Summary
The Griffith Observatory is a spectacular space observatory, planetarium, and astronomy museum located in Griffith Park. This destination offers remarkable views of downtown Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign, making it one of the top free attractions in Los Angeles.
When to Go and History
During summer, visitors should anticipate heavy traffic, particularly when events are scheduled at the Greek Theatre. Inbound Western Canyon Rd may close mid-afternoon, creating further congestion.
Shuttle services from remote parking lots have been discontinued. However, on weekends, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) operates the Observatory Shuttle from the Sunset and Vine Metro Red Line Station from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Please note that parking is not available near the Metro station.
History
Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh immigrant and real estate investor, purchased the remnants of the Spanish land grant, Rancho Los Felis, in 1882. In 1896, he generously donated 3,015 acres to the City of Los Angeles, establishing Griffith Park for public enjoyment.
Inspired by a research observatory built on Mt. Wilson in 1904, Griffith allocated an additional $100,000 to establish an observatory on Mt. Hollywood within Griffith Park. This public observatory was intended for the education and enlightenment of the populace.
The building’s benefactor passed away 16 years before its completion. Nevertheless, the Griffith Observatory opened its doors to the public in May 1935. The affordability during the Depression, coupled with federal public works assistance, enabled the observatory to be built with high-quality materials and exquisite artwork.
The Telescopes
The Griffith Observatory features four permanent telescopes. The Zeiss Telescope, equipped with a 12-inch refractor, delivers remarkable views of celestial bodies. Visitors can ascend to the east rooftop dome for an up-close examination of the moon or planets, or they can view images projected from the telescope in an exhibit within the Hall of the Eye.
Three solar telescopes are located in the West Rotunda. One presents a white light view of the sun, while another utilizes an H-alpha filter (spectrohelioscope), and the third displays the solar spectrum. Live images from these three telescopes are projected into exhibits in the Hall of the Sky.
The Museum
In 2002, the Griffith Observatory underwent a significant renovation, which concluded in November 2006. While the exterior received a fresh coat of paint, the primary modifications occurred underground. The renovation included excavating the hillside to create 40,000 square feet of new exhibit space, a theater, gift shop, and café beneath the original structure.
The new exhibit space features the Depths of Space Exhibit, showcasing planetary models and discoveries from space exploration. Additionally, the Edge of Space Mezzanine displays objects from space that have landed on Earth, including meteors and comets.
The original telescopes remain operational, supplemented with updated components. Exhibits in the Hall of the Eye and Hall of the Sky have been refreshed, allowing visitors to see live images projected from the telescopes.
The Planetarium Show
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Griffith Observatory presents three captivating shows:
- Centered in the Universe: A live-narrated, animated journey through human observation of the sky from Ptolemy to modern times, enhanced by the Zeiss Universarium Mark IX star projector.
- Water is Life: This presentation explores the quest for water—and potentially life—beyond our planet.
- Light of the Valkyries: A stunning exploration of the northern lights.
The Planetarium show is a separate ticketed experience, which is not included in the complimentary Griffith Observatory admission. Shows are available every 60 to 90 minutes, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Tickets for the Planetarium show are sold solely on-site, so newcomers should purchase their tickets promptly upon arrival. Note that late entry is not permitted once the show commences.
Children under 5 years old are not recommended for the Planetarium show, with access granted only to the first show of the day.
Visitors can acquire tickets at the Planetarium Box Office positioned to the left, just inside the front doors of the Observatory. Additionally, automated ticket kiosks are available on the right of the Rotunda and between the café and gift shop on the lower level.
The Café at the End of the Universe
The Café at the End of the Universe is a cafeteria-style snack bar managed by Wolfgang Puck, offering one of the finest views in Los Angeles. Despite its casual plastic tables and chairs, the venue ranks among the most romantic dining spots in the city.
Hiking From the Griffith Observatory
The Charlie Parker Trailhead connects to the Mt. Hollywood Trail at the edge of the Griffith Observatory parking lot, ascending higher through landmarks like the Berlin Forest—a tribute to Los Angeles’ sister city—to Dante’s Peak and beyond. This stretch provides a mostly shady trail with a 0.3-mile hike from the trailhead to a bench with a view of the Hollywood Sign.
Additionally, hikers can explore the West Griffith Observatory Trail, a fire road originating from the Fern Dell picnic area and Trails Café. This moderate 2-mile hike features a 580-foot elevation gain, while the East Observatory Trail presents a slightly shorter, yet somewhat steeper, alternative.
