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The Hollywood Sign turns 100 this year. How To LA traveled up to the sign on Mount Lee to talk about its history with Jeff Zarrinnam of The Hollywood Sign Trust.
Why it matters: Along with the city itself, this iconic structure has undergone several changes over the decades. But the sign remains one of the biggest, and most photographed, symbols in L.A. — and the world. Now funds are being raised for an adjacent Visitor Center.
Why now: The early 1920s was a boom time for the city. L.A. officials wanted to build a city that would rival New York. Development took off and, as a result, many of L.A.’s most iconic buildings and sites turn 100 this year, including The Hollywood Sign.
The backstory: By 1923, Hollywood was known as the place where film stars were made. People in the industry were coming to L.A. from the east coast, and the city needed housing. A group of investors bought land in the hills and divided it up to sell lots. To attract homebuyers, developers erected a huge wooden sign with flashing lights declaring the neighborhood “Hollywoodland.” By the 1940s, the city took ownership, dropped the “land” from its name, making the sign an official civic landmark.
See it for yourself: Hike or drive up to the Hollywood Sign. Make sure you stay on authorized hiking trails.
Listen to its whole history in the latest episode of How to LA. You can click on the player below.
