Explore the universe for free in the heart of Los Angeles!

Overhead view of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background during the day.
Overhead view of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background in the evening.

Griffith Observatory is closed today

Monday, March 18, 2024

Local Noon – 1:02 p.m.

Sunset – 7:04 p.m.

April 8, 2024

Total Solar Eclipse 2024

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a narrow pathway (“line of totality”) across North America from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada will experience a total solar eclipse in which the Moon fully blocks the light of the Sun for several minutes. Almost all other parts of the continent, including Los Angeles, will see a partial eclipse. The Observatory will broadcast the total solar eclipse live from Texas that morning.  Get all the info for viewing the eclipse here.

Follow Foundation trips in Texas and Mexico and Observatory staff across the country using #OBSeclipsewatch2024

Explore the Observatory

Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Griffith Observatory.

Samuel Oschin Planetarium

Travel to the farthest reaches of the universe and into the microscopic building blocks of life. Live presentations immerse you in the wonder and meaning of the cosmos.

Einstein statue

Exhibits

People have always looked at the sky and wondered what is really out there. Our 60 exhibits make you an observer and show you what we know.

Griffith Observatory with the Downton Los Angeles Skyline in the background. Photo by Dhoomil Sheta (https://unsplash.com/photos/dpNyp0OBuiQ)

Griffith Park

The largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States, Griffith Park is filled with trails, trees, trains, attractions… and the Hollywood Sign!

A boy looks through a telescope at Griffith Observatory.

Observing the Sky

Anyone can be an observer, and we are here to help. You may look through our free public telescopes or use our astronomical information to observe from your own backyard. Check out the weekly Sky Report to see what you can observe in Los Angeles.

Programs and Events

Griffith Observatory Telescope Demonstrator educates a group of children about the Zeiss telescope.

Daily Programs

Live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, live Tesla Coil demonstrations, and your chance to observe with our public telescope observing are offered every day. Check the schedule!

Telescope demonstrator Katy Haugland uses a laser to point out celestial wonders to Observatory patrons while standing next to a telescope on the lawn.

Recurring Events

Virtual and in-person programs – including public star parties, All Space Considered, and the Sunset Walk-and-Talk – return each month as reliably as the phases of the Moon!

Director Dr. E.C. Krupp makes an announcement to a large crowd.

Special Events

Griffith Observatory reliably connects you to unusual sights in the sky, the changing seasons, visiting astronomers and their latest discoveries, and more.

People on the lawn of the Griffith Observatory.

Planning a Visit? We Can Help!

Located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory is literally in the center of metropolitan Los Angeles. While public transportation is the easiest way to visit, you may also walk, bike, drive, or take a shared-ride service up to the Observatory. There’s paid parking near the Observatory and free parking downhill. Be sure to plan your visit in advance, because roads and parking get busy.

Upcoming Events

March 19, 2024

Spring Equinox, 2024 – Local Noon

Join us at local noon (weather permitting) to mark the start of spring!

12:50 PM – 1:05 PM

Griffith Observatory

March 19, 2024

Spring Equinox, 2024 – Sunset

Join us at sunset (weather permitting) to mark the start of spring!

6:50 PM – 7:05 PM

Griffith Observatory

March 21, 2024

All Space Considered – March 2024

Griffith Observatory holds this public program online on the third Thursday of every month. Join the Observatory's curatorial staff as they examine and explain the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy and space science.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater & Online

About the Observatory

Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800

Weekday (Tuesday - Friday) Hours
Open 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.

Weekend (Saturday - Sunday) Hours
Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Closed Monday