Located on the summit of Mount Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory has been an iconic Californian destination since its construction in 1935.
Visitors can explore various captivating attractions at the observatory grounds, such as an Egyptian sundial and a commemorative monument to James Dean. If the weather is favorable, guests can relish the breathtaking sights of the Los Angeles basin.
Inside the Griffith Observatory
Visiting the Observatory is a fantastic and budget-friendly day trip since admission is free. Once inside, you can explore the planetarium theater, a large triple-beam solar telescope, and three floors of captivating interactive exhibits and displays.
Planetarium
The Griffith Observatory Planetarium boasts impressive features, including a star projector, a laser digital projection system, and a seating capacity 290. Visitors can enjoy eight daily shows on weekdays and ten shows on weekends. To purchase tickets for the day’s performances, one must visit the Observatory in person, where tickets are sold at a nominal price. Discounts are available for students and seniors.
Main Entrance Hall
Upon entering the Central Rotunda, your attention will be immediately drawn to one of the original exhibits – the Foucault pendulum. Above the dome’s ceiling, you will witness a breathtaking mural created by Hugo Ballin. Additionally, a tribute is dedicated to Griffith J. Griffith, the generous donor of the land that now comprises Griffith Park.
The Wilder Hall of the Eye is located in the Griffith Observatory, which boasts state-of-the-art exhibits, a Tesla Coil, and a Camera Obscura. Opposite Wilder Hall, you will find the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky, which houses a variety of old and new exhibits. Additionally, visitors can utilize three solar telescopes to observe a live view of the sun.
Griffith Observatory Lower Levels
Below the main building are two floors of fascinating exhibits. This observatory area was completed in 2006 as part of a $93-million project to expand and renovate the Griffith Observatory. This observatory section contains the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon, Gunther Depths of Space Exhibits, The Cosmic Connection, and The Edge of Space Exhibits. A gift shop and The Café at the End of the Universe are also on the lower levels.
Griffith Observatory in Movies
Completed in 1935, it has always been a popular location for Hollywood shooting, beginning with the classic Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean. A bronze bust now pays homage to the highly regarded actor and stands just outside the domed building. Griffith Observatory has also appeared in numerous other movies, including Terminator, Transformers, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, The Rocketeer, and Earth Girls Are Easy.
Hollywood Sign
Don’t forget to snap a photo of the famed Hollywood sign before you depart from the Griffith Observatory. The Roof Deck and Terraces Observatory provides a stunning panorama of downtown Los Angeles, with the possibility of glimpsing Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Hollywood, just down the hill, Griffith Park, which surrounds the observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo. For a unique perspective of Griffith Park, Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers one, and two-hour horseback trail rides into Griffith Park.
Getting To Griffith Park Observatory
Griffith Observatory has a small parking lot that fills up fast on weekends. You don’t mind walking; you can park along the road and hike up to the observatory. There is no admission charge to enter the Observatory building. See the Observatory Website for details. Griffith Observatory is open six days a week. Closed on Monday. 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, California.
Parking is no longer free and it’s expensive.