Universal Studios Hollywood Entrance: Iconic Symbolism

Before you even step foot into Universal Studios Hollywood, you’re greeted by two powerful symbols—one spinning (sometimes), the other standing tall. These icons do more than mark the entrance to the park—they embody the identity, history, and Hollywood legacy of Universal itself. Let’s explore the history behind the iconic globe and the archway that frames your first moments at the park.

The Globe: Universal’s Signature Statement

📸 Photo Credit: WhereInThePark

As you approach the entrance, the first thing you see is the enormous globe fountain. This sculpture isn’t just a great photo op—it’s a tribute to Universal’s global reach and a nod to their original 1912 logo, which debuted shortly after the company was founded.

While the globe has undergone aesthetic updates over the years, its symbolism remains consistent: Universal is a global leader in entertainment. The exposed latitude/longitude lines and country outlines are reminiscent of the iconic 1964 World’s Fair Unisphere in Flushing Meadows, New York, offering a sense of timeless futurism and unity.

📸 Photo Credit: WhereInThePark

A version of the Universal globe can be found at each Universal theme park, though the design elements vary from park to park. For example, Hollywood’s version looks like the above, whereas Universal Studios Florida features blue water and prominently raised features on its tan continents.

📸 Photo Credit: WhereInThePark

The spinning globe at Universal Studios hasn’t always been operational. At the time of our recording, it wasn’t turning in Hollywood—though that may have changed by the time you're reading this. But whether it’s moving or still, it continues to draw guests in and mark the beginning of their movie-making adventure.

The Archway: A Gateway to Hollywood

📸 Photo Credit: WhereInThePark

After the globe, your eyes are drawn down the (usually) red carpet to the park’s monumental archway, which acts as both a threshold and a statement piece. This style of entry wasn’t always here—in fact, Universal Studios Hollywood used to have a very different look. Before the redesign in the mid-1990s, the entry plaza featured a more futuristic canopy, almost like a UFO or umbrella.

The current archway, installed around 1996, was designed by Jon Jerde and his design team, who wanted to reflect the architectural style of the surrounding Los Angeles area. This style helped unify Universal’s brand across its parks, echoing the style of the Universal Studios Florida entrance (which opened in 1990). It adds gravitas to the park’s identity and establishes a consistent architectural language recognized around the world.

📸 Photo Credit: WhereInThePark

While it shares similarities with classic Paramount Pictures gates, Universal’s archway might actually be rooted in its own history, mirroring the facade of early studio buildings, as seen in archival black-and-white photographs. Whether by design or evolution, the arches now serve as a unifying motif at Universal parks worldwide, including one that almost appeared in DubaiLand before the project was canceled.

Echoes of the Entrance Around the World

Special thanks to Stefan Zwanzger for this photo of the Universal Studios Dubailand gate. You can find this photo and many more at TheThemeParkGuy.com.

More Than Just a Photo Op

Together, the globe and archway tell a layered story about film history, studio identity, brand evolution, and visual storytelling. They don’t just welcome you to a theme park; they usher you into the world of movie-making, where you’re both the audience and the star.

🎧 Want to hear the full story and our behind-the-scenes discussion?
👉 Listen to the Where In The Park Podcast here!

📸 Got photos of the globe or arch from your visit?
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 ✨ Articles referenced in this blog: ✨ 

• 🌐Globe & Archway
  • Martin Turnbull - Universal Studios entrance from 1916
  • JK2 Construction - Creating Universal's Globe and Arch
  • TheThemeParkGuy - Universal Dubailand