Los Angeles Griffith Observatory

       Things to Do In Los Angeles Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory's grounds, exhibits, and telescopes are available free to the public each day the building is open. There are 8 - 10 live shows each day in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. 

Calendar and Events

A list of upcoming activities and events.

Samuel Oschin Planetarium

Griffith Observatory offers three exciting live shows each day the building is open:
Centered in the Universe	Water Is Life
Light of the Valkyries

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $3 for children between 5 - 12 years old. Children under 5 are admitted to the first show of the day, only, and must sit on an adult’s lap. FOTO members receive a discounted rate of $5. Tickets may only be purchased at the Observatory on the day of the show. Hearing assist devices are available upon request.

Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater Programs

Each day the Observatory is open, free programs are offered hourly in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon. These include the 24-minute film, The Once and Future Griffith Observatory. On the first Friday of each month, we offer our live astronomy update program, All Space Considered, free to the public at 7:30 p.m. Seating for these programs is provided on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. Hearing assist devices and/or open captioning are available upon request.

Exhibits

Dozens of exhibits inside and outside the building enable visitors to become observers. The Observatory's original two exhibit galleries are joined by the new multi-level Gunther Depths of Space and new exhibits on the lawn and terraces. Exhibits include the largest astronomical image in the world (The Big Picture), rare and fascinating meteorites (Pieces of the Sky), and the beloved Tesla Coil.

Observatory Floor Plan - A PDF file of the upper and lower levels of the renovated Griffith Observatory.

Public Telescopes and Star Parties

Free public telescopes are available each evening the Observatory is open and skies are clear.

One Saturday each month, the Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS), Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers, and Planetary Society volunteers bring their telescopes to the lawn and sidewalks of Griffith Observatory for a public star party. The event runs from 2:00 p.m. until closing and is free and open to the public.

Programs

In addition to daily and monthly programs in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium and Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon, The Observatory offers daily and monthly telescope viewing, demonstrations of various building exhibits, daily local noon talks, and a monthly Sunset Walk and Talk.

Special Events

A chronological listing of prior Observatory events and notices.

Café

Whether you are looking for a cool drink, a full meal, or a delicious dessert, the Observatory's cafe is conveniently available to serve you. Operated by world-famous Wolfgang Puck, the cafe is located on the new lower level between the Gunther Depths of Space exhibit hall and Gottlieb Transit Corridor.

Gift Shop

The Observatory's brand new gift and book store offers a cosmic array of Observatory insignia items, as well as astronomy and space-themed books, gifts, clothing, toys, and other items. Operated by museum expert Event Network, the gift shop is located on the new lower level between the Gunther Depths of Space exhibit hall and Gottlieb Transit Corridor. You may also shop at the Observatory's online store.

Griffith Observer Magazine

The Griffith Observer contains popular articles on astronomy and information about 

activities and events at the Observatory.