Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles

The Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are landmarks in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. The sign is a global symbol of the film industry, and the observatory offers panoramic city views and astronomical education.
The Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are landmarks in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California. The sign is a global symbol of the film industry, and the observatory offers panoramic city views and astronomical education.

The Hollywood Sign sits on Mount Lee in Griffith Park, overlooking Los Angeles. It was built in 1923 as "HOLLYWOODLAND" to advertise a new real estate development in the hills above the city. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce shortened it to "HOLLYWOOD" in 1949, and the current metal letters date to a 1978 reconstruction funded by donors including Hugh Hefner and Gene Autry. The sign runs 350 feet across the hillside, with each letter standing 45 feet tall. A broadcast tower beside the sign transmits signals for several Los Angeles television and radio stations.

Photo taken in November 2011.

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