The Golden Arches are McDonald's famous yellow architectural symbol.
The arches originated as physical features of early McDonald's restaurants. Architect Stanley Meston designed large yellow arches for the restaurant opened in Downey, California, in 1953. Viewed from the side, the building's roofline and arches created a distinctive outline that could attract motorists from a distance.
In 1962, the arches were combined into the recognizable “M” logo used by McDonald's. The symbol gradually became more important than the buildings themselves, allowing the brand to be identified on signs, packaging, advertisements, and restaurant façades around the world.
The Golden Arches are sometimes described as having begun as a logo, but their first role was architectural. Their branding power came from the transition from a physical roadside design element to a globally recognized corporate mark.