Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles

Perched on the southern slope of Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills area of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Sign stands as an emblem of the entertainment industry and Los Angeles itself. This cultural icon, composed of 45-foot-tall white letters, spells out "HOLLYWOOD" and stretches 350 feet long. Initially erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a local real estate development called "Hollywoodland," the last four letters were removed in the late 1940s when the sign was refurbished and assumed its current form.

The Hollywood Sign has undergone several restorations over the years to maintain its iconic status, with the most extensive refurbishment taking place in 1978. This facelift involved replacing the original letters with new steel-supported versions, ensuring the sign's longevity.

While the sign itself is not open to public tours due to its location on rugged terrain and the need to preserve the area, it remains a focal point for tourists and photographers. Visitors to Los Angeles often seek out optimal vantage points to view and photograph the sign, with popular spots including Griffith Park Observatory and various lookout points along Mulholland Drive.

The Hollywood Sign is more than just a landmark; it is a symbol of dreams, ambition, and the allure of the movie industry. It has been featured in countless films, television shows, and photographs, cementing its place as a global cultural treasure. The sign is managed and maintained by the Hollywood Sign Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the historic structure.