Griffith Observatory sits on the slopes of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, at 2800 E Observatory Rd. Known also as the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium, it is an Art Deco landmark that opened in 1935 as a public facility for astronomy.
What a visit offers
- Free telescope viewing, a chance to look through the instruments yourself
- Planetarium shows that take you across the night sky
- Wide views over Los Angeles and toward the Hollywood Sign
The building itself is part of the experience. Its clean, geometric lines reflect the Art Deco style of the period in which it was built, and many visitors spend as much time admiring the architecture and the terraces as they do inside the exhibits.
Planning your trip
The observatory suits families, students, and anyone curious about space, and it works well as an evening outing, when the telescopes are most often in use and the city lights spread out below. To check current details before you go, you can call +1-213-473-0800.
Because it stands within Griffith Park, you can combine a visit with time outdoors on the surrounding hillside, and the view of the city alone makes the climb worthwhile.
