Griffith Observatory
Historic telescopes, planetarium programs, physics exhibits, and sweeping views make the observatory both laboratory and civic monument.
Artwork inspired by Millard Sheets
Historic telescopes, planetarium programs, physics exhibits, and sweeping views make the observatory both laboratory and civic monument. The building teaches scale best when visitors connect the sky to the luminous basin below. Three anchors prevent a superficial visit: opened is 1935, style is Art Deco, and admission is Building free.
Arrive before sunset, read the free exhibits first, then use telescope staff to identify what atmospheric haze and city light allow tonight. The building is closed Monday, parking near the summit is limited and expensive, and planetarium tickets are sold separately onsite. The productive comparison is between Zeiss telescope and Foucault pendulum, with Los Angeles basin supplying the evidence that changes how the whole place reads.
- Opened
- 1935
- Style
- Art Deco
- Admission
- Building free
Quick guide
- Orient from
- Arrive before sunset, read the free exhibits first, then use telescope staff to identify what atmospheric haze and city light allow tonight.
- Follow the evidence
- Compare Zeiss telescope with Foucault pendulum, then use Los Angeles basin to test what the site is trying to communicate.
Know before you go
- Orient from
- Arrive before sunset, read the free exhibits first, then use telescope staff to identify what atmospheric haze and city light allow tonight.
- Follow the evidence
- Compare Zeiss telescope with Foucault pendulum, then test that reading against Los Angeles basin.
- Place in context
- Opened: 1935; Style: Art Deco; Admission: Building free
- Plan the arrival
- For Griffith Observatory, use the reviewed visitor entrance at 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Before visiting Griffith Observatory, check current parking, transit, reservation, security, and.
Good to know
The building is closed Monday, parking near the summit is limited and expensive, and planetarium tickets are sold separately onsite.
Notice these
- Zeiss telescope
- Foucault pendulum
- Los Angeles basin