There are millions of signs around the world, and each of them has a unique story, but without a doubt, there are some that are known worldwide, like the ones that we will present to you below. These are signs that have transcended time and redefined places and even histories and cultures. Without them, the places where they are would definitely not be the same.
These are the 10 most famous signs in the world (part 1)
First on the list, of course, is the famous Hollywood Sign, in Los Angeles, California.
Its construction dates from 1923 and what few know is that this symbol of the film industry initially said “Hollywoodland”. It served as a real estate ad and was supposed to be up for a year and a half. Over time, it became the quintessential icon of global film culture. Each letter is 30 feet wide and about 43 feet long. In total, the sign measures more than 106 meters (over 340 feet). Huge!, right?
Credits: ( By Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43944546 )
Whether you have crossed the United States or not, you have surely heard of Route 66 and its famous billboards. The Route 66 is a living emblem of freedom that offers to be in the open sky with no more company than hundreds of miles traveled and thousands more ahead.
The billboard was built in the mid-twenties and the original route initially covered more than 2,400 miles, eventually extending nearly 4,000 from Illinois to California. It is one of the most traveled roads in the world, one of the most songs that have been composed. The poster not only captures the essence of adventure and nostalgia, but also identifies many of the vintage gas stations and themed hotels that line the famous highway.
Credits: ( By Riggwelter – http://wikitravel.org/shared/File:Route_66_sign.jpg, CC BY-SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37717147 )
The Penny Lane sign in Liverpool, England is among the most photographed in the world. The poster rose to fame thanks to an iconic Beatles song of the same name.
The original poster is located near where the famous John Lennon and Paul McCartney grew up and right at that intersection the two boys met to wait for the bus. After the group released the song, the authorities were forced to constantly replace the billboards on that avenue because the band’s fans stole them frequently.
Credits: ( By Rept0n1x – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25049835 )
The Moulin Rouge sign was designed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in 1891 by the famous Parisian cabaret, one of the most important in the world at the time. Both the classic windmill and its sign became a symbol of extravagant shows and nightlife.
The story goes that Toulouse-Lautrec spent much of his time in the cabaret and there he drew what he saw, to later forget the forgotten sketches and drawings on his table. The owner noticed his skills and asked him to make the billboards and in exchange offered him an open bar.
Credits: ( By Selby – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7644976 )
The last of the posters that make up this list -for now- is the closest of all the ones we have mentioned. It is in Florida, exactly Key West and has not only withstood the passing of years but also dozens of hurricanes. During Hurricane Irma in 2017, the sign was lost and found in Fort Myers, 300 miles away, and returned home shortly after.
This sign marks the southernmost point in the continental United States and is a popular tourist destination.
And with this ends the first part of this list of the 10 most famous posters in the world. We hope you have found interesting the curiosities that make them unique.
Credits: ( Ken Lud – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlund/51138502826 )
