Google Turns 27: Anniversary Doodle Features Company’s First Logo

Tech giant celebrates its 27th birthday with a nostalgic tribute to its 1998 origins

Google is celebrating its 27th anniversary with a special homepage Doodle that takes users on a trip down memory lane. The commemorative artwork features the company’s first-ever logo from 1998, a simple design that marked the beginning of what would become one of the world’s most influential technology companies.

“This Doodle marks Google’s 27th birthday. We’re celebrating by getting nostalgic with our first-ever logo. Search on,” reads the official message from Google.

A Throwback to Google’s Garage Days

The vintage logo showcased in the Doodle reflects Google’s early days, when co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin—then Stanford PhD students—ran their fledgling search engine from a garage in Menlo Park, California.

Though Google was incorporated on September 4, 1998, the company now celebrates its birthday on September 27—a date associated with the launch of one of its earliest Doodles, which served as a playful “out of office” note when the founders went on vacation.

From Startup to Global Powerhouse

In the 27 years since its founding, Google has grown from a basic search engine into a sprawling tech empire operating under parent company Alphabet Inc. Its business now spans:

Search and advertising
Android mobile OS
YouTube
Google Cloud
Smart devices
Artificial Intelligence
Quantum computing and more

Under CEO Sundar Pichai, Google continues to break new ground in AI, machine learning, and digital infrastructure.

The Evolution of Google Doodles

Google’s first Doodle in 1998 was a simple stick figure behind the second “O” in the logo—used to indicate the founders were out of office. Since then, Google Doodles have evolved into elaborate animations, games, and tributes to historical figures, scientific discoveries, cultural celebrations, and global events.

Today’s Doodle, however, steps away from flash and animation in favor of nostalgia, highlighting the logo that started it all.

A Tribute to the Past — and the Future

While the Doodle reflects on Google’s roots, it also gestures toward the future. The Doodle description encourages users to explore the company’s latest developments, including its advancements in AI technology.

“Let this vintage logo transport you back to the ‘90s and teleport into the future by checking out Google’s newest AI innovation,” the company wrote.

A Thank You to Users Worldwide

By showcasing its 1998 logo, Google not only honors its journey but also thanks its global user base for being a part of its story.

What began as a project to “organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful” is now a cornerstone of digital life for billions across the globe.