Hollywood Walk of Fame - Image 1

Los Angeles,United States of America

Hollywood Walk of Fame

MonumentOpenModern

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic landmark consisting of more than 2,700 brass-rimmed, terrazzo stars embedded into the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Los Angeles. The stars serve as permanent public monuments to individuals and fictional characters who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Walk of Fame was conceived in 1953 as a means to improve the image of Hollywood. The first permanent star was laid in 1960, and the site has since become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, functioning as both a cultural icon and a tribute to the history of film, television, radio, recording, and live theater.

Key Facts

Materials
Terrazzo, Brass
Civilization
American
Accessibility
Fully accessible public sidewalk
Date(s)
1960-present
Condition
Active, ongoing expansion
Original Function
Public monument to entertainment industry figures
Key Figures
E.M. Stuart, Joanne Woodward, Stanley Kramer

Conception and Planning

1953-1958

The idea for the Walk of Fame was proposed by E.M. Stuart, the volunteer president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, to maintain the 'glamour' of Hollywood. A committee was formed to develop the concept, and the Los Angeles City Council approved the project in 1956.

Inauguration

1960

Construction began in 1958, and the first permanent star, dedicated to actress Joanne Woodward, was laid on February 9, 1960. By the end of that year, over 1,500 stars had been installed.

Expansion and Modernization

1968-present

The Walk of Fame underwent a major renovation in the 1990s to restore the terrazzo and brass. The site continues to grow, with new stars added annually through a nomination and selection process managed by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

Cultural Significance

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a global symbol of the American entertainment industry, representing the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood and the ongoing influence of celebrity culture. It serves as a physical manifestation of the industry's history, drawing millions of visitors annually and acting as a primary site for public celebrations and film premieres.

Beyond its role as a tourist destination, the Walk of Fame is a significant marker of cultural achievement. The selection process for a star is highly competitive, and the unveiling ceremonies are major media events that reinforce the status of the honorees within the global entertainment landscape.

Interpretive Notes

Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty

Debates often center on the commercialization of the site and the criteria for selection. Critics sometimes argue that the nomination process, which requires a sponsorship fee, favors those with strong public relations backing over those with purely artistic merit. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion regarding the preservation of the sidewalk's integrity amidst the high volume of foot traffic and urban development.

Visiting Information

Entry Rules

The Walk of Fame is a public sidewalk and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no entry fee. Visitors are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings as the area is a busy urban environment.

Best Times to Visit

Early morning on weekdays is recommended to avoid heavy tourist crowds and to allow for easier photography of the stars.

Photography

None. The site is in a public space and photography is permitted.

Preservation Notes

The stars are maintained by the Hollywood Historic Trust. Visitors are asked to respect the sidewalk and avoid littering or damaging the brass and terrazzo surfaces.

Nearby POIs

11 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    The Hollywood Walk of Fame: A History — Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Official Walk of Fame Website (2023)View
  2. [2]
    Hollywood: A Celebration of the Stars — Jeffrey B. Snyder. Schiffer Publishing (2003)