The Hollywood sign overlooking Los Angeles, California
© Sean Pavone/Shutterstoc
Hollywood's big night
It's Oscars time in Tinseltown, and we're offering you a moment's escape from the paparazzi to gaze over the glittering megalopolis of Los Angeles - and to get an unfamiliar view of a familiar landmark. The Hollywood Sign originally read 'Hollywoodland' when it was erected in 1923 and festooned with light bulbs to advertise a real estate development. But within a few years, as the silent-film era gave way to 'talkies', the sign evolved into a popular tourist attraction. Falling into disrepair in ensuing decades - at the peak of its decay, the sign was missing its third 'O' altogether - the original was demolished and a sturdier version built in 1978.
Though it's inspired similar designs advertising locales from Ireland to Taiwan to the fictional 'Simpsons' hometown of Springfield, the now-permanent Hollywood Sign is cherished by residents as uniquely LA. Today, a dedicated non-profit maintains and promotes the sign as both a source of Angeleno pride and an emblem of romanticised Hollywood.
Related Images
Brown bears, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA
Southern cassowary, Queensland, Australia
Spotted deer, Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Poppies in bloom, Moravia, Czech Republic
Sweetheart Abbey, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Haaga Rhododendron Park, Helsinki, Finland
Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu National Park, Australia
Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu, India
Today on Bing
Seven Sisters cliffs, East Sussex, England
Illuminated icicles in Chichibu, Japan
Bonifacio on the island of Corsica, France
