The Griffith Observatory...My Photo Diary
My recent European travels have been absolutely wonderful (and I’m already starting to plan out my next adventure), but I’m thrilled to be back home enjoying this SoCal Summer. One of the fun perks of living in Los Angeles is the unending supply of amazing local spots to enjoy. I recently made a trip up to the Griffith Observatory for a beautiful visit.
In 1896, G. J. Griffith donated the land for Griffith Park. He is quoted as saying, “If all mankind could look through that telescope, it would change the world.” Having a specific vision in mind for the observatory, Mr. Griffith believed astronomy should be accessible to the public, and until this day that vision includes keeping admission free to all visitors here.
Located 1000 feet above sea level, the observatory originally opened its doors to the public in 1935. I love the panoramic views all around the grounds. You can enjoy a spectacular view of the Hollywood sign (without the exhausting hike 😉), and even on a cloudy day you have great views of downtown Los Angeles.
The observatory enjoys a rich history of being featured in dozens of classic Hollywood feature films and television shows. In fact, the James Dean movie Rebel Without a Cause brought great attention to the observatory, and a bust of Dean can still be found at the west entrance of the grounds.
In 2002, the observatory was closed for a major 93 million dollar renovation that included replacing the planetarium dome and expanding the building underground. A beautiful café and gift shop were also a part of the overhaul…and in November 2006, the doors were re-opened to the public.
I love the classic art deco design around the exteriors. From the massive doors and widows to the many viewing platforms, there is an elegant and welcoming charm that encourages me to linger a little longer in this gorgeous space.
The observatory grounds share the same hours as Griffith Park, sunrise to 10pm daily. Admission to the observatory building and the grounds is always free, but there can be an additional cost for planetarium show tickets. Parking is limited and costs between $6 and $10 per hour after 10am, so I encourage an early visit to avoid parking fees, or simply use a ride-sharing service. Another option is to take one of the many hiking or biking trails to make your visit a bit more adventurous.
The Griffith Observatory grounds offer a phenomenal backdrop for photography, and there are wonderful programs and events all year long, including monthly public star parties that offer a chance to connect with local, knowledgeable astronomers. Free public telescopes are also available to the public to explore the skies above.
I hope you enjoyed this post! If you would like to know the exact spots both on and off the observatory grounds where I captured my images (so you can snap your own 😉), simply sign up below and receive your FREE photo cheat sheet of Griffith Observatory.
