Explore the universe for free in the heart of Los Angeles!
Griffith Observatory is open today from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Local Noon – 11:45 a.m.
Sunset – 4:45 p.m.
Signs of Life
There is plenty of life here on Earth, but where else might it be found? In Signs of Life, we discover what it took to put life in the universe in the one place where we know it exists. We see how the laws of chemistry and physics drive cosmic evolution, and we travel through the solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy, and beyond in a search for more signs of life.
Explore the Observatory
Samuel Oschin Planetarium
Travel to the farthest reaches of the universe and into the microscopic building blocks of life. Live presentations immerse you in the wonder and meaning of the cosmos.
Exhibits
People have always looked at the sky and wondered what is really out there. Our 60 exhibits make you an observer and show you what we know.
Griffith Park
The largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States, Griffith Park is filled with trails, trees, trains, attractions… and the Hollywood Sign!
Observing the Sky
Anyone can be an observer, and we are here to help. You may look through our free public telescopes or use our astronomical information to observe from your own backyard. Check out the weekly Sky Report to see what you can observe in Los Angeles.
Programs and Events
Daily Programs
Live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, live Tesla Coil demonstrations, and your chance to observe with our public telescope observing are offered every day. Check the schedule!
Recurring Events
Virtual and in-person programs – including public star parties, All Space Considered, and the Sunset Walk-and-Talk – return each month as reliably as the phases of the Moon!
Special Events
Griffith Observatory reliably connects you to unusual sights in the sky, the changing seasons, visiting astronomers and their latest discoveries, and more.
Planning a Visit? We Can Help!
Located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory is literally in the center of metropolitan Los Angeles. While public transportation is the easiest way to visit, you may also walk, bike, drive, or take a shared-ride service up to the Observatory. There’s paid parking near the Observatory and free parking downhill. Be sure to plan your visit in advance, because roads and parking get busy.
Upcoming Events
December 14, 2023
All Space Considered with Dr. Kip Thorne and Lia Halloran – December 2023
Griffith Observatory broadcasts this public program live from the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater generally on the third Thursday of every month. Join the Observatory's curatorial staff as they examine and explain the most-talked-about subjects in astronomy and space science. It is free to attend in-person or stream on YouTube.
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater & Online
December 16, 2023
Public Star Party – December 16, 2023
Once a month, the Observatory partners with local telescope groups to share their telescopes and knowledge with the public. With dozens of telescopes on the lawn, there's always something to see!
2:00 PM – 9:45 PM
Griffith Observatory
About the Observatory
Griffith Observatory is southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors may look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Griffith Observatory
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 473-0800
Weekday (Tuesday - Friday) Hours
Open 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.
Weekend (Saturday - Sunday) Hours
Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Closed Monday