Metropolis, IL "Home of Superman" Billboard Receives a Fresh New Look

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Neil Cole

Metropolis, Illinois, known as the official "Home of Superman," has recently completed an exciting update to one of its most iconic landmarks - the "Welcome to Metropolis" Billboard. This revitalized sign, unveiled after a major renovation, now stands as a striking tribute to the legendary Man of Steel, further solidifying the town's connection to its superhero heritage. The project, overseen by the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to refresh and enhance local landmarks.

Originally installed in 1972, the "Welcome to Metropolis" Billboard has long been a beloved feature of the town, greeting visitors as they enter the city. A larger-than-life Superman image, paired with the State of Illinois, was added in the late 1980s, but over time, weather and wear took their toll on the sign. This prompted the Chamber of Commerce to launch a renovation effort aimed at restoring the billboard to its original grandeur.

The revitalization project was led by a dedicated team, including Maggie Rzechula, Morgan Siebert, and members of the 2024 Metropolis Chamber of Commerce board. Their collective effort and attention to detail helped turn the vision for an updated sign into reality. After several weeks of work, the billboard received a complete facelift, including fresh paint and enhanced graphics, ensuring that it continues to serve as a vibrant representation of Metropolis' rich Superman legacy.

One interesting detail corrected during the restoration was to a small but notable error from the original design. When the billboard was first created, a part of Hawkman's wing, from DC Comics, had been mistakenly added to Superman's cape. This was a result of a mix-up with the black-and-white artwork from legendary artist Neal Adams' wrap-around cover art from "Superman No. 252" (1972), which had been submitted to the billboard's original artist. Although only the most observant Superman fans may have ever noticed the mistake, it has now been corrected as part of the renovation and the removed wing pieces will be displayed at the Super Museum in Metropolis, giving them a new home.

The newly revamped billboard features bold, vibrant colors and sharper graphics, capturing the timeless appeal of Superman while welcoming both first-time visitors and returning fans to the town. More than just a road sign, the updated billboard has become a symbol of pride for Metropolis, reminding all who pass through of the town's special place in superhero history.