If you’re planning to visit Los Angeles, you’ll want to take a trip down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This famous walkway features 2,600 five-pointed stars and is free for visitors. Located between Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, this walk is dedicated to the people who have contributed to the entertainment industry and deserve to be remembered. The Walk of Fame recognizes individuals for their contributions in five different categories.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame was founded in 1960 in the Hollywood and Vine district, where the fledgling film industry flourished. In its original plan, there would be only 1,529 stars – a star for each person – set into the sidewalk. The stars were made of salmon-colored terrazzo and surrounded by black backgrounds. Today, however, there are over 2,400 stars in the walk, representing over 2,200 individuals or organizations.
The Walk’s construction began in 1958, but was delayed by two lawsuits. First, local property owners challenged the legality of a $1.25 million tax assessment – a money necessary for new street lighting and trees – to build the Walk. The second lawsuit – from Charles Chaplin Jr. – involved the exclusion of his father from the Walk. The suit was settled out of court in 1960.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame Master Plan, which is being developed by the City of Los Angeles, is currently under development. It is comprised of several phases and includes architectural and engineering work for the project.