The Griffith Observatory is one of Los Angeles‘ most famous landmarks, attracting millions of visitors every year. The science and cultural centre not only offers fascinating insights into astronomy, but also breathtaking views of the City of Angels and the Hollywood landmark.
Location and surroundings
Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighbourhood. It is 346 metres above sea level and offers a magnificent view of the Los Angeles Basin, including downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest.
History of the Griffith Observatory
The history of the observatory begins with Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the land for the park and observatory. Although the idea of a ‘public observatory’ was still very new at the beginning of the 20th century, Griffith developed very precise specifications for the building.
On 16 December 1896, Griffith J. Griffith donated 12.20 square kilometres of land around the observatory to the city of Los Angeles. In his will, Griffith had provided money for the construction of an observatory, an exhibition hall and a planetarium on the donated land. On 14 May 1935, the observatory and its exhibits opened as the nation’s third planetarium.
Exhibitions
The Griffith Observatory houses several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to put themselves in the shoes of an astronomer. The exhibition is divided into several large areas, each highlighting a particular aspect of human observation of the heavens and space travel.
Highlights include the Tesla Coil, the Astronomer’s Monument and an extensive collection of space and science exhibits. There are also exhibitions on the Moon and Mars.
Visit the Griffith Observatory
A popular tourist destination, Griffith Observatory offers a stunning view of the Hollywood sign. It houses an extensive collection of space and science exhibits. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 22:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 22:00.
Visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, watch live shows in the Samuel Oshin Planetarium and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and Hollywood.
More than just an observatory, Griffith Observatory is a scientific, educational, cultural centre and historic landmark. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover and enjoy the wonders of the universe – with its rich history, fascinating exhibits and stunning location. More than just a place, it is a gateway to the cosmos.
