The Golden Arches are the McDonald’s logo element formed from two stylized arches that create an “M.”
The arches began as architectural features on McDonald’s restaurant buildings and later became a central corporate symbol. In 1962, the company adopted a logo that combined the two arches into the familiar letter-like form associated with McDonald’s.
The term is sometimes used loosely for the physical arches on an individual restaurant, but in branding history it also refers to the enduring logo and symbol. The design’s strength comes from its simple silhouette, bright color, and ability to be recognized without the company name.
The Golden Arches became one of the world’s best-known commercial symbols. Their development connects restaurant architecture, graphic design, and corporate identity in McDonald’s history.