However, as Hollywood's film industry grew, the sign became an internationally recognized symbol, appearing in numerous films and television shows.
Over the years, the sign fell into disrepair. In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce stepped in, removing the last four letters to reflect the district rather than the housing development. The sign was rebuilt in 1978 through a public campaign led by Hugh Hefner, with each letter sponsored by donations from renowned celebrities such as Alice Cooper, Gene Autry, and Andy Williams.
Today, the Hollywood Sign is protected and promoted by The Hollywood Sign Trust, a nonprofit organization. It stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, synonymous with the glamour, ambition, and allure of the American film industry. Interestingly, despite its global fame, the sign itself is relatively inaccessible to the public due to its location on steep terrain and protected land.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
