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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 c...
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