Hollywood Sign#Location

The original sign was erected in 1923 and originally read "HOLLYWOODLAND" to promote the name of a new housing development in the hills above the Hollywood district of Los Angeles.{{cite book |author= |title=Fodor's Southern California |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x4Y9DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT258 |publisher=Fodor's |page=258 |date=2017 |series=Fodor's Travel Guides |isbn=978-0804143912 |access-date=August 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429143523/https://books.google.com/books?id=x4Y9DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT258 |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |url-status=live }}

File:Hollywoodland Sign (cropped).jpg

Real estate developers Woodruff and Shoults called their development "Hollywoodland" and advertised it as a "superb environment without excessive cost on the Hollywood side of the hills."{{cite web |url=http://www.beachwoodcanyon.org/HISTORY.htm |title=The Story of Hollywoodland |access-date=April 27, 2010 |last=Williams |first=Gregory |website=Beachwood Canyon Neighborhood Association |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119055147/http://www.beachwoodcanyon.org/HISTORY.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

They contracted the Crescent Sign Company to erect thirteen south-facing letters on the hillside. Crescent owner Thomas Fisk Goff (1890–1984) designed the wooden sign in {{convert|30|ft|m|1|adj=mid|-wide}} and {{convert|50|ft|m|1|adj=mid|-high}} white block letters. Studded with around 4,000 light bulbs, the completed sign alternated between flashing in successive segments "HOLLY", "WOOD", and "LAND" and as a whole.{{Cite news |last=Schnalzer |first=Rachel |date=2022-05-03 |title=Why doesn't the Hollywood sign light up at night? We have answers |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-03/why-isnt-the-hollywood-sign-lighted |access-date=2022-12-24 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} Below the sign was a searchlight to attract more attention. The poles that supported the sign were hauled to the site by mules. The project cost $21,000,{{cite journal |last=Horowitz |first=Joy |title=Signs and Wonders (review of The Hollywood Sign: Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon by Leo Braudy) |url=http://lareviewofbooks.org/article.php?type=&id=381&fulltext=1&media= |journal=Los Angeles Review of Books |date=May 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419031929/http://lareviewofbooks.org/article.php?type=&id=381&fulltext=1&media= |archive-date=April 19, 2013}} {{Inflation|US|21000|1923|r=-4|fmt=eq}}.

The sign was officially dedicated in 1923, intended to last only a year and a half.{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodsign.org/the-history-of-the-sign/1923-a-sign-is-born/ |title=1923: A Sign Is Born |website=The Hollywood Sign |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231135601/http://www.hollywoodsign.org/the-history-of-the-sign/1923-a-sign-is-born/ |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |url-status=live }} The rise of American cinema in Los Angeles during the Golden Age of Hollywood gave it widespread visibility, causing it to be left beyond that,{{cite web|url=http://hollywoodhistoricphotos.com/index.php/cPath/90_103_145|title=Hollywood Historic Photos|website=hollywoodhistoricphotos.com|access-date=December 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231443/http://hollywoodhistoricphotos.com/index.php/cPath/90_103_145|archive-date=December 8, 2017|url-status=live}} for over a quarter of a century still spelling "Hollywoodland". In September 1932, 24-year-old actress Peg Entwistle died by suicide by climbing a workman's ladder up to the top of the 'H' and jumping to her death.{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1928&dat=19320920&id=9oApAAAAIBAJ&pg=3051,5949013|title=Young Actress Ends Life In Hollywood|date=September 20, 1932|newspaper=The Lewiston Daily Sun|access-date=May 13, 2014|page=11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429143519/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1928&dat=19320920&id=9oApAAAAIBAJ&pg=3051,5949013|archive-date=April 29, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite book|title=Peg Entwistle and the Hollywood Sign Suicide: A Biography|last=Zeruk|first=James Jr. |publisher=McFarland|year=2013|isbn=978-0-786-47313-7|page=187}}

The sign’s illumination was switched off about 1933, as the new owners decided it was too expensive.{{Cite web |last=Palma |first=Bethania |date=2022-08-05 |title=Did the Hollywood Sign Once Say 'Hollywoodland'? |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/hollywood-sign-hollywoodland/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |website=Snopes |language=en}}

File:Hullywod-Sign.jpg state. This image was taken shortly before the sign's 1978 restoration.]]

In time, the sign deteriorated. The letter H was destroyed in early 1944. A United Press report in 1949 indicated that winds were to blame,{{Cite news |date=1949-09-27 |title=Putting the 'H' Back in Hollywood |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |agency=United Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107767541/putting-the-h-back-in-hollywood/ |access-date=2022-08-17|via=Newspapers.com}} while the Los Angeles Times said that the H was destroyed by "vandals or windstorms."{{Cite news |date=1949-01-25 |title=Ruling Asked in Case of Hollywoodland Sign |pages=21 |work=The Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107767831/ruling-asked-in-case-of-hollywoodland/ |access-date=2022-08-17|via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1949, the sign drew complaints from local residents, who called it an "eyesore and detriment to the community" and advocated its demolition. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce protested against the sign's removal and offered to repair it. The Chamber entered into a contract with the City of Los Angeles Parks Department to repair and rebuild the sign. The contract stipulated that "LAND" be removed to spell "Hollywood" and reflect the district, not the "Hollywoodland" housing development.{{cite news |url=http://www.daviesignarama.com/hollywoodsign |title=The Hollywood Sign |date=September 24, 2014 |website=Sign A Rama Davie |access-date=September 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003033531/http://www.daviesignarama.com/hollywoodsign/ |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |url-status=live }} The restoration and removal of the "land" portion of the sign was conducted in September 1949.

