Venice Sign Committee

The Venice Sign Committee ensures the maintenance of the Venice Sign, protects the trademark registration of the Sign, and markets the Sign as a symbol of the Venice business community.

Venice of America was introduced to the world by the legendary Abbot Kinney on July 4, 1905. Extending over Windward Avenue at Pacific Street (then Trolley Way), three-foot high letters spelling VENICE glowed to electric life. In 2005, marking the Venice Centennial, a group of citizens formed to create a contemporary replica. Today, the Chamber has assumed responsibility for this lasting legacy to the Venice of years past, and the gateway to Venice Beach.

The Committee coordinates the changing of the bulbs marked by events throughout the year and maintains the integrity of the Sign’s cables, electrical system and bulbs. Funds are raised through trademark licensing fees, donations, and sales of official Venice Sign Bulbs. 

Throughout the year, the committee on behalf of the Chamber, changes the color of the bulbs from their iconic white to reflect a holiday or season: green for St. Patrick’s Day; red, white and blue for 4th of July; orange for fall; and red and green for the winter season. Bulbs are also changed to convey a message of support, such as rainbow colors for Pride month, pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month, and blue in honor of heath care workers and first responders during the COVID shutdown. 

The Chamber selectively issues license agreements to outside organizations to change the colors for a specific event: red, white and blue for the Tommy Hilfiger fashion show; blue and gold for the Rams return to Los Angeles; and a “doors” sign in honor of their 50th anniversary.

On the first Saturday in December, the Chamber partners with CD11 – the Los Angeles City Council Office for our district – to host the annual Holiday Lighting of the Venice Sign event. Festivities include entertainment, exhibits by local businesses, and a surprise celebrity guest who flips the ceremonial switch that changes the lights from white to red and green.

Chair: Michael Wallerstein, Esq.