GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
The The Griffith Observatory
Located in the heart of the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory sits nesteled high on a cliff on Mt. Hollywood over looking all of Los Feliz, Silverlake, Hollywood and beyond. The observatory is home to a wide array of space exhibits, a planetarium and several huge telescopes.
History
The Griffith Observatory first opened its doors on May 14, 1935. From its inception, the observatory was intended for public astronomy rather than research. The observatory offered public telescopes, astronomy exhibits and the third planetarium theater ever built in the US.
Today
Today the Observatory has hosted over 70 million visitors since it first opened in 1935. By being at the top of the mountain, the observatory offeres umparalleled views of the entire Los Angeles Basin. On a clear day, the deep blue color of the Pacific Ocean strikes a cool contrast against the back drop of the brown and rugged southern California mountains. Adjacent to the observatory is the Hollywood sign, allowing visitors an up close and personal view as well as photo opportunity.
The Observatory offers a variety of activities and things to do for all ages. Home to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, the Observatory presents shows every hour. Visitors lie on seats so that you stare straight into the dome theater movie screen. From there the presenetation takes you from the earth through the Milky Way Galaxy and beyond. Narrated buy a live presenter the 45 minute presentation is very entertaining and engaging. Tickets are $3 for children $5 seniors and $7 for adults.
The Observatory is home to dozens of exhibits. These include three solar telescopes, the Gunther Depths of Space Exhibits where you can learn in detail the geography/topography and dynamics of the planets of our solar system, the Edgue of Space Exhibits that feature lessons on asteroids and meoteroites as well as the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater where hourly movies take visitors on a journey of how the Griffith Observatory was constructed.
The Zeiss telescope on the East Observation Terrace, that is open every evening between 7pm and 10pm. The telescope is usually locked on an aspect of the universe, from a planet in our solar system to a star nebula deep in the Milky Way. The images from this telescope are spectacular and often surreal. In addition, every evening at sundown, weather permitting, several astronomers set up telescopes in the law area in front of the observatory. These telescopes, like the massive Zeiess, also give a detailed view of the planets and faraway sky.
GETTING THERE/VISITING
The Griffith Observatory is located at the top of Mt. Hollywood at 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
If you are coming from Hollywood, West Hollywood or Beverly Hills/westside, you can take either 1) Hollywood Blvd, Sunset Blvd or Santa Monica Blvd East to Western. At Western make a left and take it to the sharp curve to the right. Immediately following this curve you will find the entrance to Griffith Park on your left hand side. Make a left here. The drive is about a 2 mile steep climb to the top.
PARKING
Parking is free, often times, especially as evening approaches, the lot becomes full and you may find yourself parking on the road leading into the Observatory.
