Griffith Observatory is an iconic building of Los Angeles where visitors can not only explore exhibits on astronomy and look through telescopes, but enjoy incredible views of the city too. The observatory sits on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park and can be seen throughout parts of Los Angeles.
Griffith Observatory is a popular attraction with tourists and a beloved gathering place for locals. Film buffs may recognize the building from movies such as James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause and more recently La La Land with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
The construction of Griffith Observatory was funded by Griffith J. Griffith who also donated the land for Griffith Park in 1896. In his 1919 will, Griffith left specific instructions on the building’s design, location, and purpose.
Grand Visions For The Griffith Observatory
The design of the building is quite monumental and has been referred to as Roman temple-like or Moorish mosque. The main materials used for construction were concrete and steel except for the copper dome.
After the observatory had been built in 1935, it was given to the City of Los Angeles on the condition that it was made accessible to the public with no admission fees. It was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to public science. The observatory has since welcomed over seventy million visitors and is a world leader in public astronomy.
Visiting Griffith Observatory
Free Public Telescopes
Free telescope viewing is available each evening at the Observatory when skies are clear. Lines for telescopes will be cut though at 9:30pm or earlier to enable viewing to be completed by 9:45 pm. The telescope inside the building closes at 10:00 pm. Knowledgeable telescope demonstrators are available to guide visitors in observing.
What Else Can You Do At Griffith Observatory?
Besides viewing space from the free telescopes provided at the Observatory, there are a number of exhibits inside and daily theater screenings.
Griffith Observatory also hosts daily talks, presentations, star parties for the public, and even free guided sunset hikes. See this article for seven fun things to do at Griffith Observatory to learn more.
From the Observatory grounds visitors can see panoramic views of Los Angeles which are especially beautiful at night. You can also clearly see the Hollywood Sign from here.
The Observatory is located inside Griffith Park of which there are a number of really cool things you can see and do such as visiting Los Angeles Zoo, catching a performance at the Greek Theater, and plenty of hiking trails.
Admission Is Free
Admission to the Griffith Observatory, the grounds, and telescopes are always free! However, there is a fee should you wish to see the special programs held in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.
Griffith Observatory presents daily programs in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater. You can see their calendar of events here.
Hours Of Operation
Griffith Observatory is open six days a week and closed on Mondays. However, you may visit the Observatory grounds on any day of the week. The Observatory is closed on all public holidays except for New Years Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.
- Tuesday to Friday: 12pm – 10pm
- Sat & Sun: 10am – 10pm
Getting There
Griffith Observatory is accessible via Vermont Canyon or Fern Dell Drive but keep in mind roads leading up to the Observatory get very congested particularly on weekends and summer holidays. Parking near the Observatory is between $8-$10 per hour. You can also reach the observatory by public transport or take a shared ride and get dropped off.