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Receipt and Filing of the Report for (1) Proposed Donation and Installation of the Historic MGM Sign at the Senior Center; (2) Provide Recommendations to City Council, as Appropriate
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Meeting Date: March 3, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson / PRCS
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission (02/27/2026); (E-mail) Paks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (02/27/2026)
Department Approval: Adam Ferguson / PRCS Deputy Director (02/26/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Commission receive and file the report on the (1) proposed donation and installation of the Historic MGM Sign at the Senior Center and (2) provide recommendations to City Council, as appropriate.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Historic Significance
The MGM Sign is one of the most iconic symbols in Culver City’s history as the “Heart of Screenland.” The hand-painted double-sided sign, featuring Leo the Lion and the motto Ars Gratia Artis (“Art for Art’s Sake”), is among the most widely recognized trademarks in film history. (See Attachment 1)
Sign Dimensions
The MGM Sign measures approximately:
• 14’ tall
• 32’ wide
• 3,000 lbs.
• Material: Steel
Early History
• Installed atop the MGM Wardrobe Building in the late 1920s.
• Relocated to Stage 6 in 1930, where it overlooked sound stages for more than sixty years.
• Originally included a “Studios” panel, later replaced with panels for current MGM films.
The 1987 Restoration and Re-Lighting
Restored and reinstalled in 1987 at the Filmland Corporate Center (10000 Washington Boulevard, now known as “One Culver”). The project required a helicopter, a 220-ton crane, and 800+ hours of labor. The re-lighting was a major civic event, covered by worldwide press and attended by Gene Kelly and Culver City Mayor Dick Brundo.
Removal and Storage
The MGM Sign was removed in 1992 and has since been in storage. The City Council previously declared it a cultural landmark.
Current Condition
A September 2025 conservation assessment found the sign in fair to good condition, with paint loss, fading, and corrosion. Treatment is recommended to stabilize and preserve it. (See Attachment 2)
Opportunity for Renewal
Re-installation presents an opportunity to:
• Celebrate Culver City’s film history.
• Return a landmark to public view.
• Connect future generations to the city’s identity as a cultural hub.
Site Location Selection
Cultural Affairs and PRCS staff reviewed various sites in and around Veterans Memorial Park. Due to the sign’s size, most locations were not feasible. The Overland Avenue frontage of the Culver City Senior Center was identified as the most appropriate site for historical, visual, and public engagement reasons. (See Attachment 3)
Design Features
• Installation of one side of the sign against a new perimeter wall (6’-8’ tall).
• Planting of a screening/shade sycamore tree.
• Creation of a paved “selfie” area with a historic plaque.
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
Acceptance of the donation will involve costs for transportation, installation, conservation, and maintenance. To date, we have received one estimate from Uovo Art Transportation which includes project planning, onsite preparation, off-hours moving, and installation costs estimated at $115,445. Additional estimates and competitive bidding would be pursued if given direction to proceed. (See Attachment 4)
If accepted, costs will be drawn from the funds that are available for Cultural Affairs in the Capital Improvement Projects budget for Art Installation, Restoration, and Conservation. City Council’s prior approval for the use of these funds will be necessary if the project were to proceed.
Under CCMC §15.06.100 (Art in Public Places Program), Cultural Trust funds may be allocated for permanent or temporary artworks. This provision supports the potential use of Trust resources for art acquisition, installation, restoration and conservation.
ATTACHMENTS:
25-03-03_ATT 1_Selected Historical Documents MGM Sign
25-03-03_ATT 2_Preliminary Conservation Assessment Summary
25-03-03_ATT 3_Preliminary Site Plans and Renderings
25-03-03_ATT 4_Uovo Cost Estimate for Moving and Installation
MOTION:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Service Commission:
1. Receive and file the report
2. Provide recommendations to City Council, as appropriate