Griffith Park & Observatory

By: Susan Keenan

Griffith Park and Observatory is owned and operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks of the City of Los Angeles. A miner and real estate entrepreneur, Griffith J. Griffith, donated the land, more than three thousand acres, in 1896 for use as a public park.

Unfortunately, due to a recent fire, the hiking trails in the park to the east and north of the Observatory remain closed as does most through traffic in the western section. However, the Observatory remains open to the public. Shuttle reservations from the Hollywood & Highland parking lot and the Los Angeles Zoo are still running.

Griffith Observatory, opened in 1935 and located on 2800 East Observatory Road, features public telescopes, astronomy exhibits, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and more.

Main Features

The telescopes, located at both ends of the building, are free to the public. The Zeiss Telescope is the original from 1935. Intended mainly for viewing during the night, the telescope has probably been used by more people than any other telescope in the world. A new feature allows visitors to view live feeds from the telescope in the Hall of the Eye exhibit located directly below it.

The Ahmanson Hall of the Sky features three solar telescopes, the original ones, for daytime viewing that allows visitors to explore the sun safely. Freestanding telescopes are occasionally set up on the lawn outside the Observatory on clear nights. All of the telescopes, both inside and outside, are only available on clear nights.

Recently renovated, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium features 300 seats along with spectacular educational programs revolving around the night sky. A live lecturer, one of the largest domes in the world, and laser projectors further enhance the experiences of all visitors.

The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater is possible due to the generosity of the well-known actors Leonard Nimoy and his wife Susan Bay-Nimoy. It offers 200 seats, the ability to transmit live space events, educational activities, and more. An 18-minute film, narrated by Leonard Nimoy, portrays the history of the Observatory.

Events

Throughout the year, it has been known to open its doors for special events, filming, and rentals. Currently, however, the Observatory is unavailable for any of these until the spring of 2008.

Once a month, the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and Sidewalk Astronomers host a star party during which numerous additional telescopes are set up for public viewing.

Practical Information

Although Griffith Observatory is closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, it is open daily six days a week. On the weekends, the hours are 10:00 am until 10:00 pm. On Tuesdays through Fridays, it opens at noon and remains open until 10:00 pm. Currently, visits are by reservation only due to the high demand for access. Timed reservation passes are required at this time. However, once the public demand decreases, this system will be discontinued and open access to the hilltop will be reinstated.

Separate tickets are required for entrance to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.

Questions about Griffith Observatory can be directed to staff members at 213-473-0800.

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