Description
The Griffith Observatory is located on the south side of Mount Hollywood, in the heart of Griffith Park. With over a million visitors annually, it is the most visited observatory in the world and one of the best-known public educational institutions in the United States. Here, visitors become explorers and delve into the vastness of the cosmos. In search of answers to the most fundamental questions, you can look through telescopes, explore astronomical exhibits, and experience live shows at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
The Griffith Observatory consists of various exhibition halls (Hall of Science), which impart astronomical knowledge to visitors, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and a laser show.
Discover the Infinite Vastness of Space
In the exhibition halls, visitors can explore the world of astronomy. Exhibits include rock samples from Mars, the Moon, and meteorites; a model of the Hubble Space Telescope; a seismograph; and a 100-kilogram Foucault pendulum that demonstrates the Earth’s rotation. Check out astronomical instruments and their evolution, explore the Sun, the Moon, and the planets, trace the history of the universe from the Big Bang to the present day, or create your own small earthquake and measure it with a seismograph. Inside the building, you’ll also find the largest astronomically accurate image ever created. Covering an area of approximately 46 meters by 6 meters, “The Big Picture” depicts the Virgo Cluster.
A Visit to One of the World’s Most Modern Planetariums
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium is one of the most modern planetariums in the world. It is superbly equipped with the spectacular Zeiss star projector, a digital laser projection system, an aluminum dome, a sound system, comfortable armchairs, and sophisticated lighting. Here, visitors can let themselves be transported to the vastness of space and take a journey through the galaxy. Each show is presented live by a narrator who skillfully captivates the audience.
Since the Griffith Observatory opened in 1935, more people have looked through the Zeiss telescope than through any other telescope in the world. But it’s not just space that you can see from here—from the Griffith Observatory, you can enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles all the way to the Pacific Ocean, as well as the famous Hollywood Sign.
The iconic Griffith Observatory building has served as a filming location for over 300 movies and TV series. The white domed structure was built according to plans by John C. Austin and Russell W. Porter and features a blend of Art Deco and Egyptian styles. Between 2002 and 2006, the observatory was closed and renovated at a total cost of $93 million.
If you get hungry or thirsty during your visit, you can take a break at the café “At the End of the Universe,” which is run by the renowned Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck.
Historical Information
The Griffith Observatory, which combines a public observatory, a planetarium, and themed exhibits, traces its origins to the industrialist Griffith J. Griffith. As early as 1896, he donated the land for Griffith Park. The Griffith Observatory was then built using funds from his estate. In his will of 1919, he specified the purpose, components, and location of the building. After the building was completed in 1935, the observatory was donated to the City of Los Angeles on the condition that it remain open to the public free of charge. At the time of its opening, the Griffith Observatory was the first educational institution in the United States designed to provide the general public with access to research. It was also home to the third planetarium in the United States at that time.
How to get there
Mit dem Auto:
Du kannst das Griffith Observatory im Griffith Park über die Vermont Canyon Road oder den Fern Dell Drive. Diese erreichst du am Besten über den Hollywood Freeway oder den Golden State Freeway. Am Observatorium gibt es kostenlose Parkplätze, die Anzahl ist jedoch begrenzt. Alternativ kannst du entlang der Zufahrtsstraßen parken.
Mit den öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln:
Von der Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line Station verkehrt am Wochenende zwischen 10 und 22 Uhr ein Bus bis zum Griffith Observatory.