The Griffith Observatory Turns 89 Today, Still Reigning King of the Mountain High Above LA
Updated: Jun 6
Griffith draws diverse crowds year-round, all seeking to be wowed by the views and the curiosity of earth-space science.
Tuesday, May 14th, Los Angeles, Ca
written by Entertainment Editor, Dan Ruth
When many people visit Los Angeles for the first time, they remark at how hilly the terrain can be. A simple drive through Topanga Canyon, into the Hollywood Hills or more pointedly, up to Griffith Observatory, can prove to be a roller coaster of steep curves and swerves and yes, parking pains. Some who live here claim that it's easier to bus it, and for more athletic Angelenos, far more satisfying to hike up to the observatory. Whatever your method of travel, the payoff is still the view, leaving Griffith Observatory the undisputed king of the mountain and worth the trip any time of day or year.
If you haven't been to the Griffith in a while, perhaps it's time to go back. Located high in the Hollywood Hills, Griffith Observatory attracts locals and visitors alike, some seeking to be transported into the world of earth-space science; to continue their personal search for clues as to our history and our placement among the stars. Most however, are seeking the spectacular views of Los Angeles. Griffith Observatory opened to the public on May 14th, 1935 and through the years has undergone many changes, including a major renovation in 2002. Will a visit to the observatory turn you in an earth-space science geek? Quite possibly, after all, it's been their mission since they opened their doors eighty-nine years ago to the day.
Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh-American industrialist and philanthropist, donated the funds and commissioned the City of Los Angeles to build the observatory in 1896. Griffith had a vision of making astronomy accessible to the public and wanted to provide a place where people from around the world could observe the stars and learn more about our surrounding solar system and the universe. On the day I went, I lucked out and found a parking space right at the top of the steep incline near the entrance and I did not have to pay. When I first entered the quad, I was taken by the lush grounds and astronomical history that is built into the concrete walkways, including a massive solar system chart that shows the exact distance of each planet and their relationship to our sun. It's difficult to miss The Astronomers Monument located in the middle of the quad. Complete with sundial, the monument features sculptured images of Galileo, Hipparchus, Copernicus, Kepler, Herschel and Newton. Although Griffith probably never had the film industry in mind, it should be noted that the observatory has been home to many films and television shows, most notably, Rebel without a Cause, starring James Dean, so don't forget to check out the sculpted bust of the young actor, located on the observatory grounds as well.
Griffith Observatory also contains the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, which upon my visit was showing two films, Seeds of Life and Centered in the Universe, the later of which I saw the day I visited. The living multi-dimensional planetarium presentations are referred to as "live storytelling," as each show is narrated by one of the planetarium's talented staff members. This photo was taken before the film began, no phones are allowed during the planetarium film presentations.
There really is something for everyone here, including Foucault's Pendulum, a wall of meteorites among its many interactive displays and a hall of the planets, featuring monstrously large planetary sculptures. Now they say that size isn't everything but in this hall, I beg to differ. One particular hallway within the observatory that caught my eye was labeled "the wormhole stairway," which documents how many billions of years the universe has been in known existence, and they illustrate this through the stunning use of jewelry. Brooches and pins, stickpins and earrings in modern contemporary style, art deco, Victorian, etc., all done in the theme of the sun, moon, stars and other galactic imagery. Besides the vastness of time, I'm not quite sure what I learned exactly, except for my desire to own several pins and brooches in the exhibit!
The Griffith features a perfect view of the Hollywood sign, plenty of restrooms and handicap accessible elevators, a gift shop to stockpile your favorite NASA gear and a cafe, complete with tables where one can enjoy a snack or a beverage while enjoying the views. The Griffith is a spectacular day trip, and was created to be enjoyed again and again. The next time I visit, it will surely be at dusk, so I can take in the views at night. Make no mistake, after the sun sets on the city, from the observation deck of the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles truly sparkles. My visit was complete when I overheard someone on the observation deck state, "I'm confused, so if that's Los Angeles over there, then what city is that over there?"
It's Los Angeles. All of it.
The Griffith Observatory 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (213) 473 - 0800
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