Griffith Observatory
- Elevation: 1,135 ft (346 m)
- Founded: 14 May 1935
- Construction started: 20 June 1933
- Architectural styles: Art Deco, Greek Revival architecture
- Architects: John C. Austin, Frederick M. Ashley
- Address: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027, United States
- Website: griffithobservatory.org
- Phone: +1 213-473-0800
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| Griffith Observatory |
The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles is the tourist highlight of the United States of America, one of the most visited cultural heritage sites in California, with more than six million visitors annually.
See also: Griffith Park - history and attractions
History and Location:
The history of the Griffith Observatory began in 1896 with the transfer of land to Los Angeles, on which the astronomical object was later built. Jenkins Griffith became a benefactor, and then an investor in the construction of the observatory, in whose honor the complex was named, consisting of the observatory itself, a planetarium and an exhibition hall.
Completed in 1935, after only two years, the observatory opened its doors to visitors in May, becoming an incredible sensation among the American population and foreign visitors. According to official data, the number of visitors exceeded thirteen thousand in the first five days of the observatory's operation. Throughout its existence, the observatory has been reconstructed more than once, which has made it possible to increase the exhibition area and expand its own infrastructure. The convenient location of the main building of the observatory in the park of the same name on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood allows visitors to enjoy the view of Los Angeles from one side and the world famous sign “Hollywood” on the other.
It is worth noting that during the Second World War, the observatory served as a training base for American pilots, where young pilots studied sky navigation.
Cultural and historical value:
The Griffith Observatory has a high cultural and historical significance in the life of Americans and foreign tourists, here everyone can view a high-quality 30-minute animated picture dedicated to the stars visible with the naked eye in the night sky, as well as the mysteries of the Universe.
Some of the most amazing exhibits in the exhibition halls of the observatory are:
- The operating coil of Nikola Tesla, periodically conducting purple lightning.
- Periodic table with extended entertaining functionality.
- Pieces of the moon that are so small that microscopes are used to show them.
- Informational replica of the solar system.
- Foucault's pendulum of gigantic proportions, demonstrating the process of rotation of the Earth.
There are dozens of exhibits at the observatory, detailed explanatory tables and experienced tour guides make the time spent in it interesting and exciting.
What to see at Griffith Observatory?
- Interesting halls with many exhibits on the topic of astronomy, physics, geology. The Hall of the Eyes of Wilder, the Hall of Ahmanson's Heaven, the Hall of Gunter's Depths, etc.
- Every visitor can observe the sky completely free of charge through high-quality public Zeiss telescopes (in the Eastern Rotunda) and the Western Rotunda Solar Telescopes.
- Panoramic day and night views of Los Angeles from the rooftop and terraces of the Observatory.
- Presentations, shows, performances, meetings with special guests at the Leonard Nimoy Theater, which also hosts educational astronomical lessons for schoolchildren.
- And, of course, the main object of the Observatory is the Planetarium (here the performances are paid and are on schedule).
Helpful information:
According to Jenkins Griffith's will, admission to the observatory remains free throughout its existence parking is also free of charge.
Working hours:
Tuesday-Friday - 12:00 - 22:00
Saturday-Sunday - 10:00 - 22:00
Monday - Closed
• On the territory of the astronomical complex for the convenience of visitors there is a cafe and a souvenir shop with quite reasonable prices.
• A visit to the Planetarium Theater is paid, the price for one adult is about $ 7, a child ticket is $ 3.
• You can get to the observatory: either by your own car or by public transport, on which one trip is paid in an approximate price range from $ 6 to $ 9.
• If you visit the observatory and its observation deck, you can fully experience all the greatness of Los Angeles - the entire surrounding space is perfectly visible from any point of the observatory located at the highest point in the city, especially in the evening when the city lights up the lights. From a height of three hundred meters, an endless sea of golden lights opens, and above your head, on the black velvet of the sky, silver stars shine - an amazing sight that is truly breathtaking ...
You must definitely see this!
Read Also: Los Angeles tourist Attractions | 17 Best places to visit when in Los Angeles
