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SF’s Iconic Ghirardelli Square Sign is Back After 4 Months

The 1915 sign was carefully recreated with LED bulbs and has its official re-lighting on October 27th.
By - posted 10/26/2020 No Comment

After going dark for nearly four months, SF’s iconic 19-foot-tall, 152-foot-wide “Ghirardelli Square” sign on the northern waterfront is making its comeback with a special re-lighting ceremony on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at about 6pm. 

The original sign was built in 1915, restored in 1964 was taken down in July and replicated one letter at a time with new LED lights to try to match the old style as much as possible. See the restoration plans submitted to the San Francisco Planning Department.

New lights were installed with the bulb quantity and location matching the original sign design. A paint color analysis was conducted and the letters were painted with a high-performance paint that matches the original color of the letters.

The sign was reinstalled in early October and the official lighting is October 27th. The new LED lighting will allow for special colors whenever needed for the holidays or for special events or honors.

You can watch the relighting in person (masks and social distancing required) or can watch on Facebook Live

Related: SF’s Iconic Ghirardelli Square Sign Going Dark for 2 Months – 6/30/20

Plus there is live classical music from Classical Revolution on the outdoor plaza for the inaugural re-lighting of the iconic marquee from 4-7pm. Please observe social distancing and wear masks. Shopping, chocolate, restaurants are open – come say hi.