The Griffith Observatory has been a major Los Angeles landmark since 1935. It is visited by nearly two million people each year and ranks seventh on the list of major tourist attractions of Southern California. Sitting on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, it commands a stunning view of the Los Angeles basin below. Tens of millions of people have enjoyed the view from its balconies and terraces, especially at night. For safety reasons, the grounds (and some nearby hiking trails) are closed to the public, and the site is a fenced-off, hard-hat construction area. The trail from the Observatory parking lot to Mt. Hollywood will be open most days of the construction period, but is closed on occasion.

The Observatory is owned, operated and financed by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. It was a gift to the city by Col. Griffith J. Griffith (1850-1919), who also donated Griffith Park and the Greek Theatre. The Observatory is a non-profit educational institution whose purpose is to provide information on astronomy and related sciences to the public. It is not a research institution, although from time to time it carries out modest research projects. The Satellite continues the mission of the Observatory for the duration of construction.

The Observatory is undergoing its first major renovation and expansion. This project will restore and refurbish every system of the Observatory, including the planetarium theater. The planned expansion will more than double the public space in the building while maintaining the classic look and feel. The Observatory closed in January 2002 and will reopen to the public in late 2005.

Persons with disabilities are welcome to participate in our programs.
Reasonable accommodations will be made with prior arrangement.

Directions to the Observatory Satellite from nearby freeways. Hiking information in Griffith Park. School show visits to the Satellite. Traveling Telescope program which visits schools, churches, libraries, parks and recreation centers. Friends Of The Observatory (FOTO)