File:Hollywood sign hill view.jpg

The sign's unprotected wood-and-sheet-metal structure deteriorated over the years. After a severe windstorm on February 10, 1978, the first O was splintered and broken, resembling a lowercase u, and the third O had fallen down completely, leaving the now-dilapidated sign reading "HuLLYWO{{nbsp}}D."{{cite web |date=May 24, 2017 |title=Water and Power Associates |url=http://waterandpower.org:80/museum/Early_Views_of_Hollywood_(1920_+).html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524061523/http://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_Views_of_Hollywood_(1920_+).html |archive-date=May 24, 2017 |access-date=May 9, 2020}}

In 1978, the Chamber set out to replace the severely deteriorated sign with a more permanent structure. Nine donors gave US$27,778 each (totaling US$250,000, {{Inflation|USD|250000|1978|fmt=eq|r=-4}}) to sponsor replacement letters, made of steel supported by steel columns on a concrete foundation (see Donors section below).{{cite book |last=Braudy |first=Leo |title=The Hollywood Sign: Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon (Icons of America) |year=2012 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=978-0-300-18145-6}}

The new letters were {{convert|44|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} tall and ranged from {{convert|31|to|39|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wide. The new version of the sign was unveiled on November 11, 1978, as the culmination of a live CBS television special commemorating the 75th anniversary of Hollywood's incorporation as a city.{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19781111&id=HIYsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6093,2327201 |title=Sign Unveiled |newspaper=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |date=November 11, 1978 |access-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429143514/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19781111&id=HIYsAAAAIBAJ&pg=6093,2327201 |archive-date=April 29, 2020 |url-status=live }}

Refurbishment, donated by Bay Cal Commercial Painting,{{cite web |url=http://www.baycal.com/hsrp/index.html |title=Hollywood Sign Restoration Project 2005 |access-date=January 1, 2008 |website=Bay Cal Painting |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080110024057/http://www.baycal.com/hsrp/index.html |archive-date=January 10, 2008 |url-status=live }} began in November 2005 as workers stripped the letters back to their metal base and repainted them white.

File:Hollywood Sign satellite view.png

Following the 1978 public campaign to restore the sign, the following nine donors gave $27,700 each (which totaled $249,300){{Citation|title=Hollywood Sign's 1970s Rebuild: Celebrities Unite to Save It|url=https://www.hollywoodsign.org/history/a-sign-is-reborn-1978|language=en|access-date=21 April 2025}}:

• H: Terrence Donnelly (publisher of the Hollywood Independent Newspaper)
• O: Giovanni Mazza (Italian movie producer, co-founder of Panaria Film)
• L: Les Kelley (founder of Kelley Blue Book)
• L: Gene Autry (actor)
• Y: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in honor of Hugh Hefner (founder of Playboy)
• W: Andy Williams (singer)
• O: Warner Bros. Records, currently known as Warner Records
• O: Alice Cooper (singer), who donated in memory of comedian Groucho Marx
• D: Dennis Lidtke (businessman, graphics company Gribbitt), donated in the name of Matthew Williams{{rp|166–167}}

The original 1923 sign was presumed to have been destroyed until 2005, when it was put up for sale on eBay by producer/entrepreneur Dan Bliss.{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2005/11/17/news/newsmakers/hollywood_sign |title=Buy a piece of HOLLYWOOD |first=Jessica |last=Seid |website=CNN |date=November 17, 2005 |access-date=February 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012184248/http://money.cnn.com/2005/11/17/news/newsmakers/hollywood_sign/ |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |url-status=live }} It was sold to artist Bill Mack, who used the sheet metal as a medium to paint the likenesses of stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood.{{cite web |url=https://billmack.com/hollywood-sign/ |title=Bill Mack's Hollywood Sign Project |access-date=September 17, 2012 |website=Erin Taylor Editions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423082100/http://billmack.com/index.php?%2Fhollywood_sign |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |url-status=live }} In August 2012, Mack constructed an exact replica of the letter H from the metal.{{cite web |url=http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/08/08/arts/minnesota-sculptor-restores-h-in-hollywood-sign/ |title=Minn. sculptor restores H |agency=Associated Press |date=August 8, 2012 |website=Minnesota Public Radio}} On August 9, 2012, Herb Wesson and Tom LaBonge of the Los Angeles City Council presented Mack with a Certificate of Recognition for his restoration efforts and preservation of the sign.{{cite web |url=http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/19243240/minneapolis-sculptor-unveils-original-h-from-hollywood-sign |title=Minneapolis sculptor unveils original H from Hollywood sign |website=KMSP-TV |date=August 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403034717/http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/19243240/minneapolis-sculptor-unveils-original-h-from-hollywood-sign |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}

Considerable public concern has arisen over certain access points to the trails leading to the sign that are in residential areas. Some residents of the neighborhoods adjoining the sign, such as Beachwood Canyon and Lake Hollywood Estates, have expressed concerns about the congestion and traffic caused by tourists and sightseers attracted to the sign. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2013 that "there are more than 40 tour companies running buses and vans in and out of the canyon..." and residents "...are most concerned about safety issues because the curving hillside roads were not designed for so many cars and pedestrians."{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-hollywood-sign-wars-20131009,0,2258306,full.story|title=Discontent brewing under the Hollywood sign|last=Pool|first=Bob|date=October 8, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013185422/http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-hollywood-sign-wars-20131009,0,2258306,full.story|archive-date=October 13, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-tourists-aggravate-residents-20131009,0,5716320.story|title=Hollywood sign tourists, sightseers annoy local residents|last=Pool|first=Bob|date=October 9, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014224515/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-tourists-aggravate-residents-20131009,0,5716320.story|archive-date=October 14, 2013|url-status=live}} The Los Angeles Fire Department identifies Griffith Park, where the sign resides, as a high fire risk area due to the brush and dry climate.{{Cite web|url=https://beverlypress.com/2015/10/hollywood-sign-access-points-debated-at-town-hall-meeting/|title=Hollywood Sign access points debated at town hall meeting|date=2015-10-07|website=Park Labrea News/ Beverly Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616171757/http://beverlypress.com/2015/10/hollywood-sign-access-points-debated-at-town-hall-meeting/|archive-date=June 16, 2016|url-status=live}} Local residents have created fake 'no access' and other misleading signs to discourage people from visiting the sign.{{Cite web|url=https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/mini-stories-volume-7/|title=Mini-Stories: Volume 7|website=99% Invisible|date=December 18, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214816/https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/mini-stories-volume-7/|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2012, at the behest of residents of the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge petitioned GPS manufacturers Garmin and Google Maps to redirect traffic away from residential streets, which lack the infrastructure (e.g., parking, restrooms, potable water) to deal with the large influx of tourists, towards two designated viewing areas, Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood and Highland Center.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.com/20120315/gps-directions-to-hollywood-sign-will-change|title=GPS directions to Hollywood sign will change|date=2012-03-15|website=Daily News|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702153506/http://www.dailynews.com/20120315/gps-directions-to-hollywood-sign-will-change|archive-date=July 2, 2017|url-status=live}} The Hollywood Sign Trust, the nonprofit that maintains the sign, also endorses these two viewing platforms.{{Cite web|url=https://hollywoodsign.org/best-viewpoints/|title=Best Viewpoints|date=2017-06-20|website=The Hollywood Sign|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322135145/https://hollywoodsign.org/best-viewpoints/|archive-date=March 22, 2019|url-status=live}} Other mapping services, such as Apple Maps and Bing Maps, have subsequently followed suit.{{Cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/why-people-keep-trying-to-erase-the-hollywood-sign-from-1658084644|title=Why People Keep Trying to Erase the Hollywood Sign From Google Maps|website=Gizmodo|date=November 21, 2014 |language=en-us|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214816/https://gizmodo.com/why-people-keep-trying-to-erase-the-hollywood-sign-from-1658084644|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/mini-stories-volume-7/|title=Mini-Stories: Volume 7 – Page 2 of 4|website=99% Invisible|date=December 18, 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214816/https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/mini-stories-volume-7/|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}} This was considered deceptive by some as the hike from Griffith Observatory could take up to two hours one way,{{Cite web|url=https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/griffith-observatory-to-hollywood-sign-hike/|title=Griffith Observatory to Hollywood Sign {{!}} Griffith Park {{!}} Hikespeak.com|website=www.hikespeak.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214818/https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/griffith-observatory-to-hollywood-sign-hike/|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}} and both locations are considerably farther away from other viewing locations or trails.{{Cite web|url=https://la.curbed.com/2017/4/11/15232372/hollywood-sign-best-spots-views-hike|title=The 7 best places to see the Hollywood Sign|last=Chandler|first=Jenna|date=2017-04-11|website=Curbed LA|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103035739/https://la.curbed.com/2017/4/11/15232372/hollywood-sign-best-spots-views-hike|archive-date=January 3, 2020|url-status=live}}

