Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory stands on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood at 300 meters (985 feet) elevation, housing a 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope and multiple exhibition halls. Copper domes crown an Art Deco building whose terraces offer sweeping views across Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.

Griffith J. Griffith donated roughly 1,220 hectares (3,015 acres) of land to Los Angeles in 1896 and left funds in his will to build this observatory. The building opened its doors to the public in 1935 and has shaped the city's cultural life ever since.

The name honors Griffith J. Griffith, the land donor whose vision was to make science accessible to everyone. On clear evenings, locals and visitors gather on the outdoor terraces to share views of stars and cityscape together.

Entry to exhibitions is free, while planetarium shows and parking require separate fees. Weekends and summer evenings can get crowded, so visiting on late weekday mornings works well.

More than nine million people have observed celestial objects through the main telescope, making it the most used public telescope worldwide. The Foucault pendulum in the entrance hall has been swinging for decades, demonstrating Earth's rotation in action.

Location: Los Angeles

Inception: May 14, 1935

Architects: John C. Austin

Official opening: May 14, 1935

Architectural style: Art Deco

Elevation above the sea: 346 m

Website: http://griffithobservatory.org

GPS coordinates: 34.11856,-118.30037

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:47