GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

Description

Essentials about the Griffith Observatory

Most people know the Griffith Observatory not because of its function as an observatory, but as a backdrop from dozens of Hollywood movies and TV series. Located on the south side of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park at an altitude of nearly 350 meters, the observatory is a must-see attraction for all amateur astronomers. However, most visitors come to Griffith Observatory not for the view of the stars, but for the breathtaking views of Los Angeles, Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean that it offers.

The history and architecture of the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory’s white domed building was completed in 1935 to plans by John C. Austin and Russell W. Porter in a blend of Art Deco and Egyptian styles. When visiting the observatory, be sure to take a look at the ornate walls and ceilings of the observatory.

The attractions in Griffith Observatory

Visitors can expect an interesting, scientific exhibition at the Griffith Observatory with numerous exhibits from outer space, including rocks from Mars, the moon and meteorites, a model of the Hubble Space Telescope and a 100-kilogram Foucault pendulum. In addition, with its Zeiss star projector, digital laser projection system and incredible sound system, the observatory is certainly one of the best and most exciting planetariums in the world. In addition to the planateria shows, movies are also shown in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater.

The view from Griffith Observatory

Many visitors do Griffith Observatory a gross injustice and simply leave the observatory to the left to concentrate on the terrestrial view. This is indeed phenomenal. From a height of more than 300 meters, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the gigantic sea of houses in Los Angeles from the observatory’s platform. If the weather plays along and the air pollution in LA is not so high, you can enjoy a view of the city and the Hollywood Hills all the way to the Pacific. Of course, the famous Hollywood Sign is also quite good to see from the Observatory. Especially at nightfall, when the mega-city of LA turns into an enormous sea of lights, the crowds of visitors throng here.