File:Hollywood Sign (6215563649).jpg

File:BehindHollywoodSign-7842p.jpg

In 2015, the city made the northern parts of Beachwood Canyon into preferential parking districts, restricting parking on most of the streets in the neighborhood only to its residents.{{Cite web|url=https://la.curbed.com/2015/1/5/10005606/so-are-the-hollywood-sign-tourist-wars-over-now-1|title=So Are the Hollywood Sign Tourist Wars Over Now?|last=Kudler|first=Adrian Glick|date=2015-01-05|website=Curbed LA|language=en|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214818/https://la.curbed.com/2015/1/5/10005606/so-are-the-hollywood-sign-tourist-wars-over-now-1|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}}

In 2017, Beachwood Drive gate, an access point to the popular Hollyridge Trail, was closed to the public by city officials,{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-20170415-story.html|title=Hikers savor final days of access to popular trail near Hollywood sign as some locals protest closure|date=2017-04-16|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214816/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-20170415-story.html|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}} though it remains accessible as an exit.{{Cite web|url=https://beverlypress.com/2018/12/local-groups-continue-battle-over-griffith-park-gate/|title=Local groups continue battle over Griffith Park gate|date=2018-12-19|website=Park Labrea News/ Beverly Press|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221220321/https://beverlypress.com/2018/12/local-groups-continue-battle-over-griffith-park-gate/|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}} The closure came as a response to a lawsuit by Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables against the city for advertising a gate at the bottom of the trail, which directed tourists towards the Ranch's "exclusive easement (right of way) road".{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-legal-challenge-20170502-story.html|title=Groups mount legal battle over L.A.'s closure of the gate to the Hollywood sign|date=2017-05-02|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214816/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-legal-challenge-20170502-story.html|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}} The Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that although the path was open to the public, the proliferation of its access by the city had interfered with the Ranch's business, thus the city was ordered either to provide access near the start of the easement or reopen a previously closed trail. A spokesperson from the office of Councilman David Ryu, who succeeded Tom Labonge, stated that it was uncertain that the city could have kept the gate open while still complying with court orders.

The Friends of Griffith Park, Los Feliz Oaks Homeowners Association, and the Griffith J. Griffith Charitable Trust filed a suit together to reverse the closing of the Beachwood Gate following its closure in 2017. The court ruled in favor of Los Angeles and denied their 2018 appeal.{{Cite web|url=https://casetext.com/case/friends-of-griffith-park-v-city-of-la|title=Friends of Griffith Park v. City of Los Angeles, B290637 {{!}} Casetext|website=casetext.com|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221214818/https://casetext.com/case/friends-of-griffith-park-v-city-of-la|archive-date=December 21, 2019|url-status=live}}

An aerial tramway to the top of Mount Lee and the sign has been proposed numerous times.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-hollywood-sign-sky-tram-20180710-story.html|title=Warner Bros. wants to build a $100-million aerial tramway to the Hollywood sign|last=Faughder|first=Ryan|date=June 10, 2018|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|quote=The idea of an aerial tram to the Hollywood sign has been floated numerous times over the years as a way to draw tourists away from the residential areas and raise revenue for the city|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505110417/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-hollywood-sign-sky-tram-20180710-story.html|archive-date=May 5, 2019|url-status=live}} In June 2018, Warner Bros. proposed to fund an estimated $100 million tramway that would run from its Burbank studio lot and up the north face of Mount Lee to a new visitors' area near the sign.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2018/07/10/aerial-tram-iconic-hollywood-sign/771896002/|title=Aerial tram to iconic Hollywood sign? Warner Bros. proposes major project|last=Graham|first=Jefferson|date=July 10, 2018|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=July 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713111227/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2018/07/10/aerial-tram-iconic-hollywood-sign/771896002/|archive-date=July 13, 2018|url-status=live}} Other proposals stakeholders have set forth include establishing an official visitors' center for the sign, public shuttle service to lead tourists to the sign or trails, or even erecting a duplicate sign on the opposite side of Mount Lee.{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-20180116-story.html|title=Does the Hollywood sign need an electric shuttle, an aerial tram – or a second sign?|last=Alpert Reyes|first=Emily|date=January 17, 2018|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023114203/http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-20180116-story.html|archive-date=October 23, 2018|url-status=live}}

File:Hollywood sign from farmers market.jpg, near Santa Monica Boulevard, a few blocks south of Hollywood Boulevard. The historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is visible on the left.]]

The sign is on the southern side of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, north of the Mulholland Highway, and to the south of the Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills) cemetery.

File:View towards Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.jpg, San Gabriel Mountains in the background]]

The sign is on rough, steep terrain, and there are barriers to prevent unauthorized access. In 2000, the Los Angeles Police Department installed a security system featuring motion detection and closed-circuit cameras. Any movement in the marked restricted areas triggers an alarm that notifies the police.{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodsign.org/signsecurity.html |title=Sign Security |access-date=August 2, 2009 |date=August 2, 2009 |website=The Hollywood Sign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722024744/http://www.hollywoodsign.org/signsecurity.html |archive-date=July 22, 2009}}

It is at an elevation of {{convert|1578|ft|m|adj=on|abbr=on}}.

