Griffith Observatory (USA) – detailed description, address, opening hours, how to get there. Information about educational programs and courses, reviews.
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Griffith Observatory is one of the iconic places in Los Angeles. The idea for its creation arose in 1908, when Colonel Jenkins Griffith saw the starry sky through the largest telescope at that time and decided that it would be nice for everyone to have such an opportunity. He fired up the idea of making astronomy available not only for scientists, but also for ordinary Americans, so he transferred the land to Los Angeles, paid for the construction of an observatory, exhibition halls and a planetarium. In May 1935, it was already open to visitors.
The “alien” view of the observatory attracted not only tourists, but also filmmakers. Scenes from Terminator, Charlie’s Angels, Transformers and other Hollywood blockbusters were filmed here.
What to watch
Griffith Observatory is located in the park of the same name, on the slope of Mount Hollywood, from where the very inscription is perfectly visible and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the city center open. Right at the entrance you can see a sundial, a monument to famous astronomers and an engraving of the solar system. In the building itself, under the largest dome, there is a huge Foucault pendulum demonstrating the process of the Earth’s rotation.
The observatory has several thematic exhibition halls. One of them is a model of the solar system; there is a detailed description on special interactive stands. In other rooms, telescopes are installed, through which you can observe the Moon, as well as solar flares and spots.
In the planetarium. Samuel Ocean has three shows every day: “In the Center of the Universe”, “Water is Life” and “Light of the Valkyries”. The audience is designed for 300 seats, and the show lasts about half an hour.
There are observation platforms with telescopes on the roof and terraces of the observatory, and under the building there is a museum, which is a miniature copy of the observatory, where many curious artifacts are kept, for example, fragments of lunar soil. The museum has a children’s interactive exposition where you can find out your weight on different planets and even arrange a small artificial earthquake.
The observatory has a souvenir shop, a small cafe and parking (free, but few places).
Practical information
Address: Los Angeles, 2800 East Observatory Road.
Working hours: Tuesday – Friday 12: 00-22: 00, Saturday-Sunday 10: 00-22: 00, Monday – day off.
The entrance to the building and the territory is free. Show in the planetarium: 7 USD for adults, 5 USD for students and seniors over 60 years old (upon presentation of a certificate), 3 USD for children from 5 to 12 years old, for children under 5 years old – free. The prices on the page are for January 2019.
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