2800 East Observatory Road
(323) 664-1191


Located within Griffith Park, the observatory was founded in 1935 and overlooks the Los Angeles basin. It sits on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, with a fabulous view of the famed Hollywood sign.

Owned, operated, and financed by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks, the observatory was a gift to the city by Col. Griffith (1850 - 1919), who also donated Griffith Park and the Greek Theatre. The observatory is a non-profit educational institution whose purpose is to provide information on astronomy and related sciences to the public.

The observatory is divided into three main areas: the Hall of Science astronomy museum, the telescopes, and the planetarium theater. All are open to the public and, except planetarium shows, are free of charge. The roof-top telescopes operate only when the sky is clear.

The Hall of Science features a pendulum that demonstrates the earthıs rotation, scales that compare your weight on earth versus your weight on
other planets and a replica of the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Planetarium show takes place in the observatoryıs 75 foot wide, 50 foot tall dome-shaped auditorium. A live narrator from the observatoryıs expert lecture staff leads the audience through the cosmos during the hour-long show.

Information:
(323) 664-1191

Winter Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday ­ Friday 2-10 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 12:30-10 p.m.

Summer Hours:
June - September 2000
Every day 12:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Planetarium Shows:
Tuesday-Friday 3 and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday 1:30, 3, 4:30, 7:30
(The weekend 1:30 p.m. show is designed for children)

Admission/fees:
Hall of Science Free
Planetarium Shows
Adult $4
Senior (65+) $3
Children (5-12) $2

Insider Tips:

The street address will not help you find the observatory as it is the only building on East Observatory Road in Griffith Park. Reach the observatory from Western Avenue or Vermont/Hillhurst Avenues (which join just below the
Greek Theatre), both of which turn north off Los Feliz Boulevard and converge on the observatory.

Movie buffs might remember the observatory from the 1955 James Dean film "Rebel Without A Cause."

On weekends the no-fee parking lot fills up quickly with people soaking in the gorgeous views, so arrive early if possible.

A snack bar adjacent to the parking lot offers coffee, ice cream and sandwiches.

As the observatory is located in Griffith Park, bring hiking shoes for a brisk walk through the nearby bird sanctuary or along one of the parkıs hiking trails.