Griffith Observatory
| Griffith Observatory | |
|---|---|
Griffith Observatory, September 2006 | |
| Former names | Griffith |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Greco-Roman and Art Deco |
| Location | Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 34°07′6″N 118°18′1.2″W / 34.11833°N 118.300333°W |
| Elevation | 1,135 ft (346 m) |
| Construction started | June 20, 1933 |
| Inaugurated | May 14, 1935 |
| Client | Griffith Trust |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | John C. Austin Frederick M. Ashley |
| Website | |
| GriffithObservatory.org | |
| Designated | November 17, 1976 |
| Reference no. | 168 |
Griffith Observatory is an observatory in Los Angeles, California, on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a close view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. It is named after its benefactor, Griffith J. Griffith. Admission has been free since the observatory's opening in 1935, in accordance with the benefactor's will.
Since its opening, over 9 million people have looked through the 12-inch (30.5 cm) Zeiss refracting scope, making it the most viewed telescope in the world. The space theme prevails in the interior.