Building Features
Griffith J. Griffith had a clear vision for the public observatory that would bear his name. His will specified that it would be located in a prominent hilltop location and offer free public telescopes, a science theater, and exhibits. Griffith believed that astronomy and observation could alter perspective and, by doing so, improve people's lives.
Griffith's vision is embodied in today's Griffith Observatory, where you will find the best of new and the classic. The most prominent features include:
Samuel Oschin Planetarium. With a new dome, star projector, digital laser projectors, seats, sound system, and lighting, the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater is the finest planetarium in the world. The opening show - Centered in the Universe - takes visitors on a cosmic journey of exploration and discovery; live presentations are scheduled every hour.
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon. The new 200-seat presentation theater dramatically expands the Observatory's programming and education capabilities. The opening public presentation - The Once and Future Griffith Observatory - is a 20-minute film in which host Leonard Nimoy weaves the history, renovation, and future of the Observatory into a tale of observation and inspiration.
Public Telescopes. The Observatory offers both optical and solar telescopes for free public viewing each day and evening when skies are clear ans the building is open. Roughly seven million people have looked through the Observatory's 12-inch Zeiss telescope, more than through any other telescope on Earth. The triple-beam solar telescope is one of the largest such public instruments in the world.
Exhibit Program. Dozens of exhibits inside and outside the building enable visitors to become observers. The Observatory's original two exhibit galleries are joined by the new multi-level Gunther Depths of Space and new exhibits on the lawn and terraces. Exhibits include the largest astronomical image in the world (The Big Picture), rare and fascinating meteorites (Pieces of the Sky), and the beloved Tesla Coil.
Gottlieb Transit Corridor. The new Robert J. and Suzanne Gottlieb Transit Corridor, a monumental 150-foot-long, 10-foot-wide glass-walled passageway, immerses visitors in the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars across the sky and demonstrates how these motions are linked with time and the calendar.
In addition, the Observatory offers the following amenities for visitors:
Probably the finest views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Stellar Emporium Gift Shop
The Café at the End of the Universe