The building and tower just behind and to the right of the sign is the City of Los Angeles Central Communications Facility, which supports all cellphone, microwave, and radio towers used by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Fire Department, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and other municipal agencies. The building has no name and is a large maintenance building for the antennae. From 1939 to 1947, this site was the location of the studios and transmitter of the first television station in Los Angeles, W6XAO (now KCBS-TV), founded by The Don Lee Network, hence the name Mount Lee. The TV studio left this location in 1948, and the transmission facility left in 1951, moving to the higher Mount Wilson.

File:Hollywood Sign February 2010.jpg

Land in the vicinity of the sign was purchased by Howard Hughes in 1940, who planned to build a hilltop mansion at Cahuenga Peak for actress Ginger Rogers. Before long, Rogers broke off their engagement and the lot remained empty. Hughes' estate sold the property that lies to the left and above the sign for $1.7 million in 2002 to Fox River Financial Resources, a Chicago developer that planned to build luxury mansions along the ridgeline. It put the property on the market in 2008 for $22 million. As a result, the City of Los Angeles considered buying it, possibly by raising money from celebrities as was done for the 1978 restoration.{{cite news |url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/900498,hollywood041708.article |title=Chicago investors' sale puts famous Hollywood sign in jeopardy, residents say |agency=Associated Press |date=April 17, 2008 |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=April 17, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815024016/http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/900498%2Chollywood041708.article |archive-date=August 15, 2008 |df=mdy-all}}

Environmentalists and preservationists were concerned about the possibility of real estate development in the area. In April 2009 The Trust for Public Land (TPL) signed an option to buy the {{convert|138|acre|ha|abbr=on}} property for a discounted price of $12.5 million. On February 11, 2010, as part of a campaign to help raise money and with the full support of both the city and the Hollywood Sign Trust, the organization covered each letter of the sign with large banners reading "SAVE THE PEAK".{{cite web |title=Preservation campaigners cover Hollywood sign |url=https://abc7.com/archive/7272149/ |date=February 11, 2010 |website=KABC-TV |access-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629021900/http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Flos_angeles&id=7272149 |archive-date=June 29, 2011 |url-status=live }} On April 26, 2010, the Trust for Public Land announced it had raised enough money, with Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner stepping forward to donate the final $900,000.{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodsign.org/savethepeak.html |title=Original Benefactor Hugh Hefner Returns as Final Donor to Save Land Surrounding Hollywood Sign |access-date=April 27, 2010 |date=April 26, 2010 |website=Hollywood Sign Trust, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, and City of Los Angeles |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429000807/http://www.hollywoodsign.org/savethepeak.html |archive-date=April 29, 2010}} Hefner later gave an additional $100,000 donation. After the purchase, the parcel became an extension of nearby Griffith Park.{{Cite news |last=Cathcart |first=Rebecca |date=2010-04-26 |title=Beacon to Hollywood Stays Alive in the Hills |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/27/us/27sign.html |access-date=2022-12-13 |issn=0362-4331}}

The sign was illuminated as part of the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles.

In 1987, promotion for the prime time launch of the Fox network had the sign read "FOX" for five days.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-hollyweed-holywood-20141219-story.html|title=As trail reopens, we recall edits to the Hollywood sign: Save the Pood?|date=2015-01-05|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225021646/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-hollywood-sign-hollyweed-holywood-20141219-story.html|archive-date=December 25, 2019|url-status=live}}

A {{convert|75|ft|m|1|adj=on|abbr=on}}-tall cutout of Holli Would, main character from the film Cool World (1992), which appeared to sit on the sign, was added as part of a promotion for the film. The alteration angered local residents,{{Cite news |last=Schoch |first=Deborah |date=1992-07-06 |title=Hollywood Residents Can't Shroud Anger : Promotion: Paramount Pictures defends attaching a movie cartoon character to the famous sign. Citizens fear a tourist invasion and say that the landmark is being commercialized. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-07-06-me-1213-story.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Cartoon Character Opens Landmark Rift |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB719DF2E0AA62A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GoogleP |newspaper=San Jose Mercury News |date=July 7, 1992 |access-date=September 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013160624/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SJ&s_site=mercurynews&p_multi=SJ&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB719DF2E0AA62A&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GoogleP |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |url-status=live }} who said the cartoon character was "appalling" and an insult to women.{{cite news |first=Mathis |last=Chazanov |title='D' as in Disagreement Cartoon Character Atop Landmark Sign Sets Off Protests |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61039484.html?dids=61039484:61039484&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+07,+1992&author=MATHIS+CHAZANOV&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=`D'+as+in+Disagreement+Cartoon+Character+Atop+Landmark+Sign+Sets+Off+Pr |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=July 7, 1992 |access-date=September 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725050859/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/61039484.html?dids=61039484:61039484&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jul+07,+1992&author=MATHIS+CHAZANOV&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=%60D'+as+in+Disagreement+Cartoon+Character+Atop+Landmark+Sign+Sets+Off+Pr |archive-date=July 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

As part of the Los Angeles County millennium celebrations, the Hollywood sign was illuminated and hosted a laser show for a television broadcast for the arrival of the year 2000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-01-me-17326-story.html|title=Welcoming 2000, Hollywood Style|date=1999-10-01|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225021647/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-01-me-17326-story.html|archive-date=December 25, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=Frank Sinatra Jr Stars at 2000 Millenium LA Performance Hollywood| date=February 27, 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkKlsFMHYZg|language=en|access-date=2019-12-24}} The event was produced by Carl Bendix. The sign was illuminated in various colors, one of the rare times the sign became lit; an alternative to the firework displays at several of the other world icons due to concerns{{Citation needed|date=December 2019}} about fire in the dry conditions.

