History & Mission

History

Throughout the Sign’s 100th year history, it has been threatened with decay and destruction. When the Sign was erected in 1923 by the Hollywoodland Real Estate Group, it was slated to last only a year and a half. Against all odds it survived, but by 1973 it was in total disrepair. Citizens of Hollywood successfully lobbied to protect their precious icon and the Sign was declared a Los Angeles Cultural Historical Monument in 1973. Now protected by law, the resources were still sorely lacking for its restoration and rebuilding. In 1978, the Trust was established to oversee, and raise the funds necessary, to accomplish this massive project. With the help of extremely generous citizens and celebrities who sponsored each letter, the Trust unveiled a new Hollywood Sign in 1978.

During the past quarter century, the 9 men and women appointed to the non-profit Sign Trust have spearheaded numerous campaigns, from physical maintenance, to security systems, to public awareness campaigns for the Sign. The Trust also supports Hollywood cultural events and community events, as well. To accomplish its central mission, protecting this landmark and educating the world about Hollywood and its most-famous symbol, the Trust relies on the volunteer efforts of its Board, and contributions from generous donors who recognize the importance of Hollywood’s monuments and history.

The Hollywood Sign Trust is formed with the express purposes of repairing, maintaining, refurbishing, and providing capital improvements to the Hollywood Sign or related thereto for the benefit of the public at large and so as to help, preserve and maintain the image of Hollywood as the worldwide center of the entertainment industry.

Mission

The Hollywood Sign Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit trust formed on October 7, 1978, with the express purposes of repairing, maintaining, refurbishing, and providing capital improvements to the Hollywood Sign or related thereto for the benefit of the public at large and so as to help preserve and maintain the image of Hollywood as the Worldwide Center of Motion Pictures and Cinema Arts; and shall be operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. The Trust is also the official source for news and information about the Hollywood Sign and maintains the Hollywood Sign website and its social media platforms.