This Is What the World’s 30+ Most Famous Landmarks Used to Look Like

We’ve all looked at pictures of ourselves and wondered where the time went. Perhaps time has been kind, and we’ve aged gracefully... Like fine cheese. Or perhaps life has been rough, and we can tell the passage of time in every line and wrinkle. Let's take a look at some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and judge them by the same criteria. Have they stood the test of time, or do some need a makeover?

Big Ben, London, England

It took 16 years to build this massive clock tower! When it was completed in 1859, it was the world's biggest clock. As it was known then, the Clock Tower stood tall and proud on the London skyline, reaching over 300 feet tall. It was constructed as part of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster after a fire destroyed the original building in 1834.

Big Ben, London, England

The colossal clock captivates with its distinctive chimes and has become an iconic sound in the city of London. The tower is often featured in movies and TV shows. Over the years, there've been several renovations to the clock. Electric lighting was added, and it was given a new name in 2012 to honor Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Napoleon Bonaparte had this triumphant arc built in commemoration of his victories. It has stood as a symbol of national pride since 1836. This wasn't a quick build; the arc, with its intricate reliefs of military scenes, took almost 30 years to complete.

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Fields once surrounded this grand gateway, but now it stands in the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, which is a major traffic hub in Paris. Tourists can climb to the top of the Arc for some beautiful views of the City of Love.

Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, USA

In 1923, the Los Angeles Times owner, Harry Chandler, wanted to make an impact on real estate buyers in Los Angeles. His solution: The Hollywoodland sign. It advertised the housing development of the same name and had thousands of lights illuminating it at night.

Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles, USA

Over the years, the sign was renovated several times, and in 1949 the "land" was removed. The Hollywood sign is now equated with the glitz and glamor of the movie star life. It looks out over the showbiz town and is now a tourist favorite.

Times Square, New York, USA

In the late 1800s, Longacre Square was transformed by the D. Burnham & Company architectural firm. The theater scene in New York was exploding, and it needed a new home. In 1904 the square was renamed "Times Square" after the world-famous New York Times moved in.

Times Square, New York, USA

The New Year's Eve ball drop is one of the most memorable moments of the holiday in New York, and though it started in 1907, it's still visited by thousands of people each year. The vibrant billboards and neon signs attract people. It's a bustling part of the city that never sleeps and is home to some well-known Broadway theaters.