Between February 14 and 16, 2022, the sign read "RAMS HOUSE" to celebrate the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory. The changes were made by the Rams in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Sign Trust.{{cite news | title=Hollywood sign to read: 'Rams House' in honor of Super Bowl LVI champs | url=https://abc7.com/hollywood-sign-celebration-la-rams-super-bowl-win/11562723/ | publisher=KABC-TV | date=February 14, 2022 | access-date=February 14, 2022}} Inclement weather delayed its completion, leading to the sign reading "RALLYOUSE" for much of Tuesday,{{cite news | last=Roe | first=Mike | title=Why The Hollywood Sign Read 'RALLYOUSE' Instead Of 'RAMS HOUSE' Much Of Tuesday | url=https://laist.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/why-the-hollywood-sign-read-rallyouse-instead-of-rams-house-much-of-tuesday | work=LAist | date=February 15, 2022 | access-date=February 19, 2022}} and was only completed just before the Rams' victory parade the following day.{{cite news | title=Hollywood Sign Finally Turns into 'RAMS HOUSE,' Still Looks Bad | url=https://www.tmz.com/2022/02/15/hollywood-sign-ramshouse-slow-pace-super-bowl-parade/ | work=TMZ | date=February 15, 2022 | access-date=February 19, 2022}} The sign was criticized for being unreadable,{{cite news | last=Impelli | first=Matthew | title='Hollywood' Sign Changed to 'Rams House' but No One Can Read It | url=https://www.newsweek.com/hollywood-sign-changed-rams-house-no-one-can-read-it-1680016 | work=Newsweek | date=February 16, 2022 | access-date=February 19, 2022}} eliciting negative reactions on Twitter,{{cite news | last=DaSilva | first=Cameron | title=Twitter roasted the new 'Rams House' Hollywood sign | url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/16/rams-hollywood-sign-house-twitter-reaction/ | work=USA Today | date=February 16, 2022 | access-date=February 19, 2022}} but was nonetheless praised by some for being reflective of the team's performance in the run-up to the Super Bowl.{{cite news | title=The 'Rams House' Hollywood Sign Might Be Hard To Read, But It Means A Lot To Some Fans | url=https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2022/02/16/the-rams-house-hollywood-sign-might-be-hard-to-read-but-it-means-a-lot-to-some-fans/ | publisher=KCBS-TV | date=February 16, 2022 | access-date=February 19, 2022}}

In 2022, the sign was lit for the first time in 22 years. Using laser projections, rainbow colors were cast onto the sign to commemorate Pride Month. A few days later, digital projections were beamed onto the sign on the weekend of June 25 and 26 for 2022's BET Awards.{{cite web | url=https://www.avinteractive.com/markets/media/hollywood-sign-projection-mapped-first-time-28-06-2022/ | title=Hollywood sign projection mapped for the first time | AV Magazine }}{{Cite news |last=Draughorne |first=Kenan |date=2022-06-25 |title=What does it take to light the Hollywood sign? A dream, six big projectors and BET |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-06-25/what-does-it-take-to-light-the-hollywood-sign-bet-awards |access-date=2022-12-24 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

The sign featured in a film shot for the handover of the Olympic Flag from Paris to Los Angeles (the host of the 2028 Summer Olympics) at the 2024 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. In it, Tom Cruise is depicted free climbing the sign and altering it to feature the Olympic Rings in the double Os.{{Cite news |last=Gharib |first=Anthony |date=2024-08-11|title= Tom Cruise leaps from Stade de France, assists in LA '28 Hollywood logo reveal |url= https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40826354/2024-paris-olympics-closing-ceremony-tom-cruise-la-28 |access-date=2024-08-14|publisher=ESPN |language=en-US}}

On October 30, 2024, the letter "D" was illuminated blue with a white outline to commemorate the Los Angeles Dodgers winning the 2024 World Series.https://sports.yahoo.com/la-celebrates-dodgers-world-series-180243695.html#:~:text=To%20honor%20the%20Los%20Angeles,with%20a%207%2D6%20score.

The sign has been unofficially altered several times, often eliciting a great deal of attention.{{cite web |url=http://laist.com/2017/04/03/hollywood_sign_pranks.php |title=A Brief History of Hollywood Sign Pranks |website=LAist |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404202938/http://laist.com/2017/04/03/hollywood_sign_pranks.php |archive-date=April 4, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The modifications have included:

