A CENTURY of L.A. ICONS

PAY HOMAGE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY LANDMARKS

CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL THIS YEAR. by TIFFANY TSE

IN LOS ANGELES, a city known for its relentless pursuit of what’s hot and new, it’s a feat for any institution to celebrate its centennial. Yet against all odds, several of L.A.’s most iconic treasures are blowing out 100 candles this year, cementing their place in the city’s rich history. The year 1923 was a transformative one for Los Angeles, giving birth to cultural gems and entertainment powerhouses that have stood the test of time. The world-famous Hollywood Sign, Warner Bros. Studio, the Walt Disney Company, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the Biltmore hotel, and beloved restaurant El Cholo—all 100-year-old landmarks this year—are now indelible parts of the city’s legacy, poised to flourish for another 100 years.

{ The Sign Must Goes On }

THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN is one of the city’s most-visited tourist attractions, but ask any local if they’ve snapped a selfie with the giant marquee and chances are the answer is yes. The sign was initially built to last for only 18 months as a billboard for Hollywoodland, an upscale real-estate development that never materialized. Over the years, it has weathered the ravages of time, surviving arson and periods of neglect with letters collapsing in windstorms and becoming rusted and dilapidated. Reflecting the spirit of reinvention that defines Los Angeles, it’s undergone several face-lifts; now its maintenance is managed by the Hollywood Sign Trust, a nonprofit organization that preserves, protects, and promotes the sign by overseeing major refurbishments and other projects.

For many, the sign’s instantly recognizable nine white letters represent far more than a famous landmark. It’s a beacon of hope that’s captured the imagination of countless dreamers who’ve flocked here to make it in the world’s entertainment capital. “One of my earliest memories is of my mom pushing me in a stroller on streets that led to the sign, so the letters H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D were my first ABCs,” recalls Jeff Zarrinnam, chair of the Hollywood Sign Trust. “It stands for Hollywood’s sig- nature industries—motion pictures, television, recording, radio and live performance, lifestyle, fashion, creativity, and the aspiration we know as Hollywood. It’s one of the world’s most well-known monuments, a symbol of the global entertainment industry and the knowledge that hopes and dreams can come true.”

» How to celebrate: The Hollywood Sign Trust announced plans to spearhead a visitor center to give fans a richer experience. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the sign from hiking trails like Mount Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail.

{ A Studio Is Born }

SPEAKING OF THE silver screen, another legendary institution that marks its 100th anniversary this year is Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. Founded by the four Warner brothers, the studio has played a pioneering role in the evolution of the entertainment industry. It revolutionized the cinema experience by introducing sound in films, revitalized the movie musical genre, and laid the foundation for an expansive library that now comprises over 12,500 feature films and shows from 2,400 television series.

» How to celebrate: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood invites visitors for a special 100th anniversary exhibit and more centennialthemed surprises. Also, look out for limited engagement theatrical screenings of some of the studio’s most beloved titles, as well as museum exhibits and commemorative screenings with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

{ A Good Sport }

YOU MAY KNOW the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum as the site of many a USC football game or summer concert, but it was originally commissioned as a memorial for World War I veterans. Now, the colossal bowl-shaped stadium is a hub for music, culture, and sporting events—serving as the home field for the Los Angeles Rams, Raiders, Chargers, and Dodgers at different periods. It’s even credited with playing a pivotal role in encouraging the migration of professional sports teams to the West Coast.

“The stadium has served as a staple in the community and a gath- ering place for millions,” says general manager Joe Furin. “The Coliseum is a testament to our great city’s resilience and spirit.” The venue shows no signs of slowing down; it’s the only stadium to host two Summer Olympics and will make history by hosting its third in 2028.

» How to celebrate: Throughout the year, the Coliseum hosts a centennial event lineup packed with can’tmiss concerts and sporting events.

{ The Suite Life }

AN ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE that was recently dubbed a Los

Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, the Biltmore, located downtown, was conceived in the early 1920s as Hollywood was entering its golden era. When the ornate hotel first opened its doors, it quickly became the place to see and be seen, hosting the Academy Awards eight times as the ceremony evolved from an intimate dinner to the grand spectacle it is today. Legend has it that the design for the Oscar statue itself was first sketched on one of the hotel’s napkins.

Over the years, the Biltmore operated as a covert speakeasy during

Prohibition, served as a military rest facility for World War II servicemen, offered a launchpad for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign, and hosted some of the world’s biggest stars. In the ’70s, the hotel fell into decline and was destined for demolition before it was saved by two architects, who spent millions to refurbish the space and preserve its historic beauty.

» How to celebrate: The hotel hosts programming throughout the year, including a 100th Anniversary Ball, a series of speakeasy events, and the return of afternoon high tea.