Hollywood sign hill

Mount Lee, the hill behind the Hollywood Sign, has hosted the iconic landmark since 1923.

About this subject

The Hollywood Sign is perched on Mount Lee, a 490-meter hill in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Originally erected in 1923 as a temporary advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," each letter stood 15 meters tall and was illuminated by about 4,000 light bulbs. After decades of decay and a restoration campaign in the 1970s, the sign was rebuilt with 13.7-meter steel letters, becoming a permanent symbol of the entertainment industry.

The hill is part of Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, covering over 17 square kilometers. Access to the sign is restricted by the Los Angeles Police Department to prevent vandalism and crowding. Trails such as the Brush Canyon Trail and Mt. Hollywood Trail provide excellent views of the sign, popular with tourists and locals. The area is covered by typical California chaparral vegetation, exposed to seasonal wildfires that have threatened the monument.

Culturally, the Hollywood Sign is one of the world's most recognized landmarks, appearing in thousands of films, series, and photographs. It represents the glamour and promise of Hollywood but also carries a history of decay and rebirth. In 2010, a preservation campaign raised $12 million to protect the land around the sign from real estate development, ensuring the view remains untouched. The sign has been pranked and temporarily altered for promotions, but officially the letters remain white and unchanged since the 1978 restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is the Hollywood Sign?

Each letter is 13.7 meters tall, and the entire sign is 107 meters long.

Can you get close to the Hollywood Sign?

Direct access to the sign is prohibited, but you can approach via hiking trails in Griffith Park, such as the Brush Canyon Trail, which offers a rear view.

Has the Hollywood Sign ever been damaged?

Yes, the sign deteriorated over the years and was restored in 1978. In 1949, the "land" portion was removed, and by 1973 the sign was so damaged it nearly faced demolition.