• HOLLYWeeD – January 1976 and January 2017: The sign was first altered in 1976 by Daniel Finegood following the passage of a state law decriminalizing cannabis.{{cite news |first=Valerie J. |last=Nelson |title=Daniel N. Finegood, 52; prankster known for creative alterations of Hollywood sign |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-27-me-finegood27-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=January 27, 2007 |access-date=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125110244/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/jan/27/local/me-finegood27 |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |url-status=live }} The sign was altered again early on New Year's Day in 2017, likely as an homage to a new California law legalizing recreational cannabis which passed during the 2016 election and which became effective on January 1.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/01/hollywoods-iconic-sign-becomes-hollyweed-after-vandal-strikes.html |title=The high life? LA's iconic 'Hollywood' sign becomes 'Hollyweed' overnight |last=David |first=Javier E. |date=January 1, 2017 |website=CNBC |access-date=January 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101232023/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/01/hollywoods-iconic-sign-becomes-hollyweed-after-vandal-strikes.html |archive-date=January 1, 2017 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkKlsFMHYZg&t=1254|title=Frank Sinatra Jr Stars at 2000 Millenium LA Performance Hollywood|last=Terrence|first=Thompson|date=1999|website=www.youtube.com|access-date=2019-12-25}}{{Cite web|last=Nelson|first=Laura J.|date=2017-01-01|title=Hollywood sign altered to read 'Hollyweed'|url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-hollywood-sign-hollyweed-20170101-htmlstory.html|access-date=2020-10-22|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}
• HOLYWOOD – April 1976 and September 1987: The 1976 alteration was for Easter sunrise service, viewable from the Hollywood Bowl. The 1987 alteration was for Pope John Paul II when he visited; the second L was covered.{{cite web |url=http://www.lapdonline.org/history_of_the_lapd/content_basic_view/1131 |title=1987 Pope John Paul II Visit |website=Los Angeles Police Department |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116095345/http://www.lapdonline.org/history_of_the_lapd/content_basic_view/1131 |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-09-16-mn-5437-story.html |title=The Papal Visit : Papal Digest : A Sign of the Times – This One is 'Holywood' |date=September 16, 1987 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160217014700/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-09-16/news/mn-5437_1_hollywood-sign |archive-date=February 17, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• GO NAVY – December 1983: A group of Midshipmen, with permission, covered the sign for the Army-Navy football game's first and only West Coast appearance.{{cite web | title=00041599 | website=Los Angeles Public Library | date=Nov 24, 1983 | url=https://tessa2.lapl.org/digital/collection/photos/id/13372/ | access-date=Dec 18, 2023}}
• RAFFEYSOD – in 1985, an obscure rock band from New Orleans named the Raffeys altered the sign in an act of unauthorized self-promotion.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-01-03-me-11178-story.html |title=Hollywood Sign's Puzzling Letters Remain a Mystery |first=Steve |last=Harvey |date=January 3, 1985 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618232533/http://articles.latimes.com/1985-01-03/local/me-11178_1_hollywood-sign |archive-date=June 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/01/07/A-rock-band-from-New-Orleans-called-The-Raffeys/4968473922000/ |title=A rock band from New Orleans called The Raffeys... |date=January 7, 1985 |publisher=UPI |access-date=June 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620001623/http://www.upi.com/Archives/1985/01/07/A-rock-band-from-New-Orleans-called-The-Raffeys/4968473922000/ |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• OLLYWOOD – In 1987 the first letter of the sign was obscured to protest the perceived hero worship of Oliver North during the Iran–Contra hearings.
• OIL WAR – In 1990 the sign was changed to protest the Gulf War.
• PEROTWOOD – Supporters of Ross Perot in the 1992 United States presidential election briefly changed the sign in October 1992.{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/10/29/Hollywood-sign-changed-to-Perotwood/4496720334800/|title=Hollywood sign changed to 'Perotwood'|website=UPI|language=en|access-date=2019-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225021648/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/10/29/Hollywood-sign-changed-to-Perotwood/4496720334800/|archive-date=December 25, 2019|url-status=live}}
• JOLLYGOOD – 1993, unknown
• CALTECH – 2003: Occurred on Hollywood's centennial (of its incorporation as a municipality), also one of Caltech's many senior pranks.{{cite magazine |first=Laura |last=Fitzpatrick |title=Nerd Humor Meets California Landmark |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1839579_1839578_1839531,00.html |date=November 2008 |access-date=November 24, 2008 |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205061724/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1839579_1839578_1839531,00.html |archive-date=December 5, 2008 |url-status=dead }}
• SAVE THE PEAK – February 11, 2010, the original letters were covered with a series of large banners reading "SAVE THE PEAK", part of a campaign by The Trust for Public Land to protect the land around the Hollywood Sign from real estate development (see above). As the changeover progressed, variations such as "SALLYWOOD", "SOLLYWOOD", and "SAVETHEPOOD" sprung up.
• HOLLYBOOB – On February 1, 2021, the sign was altered by the YouTuber Joogsquad and Instagram influencer Julia Rose to challenge censorship on Instagram.{{Cite news|last=Gross|first=Jenny|date=2021-02-02|title=6 Arrested After Briefly Altering Hollywood Sign|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/hollywood-sign-prank-hollyboob.html|access-date=2021-02-16|issn=0362-4331}}
• H🐮LLYWOOD – April 2, 2021: Los Angeles based band Junior Varsity put a cow face over the first "O" as a promotion for their single "Cold Blood".{{Cite web |last=Exposito |first=Suzy |date=2021-04-08 |title=Meet the band that defaced the Hollywood sign with a painting of a cow |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2021-04-08/la-et-ms-hollywood-sign-defaced-cow-painting-junior-varsity |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

Disney filed to put spots on the sign as a means of promoting its film 101 Dalmatians (1996); however, the request was later rescinded.

Mayor Eric Garcetti signed an executive directive for a program to light up the sign on his last day in office in 2022. Mayor Karen Bass rescinded the order 10 days later because "there were concerns about the legality of the order".{{Cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Dakota |last2=Wick |first2=Julia |date=2022-12-23 |title=Garcetti's last order as mayor: Light up the Hollywood sign. Bass rescinded it |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-12-23/mayor-bass-overturns-garcettis-directive-to-light-hollywood-sign |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

Multiple other places have imitated the sign in some way.

