Explore the universe for free in the heart of Los Angeles!

Overhead view of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background during the day.
Overhead view of Griffith Observatory with Los Angeles in the background in the evening.

Get in line with the northernmost moon!

Griffith Observatory Foundation

Bringing people together like no other place on the planet

Venti Views. Griffith Observatory and sunset. (https://unsplash.com/photos/oaPkwKZrpSw) Free to use under the Unsplash License

Griffith Observatory is open today from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Local Noon – 11:44 a.m.

Sunset – 4:45 p.m.

Explore the Observatory

Samuel Oschin Planetarium at the Griffith 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.

Einstein statue

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 Observatory with the Downton Los Angeles Skyline in the background. Photo by Dhoomil Sheta (https://unsplash.com/photos/dpNyp0OBuiQ)

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!

A boy looks through a telescope at Griffith Observatory.

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

Griffith Observatory Telescope Demonstrator educates a group of children about the Zeiss telescope.

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!

Telescope demonstrator Katy Haugland uses a laser to point out celestial wonders to Observatory patrons while standing next to a telescope on the lawn.

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!

Director Dr. E.C. Krupp makes an announcement to a large crowd.

Special Events

Griffith Observatory reliably connects you to unusual sights in the sky, the changing seasons, visiting astronomers and their latest discoveries, and more.

People on the lawn of the Griffith Observatory.

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 7, 2024

Public Star Party – December 7, 2024

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

The moonset behind the Astronomer's Monument.

December 15, 2024

Major Standstill Northern Moonrise – December 15, 2024

A live broadcast from Griffith Observatory of the full Moon rising on the eastern horizon at its most northern position in over 18 years. Join us online (weather permitting) to watch this event.

5:03 PM – 5:38 PM

Online

December 19, 2024

All Space Considered – December 2024

Griffith Observatory broadcasts this public program live from the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater 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

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