5 Of The Most Famous Signs In The World

Signage is our passion so OF COURSE we geek out about the most famous signs around the world! Signs are about so much more than pointing people in the right direction, they're a moment in time, a memory, a complete identity. Is a road trip even a road trip if you're not pulled in by the glorious Golden Arches of McDonald's along the way? Have you even been to Las Vegas without a photo next to the Welcome sign? 

At Project Group, we're fascinated by what these incredible man made landmarks can teach us. 

1. The Hollywood sign

Originally erected on Mount Lee in 1923 as an advertisement for a housing development called “Hollywoodland,” the Hollywood sign wasn’t meant to be permanent! But, its bold white letters, towering above Los Angeles, quickly became a symbol of the film industry itself. The sign became dilapidated and was saved by a collection of donors including Hugh Hefner, Alice Cooper and the Warner Brothers company. 

Lesson for your business: size and placement matter. The Hollywood sign proves that the right location can elevate a simple design into something iconic. At Project Group, we consider where your signage will be viewed from, whether it’s high above a building in Wakefield or at street level in Castleford. We'll ensure maximum impact.

2. The Welcome to Las Vegas sign

First lit up in 1959, the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is pure vintage theatre! Its retro font, neon lights, and starburst design set the tone for the city: bold, brash, and unforgettable.

Lesson for your business: signage should match your brand’s personality. Just as Vegas shouts excitement, your shopfront in Pontefract might need to communicate trust, elegance, or fun. Project Group’s design consultations help businesses capture that essence so signage doesn’t just say who you are, it shows it.

3. The McDonald’s golden arches

Anyone else instantly hungry? Few symbols are as universally recognised as the McDonald’s arches. Introduced in the 1960s, they’ve become shorthand for fast food, family meals, and consistency.

Lesson for your business: simplicity is powerful. Clear, memorable shapes and colours can make your brand stand out, whether you’re on a crowded high street in Leeds or advertising from the side of a vehicle. Project Group’s vinyl graphics and vehicle wraps use bold, clean design principles to keep your business top of mind.

4. The London Underground roundel

First introduced in 1908, the London Underground’s red circle with a blue bar has stood the test of time. Not only is it clear and instantly recognisable, but it also adapts seamlessly across maps, platforms, and stations.

Lesson for your business: consistency builds trust. Whether it’s shop fascia signage, window graphics, or internal wayfinding, a cohesive look across all touchpoints helps your customers feel confident they’re in the right place.

5. Piccadilly Circus

Often dubbed the “Times Square of London,” Piccadilly Circus has been lit with illuminated signs since 1908. Today, its giant digital billboards showcase global brands to millions of people each year.

Lesson for your business: digital signage creates dynamism. You don’t need to be in the heart of London to use digital displays. Project Group can help businesses in West Yorkshire bring movement, colour, and video to their branding, ensuring messages stay fresh and engaging.

What these famous signs teach us about great signage

While these famous landmarks vary in design and scale, they all share key qualities:

• Visibility: they’re placed where people can’t miss them.

• Clarity: simple, bold messages and designs.

• Consistency: recognisable branding that lasts for decades.

• Emotion: they evoke a feeling, excitement, reassurance, or belonging.
  

At Project Group, we bring those same principles into every project, whether we’re wrapping a company car in Pontefract, installing shop signage in Wakefield, or designing large-scale graphics for a retail rollout in Leeds.

Want your business signage to stand out?

You don’t need a Hollywood budget to create signage that gets noticed. From vehicle wraps and window graphics to shopfronts and digital displays, Project Group helps businesses across Castleford, Glasshoughton, Wakefield and further afield design and install signage that makes a lasting impression.

Contact Project Group today to start your journey towards signage that could become iconic in your own right