• System of a Down is an Armenian-American heavy metal band formed in Glendale, California, in 1994. On their album Toxicity, the Hollywood Sign is changed to "SYSTEM OF A DOWN", released on September 4, 2001. The neighborhood of East Hollywood is historically home to a large Armenian-American population.
• In May 2008, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce licensed exclusive rights to Plymouth Rock Studios of Massachusetts to merge "Hollywood" with "East", creating Hollywood East, a new industry trademark that represents the growing film industry in New England. The studio plans to find a site in Plymouth, Massachusetts for the permanent installation of the sign.{{cite news |url=http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1880507947/Iconic-Hollywood-sign-comes-east |title=Iconic Hollywood Sign Comes East |first=Tamara |last=Race |date=May 23, 2008 |newspaper=The Patriot Ledger |access-date=November 16, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010035244/http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1880507947/Iconic-Hollywood-sign-comes-east |archive-date=October 10, 2008 |url-status=live }}
• In 2009, a Hollinwood sign was erected by the side of the M60 motorway going through Hollinwood, Greater Manchester, to celebrate the City of Manchester's twinning with Los Angeles. The sign was erected during the night and then taken down by the Highways Agency, as it was considered a distraction to motorway drivers.{{cite news |last=Lashley |first=Brian |title=Hollinwood sign mystery solved |newspaper=Manchester Evening News | location=Manchester, England |date=August 14, 2009 |url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1131796_hollinwood_sign_mystery_solved |access-date=September 9, 2009}}
• In March 2010, authorities announced the Wellington Airport in New Zealand would erect a WELLYWOOD sign on the hillside of the Miramar Peninsula. This was to reflect the filmmaking community in Wellington, notably Weta Digital, which produced effects for Lord of the Rings, King Kong, and Avatar. However, the proposed sign's widespread unpopularity with local residents persuaded the airport staff to consider alternatives.{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/wellingtonians-rejoice-wellywood-u-turn-4202654 |title=Wellingtonians rejoice at Wellywood U-turn |website=ONE News |date=June 1, 2011 |publisher=TVNZ.co.nz |access-date=September 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829105901/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/wellingtonians-rejoice-wellywood-u-turn-4202654 |archive-date=August 29, 2011 |url-status=live }} On July 27, 2012, the city erected a sign that reads "Wellington" with the last letters blowing away to pay homage to Wellington's ever present wind.
• In November 2010, the Chilean municipality of Renca erected a sign high on Renca Hill that reads "Renca la lleva" ("Renca rocks", in Spanish).{{cite web |url=http://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2016/10/25/renca-la-lleva-el-letrero-de-la-ex-alcaldesa-vicky-barahona-que-podria-pasar-a-mejor-vida/ |title="Renca la lleva", el letrero de la ex alcaldesa Vicky Barahona que podría pasar a mejor vida |website=El Mostrador |language=es |date=October 25, 2016 |access-date=December 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220191952/http://www.elmostrador.cl/noticias/pais/2016/10/25/renca-la-lleva-el-letrero-de-la-ex-alcaldesa-vicky-barahona-que-podria-pasar-a-mejor-vida/ |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• In 2010, in the hope of promoting new businesses in the town of Basildon in Essex, England, the Basildon District Council erected letters reading the name of the town alongside the A127 road at a cost of £90,000.{{Cite web|last=Gray|first=Brad|date=2020-11-21|title=How Basildon ended up with a £90k 'Hollywood sign' on the A127|url=https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/basildon-hollywood-sign-a127-landmark-4708783|access-date=2021-03-26|website=EssexLive|language=en}}
• In 2010, Paddy Power, a large Irish betting company, erected a {{convert|270|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} wide and {{convert|50|ft|m|1|abbr=on}} high Hollywood-style sign reading Paddy Power on Cleeve Hill near the regency town of Cheltenham, as part of a publicity campaign for Cheltenham Festival. It became the world's largest free-standing sign of its kind.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/17/paddy-power-sign-cheltenham-festival |title=Upset racecourse officials with Hollywood-style sign stunt |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=March 17, 2010 |access-date=April 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403095113/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/mar/17/paddy-power-sign-cheltenham-festival |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}
• In 2011, a 20-foot tall replica was erected on the hillside of Monarch Hill Renewable Energy Park in Pompano Beach, Florida and used as a stand-in for the real sign during the filming of Rock of Ages (2012).{{Cite magazine |last=Levy |first=Glen |date=May 19, 2011 |title='Rock of Ages' Producers Turn Florida's 'Mount Trashmore' into Hollywood Sign |magazine=Time |url=https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/19/rock-of-ages-producers-turn-floridas-mount-trashmore-into-hollywood-sign/ |access-date=June 25, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Rock of Ages: How much South Florida will you see? |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-06-13/entertainment/sfl-rock-of-ages-how-much-south-florida-will-you-see-20120613_1_stacee-jaxx-beach-scene-hard-rock-live |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151201213906/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-06-13/entertainment/sfl-rock-of-ages-how-much-south-florida-will-you-see-20120613_1_stacee-jaxx-beach-scene-hard-rock-live |archive-date=December 1, 2015 |access-date=November 14, 2012 |work=Sun Sentinel}}
• Entertainer Dolly Parton has many times cited the Hollywood Sign as the impetus behind her own Dollywood theme park, telling Spin Magazine in 1986, "When I first saw the Hollywood Sign, I thought, how wonderful would it be if I could change the 'H' to a 'D' for the day."{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ELfnhp4T-T4C&q=%22hollywood+sign%22+dolly&pg=PA13 |title=Dollywood: The Wait is Over |first=Sue |last=Cummings |date=May 1986 |magazine=Spin |access-date=August 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609022520/http://books.google.com/books?id=ELfnhp4T-T4C&pg=PA13&lpg=PA13&dq=%22hollywood+sign%22+dolly&source=bl&ots=gmHwJ7Iopa&sig=XSilZXyNQAzSit2aVKwUk8AnS7s&hl=en&ei=pdVGTqTcFMbJgQfS-p3SBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCAQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=%22hollywood%20sign%22%20dolly&f=false |archive-date=June 9, 2013 |url-status=live }}
• In 2014, Druskininkai, Lithuania opened a sign in the resort town to celebrate social media that was voted the most likable by followers of the "Likeable Lithuania [sic] campaign."{{cite news |url=http://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvos-diena/aktualijos/didziausias-like-zenklas-druskininkuose.htm |title=Didziausias Like zenklas – Druskininkuose |newspaper=Lietuvos rytas |access-date=November 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106163813/http://www.lrytas.lt/lietuvos-diena/aktualijos/didziausias-like-zenklas-druskininkuose.htm |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.tourism.lt/en/news/the-worlds-largest-like-sculpture-dedicated-to-social-networks-is-to-be-built-in-lithuania-this-summer |work=State Department of Tourism |title=The World's largest like |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106085032/http://www.tourism.lt/en/news/the-worlds-largest-like-sculpture-dedicated-to-social-networks-is-to-be-built-in-lithuania-this-summer |archive-date=November 6, 2014 |url-status=live }}
• In 2015, an album cover was revealed for hip hop musician Dr. Dre's third studio album, Compton in which the vertical backside of the Hollywood sign was imitated with the album's title, which is also the name of Hollywood's sister city.{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Steve |date=2018-02-09 |title=LPs with the Hollywood sign on the cover |url=https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/lps-with-the-hollywood-sign-on-the-cover.730067/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025233103/https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/lps-with-the-hollywood-sign-on-the-cover.730067/ |archive-date=2023-10-25 |access-date=2023-10-25}}
• There is an imitation of the sign at Hollywood, County Wicklow in Ireland.{{cite news |title=Welcome to the real Hollywood |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=August 30, 2011 |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/welcome-to-the-real-hollywood-163924.html |access-date=January 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110035651/http://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/features/welcome-to-the-real-hollywood-163924.html |archive-date=January 10, 2016 |url-status=live }}
• There is another imitation of the sign above the Harbor in Keelung, Taiwan along the Huzi Mountain trail.{{cite web |url=http://tour.klcg.gov.tw/ScenicSpots/Default.aspx?type=2&hl=en-US |title=Attractions introduction |website=Keelung Official Tourist Information |access-date=November 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171112185427/http://tour.klcg.gov.tw/ScenicSpots/Default.aspx?type=2&hl=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2017 |url-status=live }}
• There is an imitation of the sign near Szastarka, Poland.{{cite web|title=Walory turystyczne|url=http://www.gminaszastarka.pl/index.php?id=112|agency=Urząd Gminy Szastarka|access-date=2018-04-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428182438/http://www.gminaszastarka.pl/index.php?id=112|archive-date=April 28, 2018|url-status=live}}
• There is an imitation of the sign on Mount Tâmpa in Brașov, Romania which was mounted in 2004.{{cite news|title=We're not in Tinseltown any more: The World's Alternative Hollywood signs|newspaper=The Guardian|date=August 25, 2015|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/aug/25/were-not-in-tinseltown-any-more-the-worlds-alternative-hollywood-signs-in-pictures|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816194606/https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/aug/25/were-not-in-tinseltown-any-more-the-worlds-alternative-hollywood-signs-in-pictures|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Simbolul luminos al Braşovului din vârful Tâmpei va deveni "spaţiu publicitar"|url=https://adevarul.ro/locale/brasov/simbolul-luminos-brasovului-varful-tampei-deveni-spatiu-publicitar-1_5bd161f8df52022f75d7897b/index.html|website=Adevărul|date=October 25, 2018 |access-date=2021-04-16}} Another one stands beside Râșnov Citadel.
• In the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V the Hollywood sign appears as the fictional "Vinewood", a parody of Hollywood.
• There is also an imitation of the sign in Marseille, France, in the north part of the city. It was erected in 2016 to promote the Netflix series Marseille.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/jun/08/corrupt-dangerous-brutal-poor-marseille-future-france|title=Corrupt, dangerous and brutal to its poor – but is Marseille the future of France?|last=Hoad|first=Phil|date=2017-06-08|website=The Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321084942/https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2017/jun/08/corrupt-dangerous-brutal-poor-marseille-future-france|archive-date=March 21, 2019|url-status=live}}
• There is an imitation of the sign near Osage Beach reading "Lake of the Ozarks" which welcomes visitors. It was installed in 2012 and the sign is visible on westbound US Route 54 after crossing a bridge over the Osage River.{{Cite web |last=LakeExpo.com |title=Lake Of The Ozarks 'Hollywood-Style' Sign Turns Five |url=https://www.lakeexpo.com/boating/lake-of-the-ozarks-hollywood-style-sign-turns-five/article_3040d154-4b0d-11e7-9f64-5b8df1a52c87.html |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=LakeExpo.com |date=June 8, 2017 |language=en}}
• There is an imitation of the sign in Medora, North Dakota. It is behind the stage of the Burning Hills Amphitheatre.
• There is an imitation of the sign in Anguillara Sabazia, near Rome, Italy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@42.0676787,12.2575241,3a,37.5y,258.58h,101.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sQjOGA2HW225P0ahFt8HRCw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|title=Google Maps|website=Google Maps}}
• There is an imitation of the sign in at Westview Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is placed on a hill known locally as "Garbage Hill."{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/garbage-hill-hollywood-sign-winnipeg-1.4953738 |title=New, improved Garbage Hill sign goes up permanently in Winnipeg |access-date=January 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111135353/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/garbage-hill-hollywood-sign-winnipeg-1.4953738 |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |url-status=live }}
• There is an imitation of the sign in Dildo, Newfoundland and Labrador, that reads "DILDO", and was a gift from Jimmy Kimmel.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/no-trespassing-town-of-dildo-1.5252294 |title=No trespassing, warns town of Dildo when it comes to Hollywood-like sign |date=2019-08-19 |access-date=2020-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903005635/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/no-trespassing-town-of-dildo-1.5252294 |archive-date=September 3, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/dildo-n-l-warns-against-trespassing-in-excitement-over-hollywood-like-sign-1.4555516|title=Dildo, N.L., warns against trespassing in excitement over Hollywood-like sign|date=August 19, 2019|website=CTVNews}}
• There is an imitation sign over the town of Hatta, United Arab Emirates. {{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubais-hollywood-style-hatta-mountain-sign-can-you-trek-to-this-uae-landmark |title=Dubai's Hollywood-style Hatta mountain sign: Can you trek to this UAE landmark? }}
• There was an imitation of the sign near Palermo, Italy in 2001 as part of the Venice Biennale.{{Cite web|url=https://www.perrotin.com/artists/Maurizio_Cattelan/2/hollywood/7127|title = Hollywood | Maurizio CATTELAN (2001) | PERROTIN}}
• In 2024, the city of Detroit, Michigan installed a sign inspired by the Hollywood Sign in preparation of the 2024 NFL draft.{{cite news |url = https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/residents-react-to-new-detroit-sign-along-i-94/ |title = Residents react to new "Detroit" sign along I-94 on city's southwest side |date = April 10, 2024 |last = Laster |first = Luke |publisher = CBS News }}

