CITGO Sign Returns to Boston Skyline Nov. 19
The landmark was dismantled in May and reinstalled higher and farther east as part of a Kenmore Square redevelopment.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Boston's CITGO sign is returning to the city's skyline in a new position after being dismantled in May. A public relighting celebration is scheduled for Nov. 19 at Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Why it matters
The relocation is tied to a Kenmore Square redevelopment that will replace six older buildings with two mixed-use complexes at 533 Commonwealth Ave. The move keeps a sign that has stood over the city since 1940 visible to Boston residents and visitors.
The repositioning carried an $8 million price tag and placed the sign 30 feet higher and 120 feet east of its original spot. Details on how the sign will be lit and operated after the move were not provided.
The players
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
The energy company whose logo has appeared on the Boston sign since 1965, and which is funding the repositioning and plans to sell original sign components.
The details
The sign was first installed in 1940 as the Cities Service Sign and reinstalled in 1965 with the CITGO Petroleum Corporation logo. Its letters and logos had deteriorated from New England weather, so modern replica components were installed on a new superstructure above 660 Beacon St. The original 11-foot-tall "C" is on display inside Cornwall's tavern, and CITGO plans to let the public purchase other original components, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
Timeline
1940: The sign is first installed as the Cities Service Sign.
1965: The sign is reinstalled with the CITGO Petroleum logo.
May 2026: The sign is dismantled for repositioning.
Nov. 19, 2026: A public relighting celebration takes place at Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Landmark Continuity
Originally installed in 1940 as the Cities Service Sign, the CITGO sign has been reworked before, with its 1965 logo change marking an earlier transformation. The current repositioning continues that pattern of adapting a long-standing Boston landmark to new surroundings and redevelopment.
Boston residents and visitors will see the CITGO sign return to the skyline in its new, higher position. The public relighting on Nov. 19 offers a chance to view the sign in person, and the planned sale of original components gives residents a way to own a piece of the landmark.
The takeaway
The CITGO sign's move shows how a historic landmark can be preserved through redevelopment by updating its materials while keeping its place in the skyline. Residents interested in the landmark can attend the Nov. 19 relighting.
What happens next
The public relighting celebration takes place Nov. 19 at Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
Further reading
For more on recent changes to the city's storefronts and venues, browse Boston Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Masslive.
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