Marquee (overhang)

A marquee, or overhang, is a secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building.

The location of an marquee on a building may be above a window, a door, or above the area along a sidewalk. With the addition of columns, a marquee becomes a canopy, which is able to extend further from a building, as in the case of an entrance to a hotel. Restaurants often use marquees broad enough to cover substantial outdoor area for outdoor dining, parties, or reception. In commercial buildings, a marquee is often painted with information as to the name, business, and address, thus acting as a sign or billboard as well as providing shade, breaking strong winds, and protecting from rain or snow. In areas with wintry weather, most marquees do not have to be taken down at the end of the summer – they can remain retracted against the building all winter long, or be designed and built for those conditions.