File:Hollywood Sign.png, filmed in 1982, featured a swordfight shot in and around the sign.]]

In films and television shows, the Hollywood Sign is often used as an establishing shot for Los Angeles and Hollywood. The sign is also shown getting damaged or destroyed from the events of a particular scene; period pieces may show just the "LAND" portion of the original sign being destroyed. It is an example of national landmarks being destroyed, a common feature seen in many disaster movies to increase the drama and tension. It is frequently a shorthand device to indicate the destruction of all of Los Angeles or the state of California. The sign has been depicted getting destroyed in the movies Earthquake (1974), Superman (1978), The Rocketeer (1991), Demolition Man (1993), Independence Day (1996), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), 10.5 (2004), Terminator Salvation (2009), Sharknado (2013), San Andreas (2015), Despicable Me 3 (2017) and numerous other films.{{cite magazine |url=https://parade.com/51137/hannah_dreyfus/the-hollywood-sign-in-the-movies/ |title=The Hollywood Sign in the Movies |first=Hannah |last=Dreyfus |magazine=Parade |date=July 6, 2013 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225052529/https://parade.com/51137/hannah_dreyfus/the-hollywood-sign-in-the-movies/ |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |url-status=live }}

The sign is depicted in the Netflix animated television show BoJack Horseman. During the middle of season 1, the "D" in the Hollywood sign is stolen. No attempt is made to replace it, and the neighborhood is referred to as "Hollywoo" for the remainder of the show, until its finale when it is accidentally renamed to "Hollywoob".{{Cite web |last=Matadeen |first=Renaldo |date=2020-02-10 |title=BoJack Horseman Finally Fixes Its 'Hollywoo' Problem (Sort Of) |url=https://www.cbr.com/bojack-horseman-fixes-hollywoo-problem/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609205628/https://www.cbr.com/bojack-horseman-fixes-hollywoo-problem/ |archive-date=2022-06-09 |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=CBR |language=en}}

The December 2013 issue of National Geographic features Steve Winter's photograph of P-22 in front of the Hollywood Sign.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/p22-hollywood-cougar-steve-winter-photography | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221214211616/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/p22-hollywood-cougar-steve-winter-photography | url-status = dead | archive-date = December 14, 2022 | title = How this photo turned a reclusive mountain lion into a Hollywood icon | last = Dell'Amore | first = Christine | date = December 14, 2022 | magazine = National Geographic}}

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Category:1923 establishments in California

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