Have you ever felt wowed while out in the dark night sky surrounded by lights? Maybe it was from stars above. Or a bright city viewed from atop a hill. Or light displays during the holidays. Or a patio sparkling with string bulbs. Whatever the source, there is nothing better than the energy that bright lights give – I often find myself in awe of them. I even get goosebumps if I really pause long enough to really feel the twinkle. The colors. I urge you to slow down for a moment to take it in, really enjoy that energetic display.
Come along as we explore an unexpected place that lights me up, even during the day. Up the hill at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, you’ll find plenty of neon to enjoy. The cool thing is the experience is as intriguing during the day as it is lit up at night. When strolling through this collection in the sunlight, it’s the funky vintage style that catches the eye, and heart. Flip to night, and the energy is electric — literally.
When anyone thinks of CityWalk and an iconic sign, what comes first to mind? Of course, it’s the huge King Kong that gives all who pass a strike-a-pose moment and serves as the ambassador of day and night. Yet, there are treasured icons everywhere you look. Let’s dive in!
A Museum In The Making
Universal CityWalk Hollywood first opened in 1994. The entertainment district was designed to reflect L.A.’s diverse architecture while offering its own unique flair. Universal partnered with the architect Jon Jerde, who went on to design several renowned destinations found from Las Vegas to Japan. He is remembered as an innovator of “placemaking,” which is clearly reflected in the evolution of the CityWalk experience. What could have easily been just a random collection of stores and restaurants was turned into a full experience by intentional “making of the place”. The inclusion of these historic neon signs delivers the visual layering to give its distinct vibe that’s undeniable.
The original two-block promenade included a 1,000-square-foot retail and exhibit space dedicated to the Museum of Neon Art by MCA Development. There was a moment when a sign arrived that was too large to fit in the intended space. But the team had a stroke of brilliance: the entirety of CityWalk offers an ideal location to display these larger-than-life artifacts. The large neon signs are in fact art pieces to be displayed and saved for us to enjoy. This paved the way for a collection of 20 historic signs to be showcased on CityWalk. Along with these signs, the atmosphere is created through the art of layering signages, landscaping, and graphics that create CityWalk’s fascination points.
All but one piece of neon is from Southern California, making the collection an ode to local lore. The signs date back as early as 1923, and then all the way to what I refuse to call anything other than more recent, the 1980s! There is only one piece that is not neon but illuminates by incandescent lights. Keep reading to discover which one it is and why it’s not neon!
Looking for the complete run-down on what to eat, drink, do and shop for at Universal CityWalk Hollywood? Check out our complete guide to the entertainment district right here.
Your CityWalk Art Walk
Recently, I had the chance to take a walk with Ben Mayberry, the senior manager of CityWalk Operations, who holds this historic collection close to his heart. He has been with Universal Studios Hollywood for 30 years and has worked on the CityWalk team for 25 of those.
As we came up to each of the below signs, I could see the spark in his eye as he shared how it came to find its home here. Ben revealed that we have a dedicated vendor who maintains each sign, and that the team takes immense pride in keeping each piece sparkling and the neon flowing. It’s apparent how the signs are part of the personality and vibe we find at Universal CityWalk every day.
Whether you’ve been to Universal CityWalk Hollywood a zillion times or it’s your very first ascent up the hill, it’s worth exploring this landmark of nostalgic, retro icons of the region. Here’s a look at just a few of the pieces you’ll find in the CityWalk neon collection:
Melrose Theatre Ladies
Standing proudly at 13 feet tall, the Melrose Theatre Ladies are an example of cinema “rooftop spectaculars.” This is the only sign that is not made of neon but uses incandescent lights. This is because the sign was created in 1923 and neon lighting was not invented until 1924! For 50 years, the ladies stood on the Melrose Theater designed in a Babylonian style.
Find the sign: At the end of CityWalk closest to the Universal Studios Hollywood Globe in front of the Park, look up high on the second building from the Universal Studio Store. Note: the lockers and restrooms are found at the first floor of this building.
Richfield Eagles
In the mid-20th century, this neon eagle topped nearly every Richfield gas station, making it a very recognizable logo across the southwestern U.S. The eagle signs used were not all made the same way as these particular ones were among a few made in a porcelain enamel. This coating of glossy baked on porcelain enhances the neon effect.
Find the sign: This eagle flies high facing the Universal Studios Hollywood Globe on the theme park-side of the VIVO Italian Kitchen building.
Wendy’s Western Woundup
This sign has a movie connection that makes it feel right at home here at Universal CityWalk Hollywood! In the 1980s, there was a Western clothing store on Sunset Boulevard called Wendy’s Western Woundup. This neon sign was a gift to the owner of the boutique from the same designer of some of the most iconic movie posters we love still today.
Find the sign: Look directly above the “H” in the Hot Topic sign, across from VIVO Italian Kitchen.
The Condes’
Once located in Gardena, CA, the Condes’ Restaurant displayed this larger-than-life chef welcoming diners to come in and enjoy a meal. At 20 feet long, the flickering flames cannot be missed. Ben and Raymond Conde shared the duties of chef and restaurant manager, and would periodically repaint the sign so the chef would more closely resemble the brother who was running the kitchen at that time.
Find the sign: Face the VIVO Italian Kitchen sign and then look higher and behind it, above Sephora. You’ll find the chef three stories up.
Steele’s Motel
Relocated from just five miles from Universal CityWalk Hollywood on Ventura Boulevard, the Steele’s Motel was originally built in 1934 with this sign joining the façade in the 1950s. Named for the cowboy movie star Bob Steele, the motel went all-out with the 20-foot-tall marquee. It features a four-part animation of a female diver piking, then somersaulting under the shade of a neon palm tree.
Find the sign: A bit higher than the Condes sign, look higher and behind it, you’ll find the motel sign’s palm trees right behind real-life palm trees.
Explore CityWalk Attractions
After you’ve spent time checking out each of the signs, CityWalk has a place for you whether you are into movies, sports, collectibles, or Universal fandom.
Find sweet treats at the newest cafe. Stop by the official sports stores to get your Los Angeles love on. Go full fan with the latest Universal merch at the Universal Studio Store. Or, plan a movie-outing where movies are actually made at Universal Cinema. The IMAX is one of only a few in the country to boast a 70MM screen that the larger-than-life format is meant to be viewed in. For special reduced parking deals click here. (Not valid during Halloween Horror Nights or special event bookings. Additional restrictions may apply and are subject to change without notice.)
Which piece of Hollywood history are you most excited to check out on CityWalk? Let us know in the comments below.
No Comments