“London has Big Ben, Paris has the Eiffel Tower. Boston has the CITGO sign.”
- Well-known Boston quote

The iconic CITGO sign has been a part of the Boston skyline since 1940. Located at 660 Beacon Street, on what was once a Cities Service divisional office, the sign originally featured the Cities Service logo, but was replaced with the famous CITGO “trimark” of today when the CITGO brand was created for the marketing division of Cities Service in 1965.

Efforts to remove the sign in the early 1980s faced fierce opposition and led CITGO to restore the sign, with groups even fighting to declare the sign a landmark. The CITGO Sign is held in particular high regard by Boston sports fans. Red Sox sluggers are enticed by the so called “C-IT-GO” sign as they blast home runs over the left-field wall, and runners in the grueling Boston Marathon welcome its sight as the 20th mile mark. Its pulsing flash in the night sky has even been used by mothers-to-be at nearby Beth Israel to time their contractions.

It’s no secret that the CITGO Sign in Boston’s Kenmore Square is beloved by people across the country and around the world. Not only has it become a major image of the city of Boston, featured in postcards and tourist brochures, but the sign was deemed an “Objet d’Heart” by Time Magazine, was photographed by Life Magazine and featured in the New York Times. It has even become a source of inspiration for artists, musicians and filmmakers from around the world.

Want to know more about the famous CITGO sign? Check out the interesting CITGO Sign Facts, and learn more about the man who is known by thousands of locals as the Keeper of the Sign.

In celebration of our Centennial milestone on Sept. 2, CITGO looks to a bright future for our local Marketers, Retailers and loyal customers and wants to make sure our most iconic image shines too.

Beginning in late July, the 45-year-old, 3,600-square-foot sign will have all its LED lights replaced with more technologically advanced and environmentally friendly versions. The upgrades will require that the sign go dark while the work is done. However, Boston residents can be sure that when the sign is relit—just in time for baseball playoff season—the famous beacon will look better than ever!

Find complete information on the renovation and frequently asked questions.

Download a screensaver of the CITGO sign in Boston’s Kenmore Square.