Visit – Accessibility

Accessibility

Curved path leading to a white Observatory dome, surrounded by lush green plants. People are enjoying a sunny day against a clear blue sky.

At Griffith Observatory, breaking down barriers to access is essential to our mission of inspiring everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky. We are committed to making the universe more universally accessible.

If you have accessibility questions or would like to request accommodations before your visit, please call 213-473-0800.

Front view of Griffith Observatory showing the Historic and Lower Levels

Map & Wayfinding

Download the Griffith Observatory Map to Plan Your Visit

The map highlights:

  • Accessible entrances and routes
  • Elevators and ramps
  • Restrooms that are gender-neutral, wheelchair accessible, and those that have changing tables
  • Café, gift shop, exterior areas, and other features

Admission & Getting Here

  • Griffith Observatory admission is always free.
  • Paid tickets are only required for Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows, with discounts available for select groups.
  • Paid parking is required on-site during operating hours. Low-cost alternatives include the LADOT DASH bus, shared ride drop-off, park-and-walk options, and hiking and biking routes. Learn more on our Getting Here page.

Access for Blind or Low-Vision Visitors

Griffith Observatory offers tactile and auditory experiences that support visitors who are blind or have low vision.

Gallery Talks

Join free staff-led gallery talks throughout the day. Reference our daily program schedule or ask staff on-site.

Recommended Experiences

  • Hourly Tesla Coil demonstration: Hear the sparks and feel subtle vibrations from the instrument through the glass. Please ask staff to assist you to the exhibit window.
  • Daily Local Noon Talk (weather permitting): Experience a focused beam of sunlight marking the Sun’s highest point in the sky in the Gottlieb Transit Corridor.

Exhibits

Museum Guides can assist visitors in exploring tactile objects, including a selection of meteorites on the Edge of Space Level (Lower Level 1).

Access for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Visitors

Accommodations are available throughout Griffith Observatory for visitors who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Samuel Oschin Planetarium

  • Hearing assist devices are available upon request of theater staff. 
  • Sign language interpretation is available with at least five (5) business days advance notice. To request services, please call (213) 473-0800, or 711 for CA Relay (TTY to voice only).

Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater

  • Hearing assist devices are available upon request of theater staff.
  • Open captioning is available for daily recurring films upon request.

Digital Access

Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout the Observatory and exterior grounds, courtesy of Griffith Observatory Foundation.

Network: Griffith Observatory Free Wi-Fi

Password: None required

Physical Accessibility

All four public levels of Griffith Observatory and its grounds are accessible via elevators and ramps. As a historic landmark, some areas have physical limitations; however, equivalent experiences are provided to ensure access for all visitors.

Refer to the Griffith Observatory Map for detailed routes and features.

Arrival & Accessible Transportation

The Observatory provides:

  • Accessible parking spaces
  • An accessible shuttle drop-off area
  • Accessible public transportation via LADOT DASH bus

For full transit information, visit “Accessible Transportation and Parking” on our Getting Here page.

Equivalency Stations

Due to the historic constraints, three areas cannot accommodate wheelchairs: 

  • North doors to the Historic Level (access Historic Level via ramps at east and west entrances)
  • Interior of the Zeiss telescope dome (equivalency station in Wilder Hall of the Eye rotunda)
  • West rotunda of the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky (equivalency station adjacent)

Equivalency stations allow visitors to experience these areas virtually, including views through the Zeiss telescope and solar instruments. Locations are marked on the Griffith Observatory Map.

Wheelchairs & Mobility Devices

  • Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available on a first come, first served basis. Check out location: Center of Gravity desk (Middle Level)
  • A photo-ID is required for checkout.

Mobility devices are welcome in the building and the exterior grounds.

Accessible Seating in Theaters

Both theaters offer wheelchair-accessible and companion seating. Staff are available to assist as needed.

Samuel Oschin Planetarium 

  • Tickets may be purchased at the ticket booth or electronic kiosks. See the Griffith Observatory Map for ticketing locations.
  • Doors open approximately 15 minutes before showtime.
  • Staff can assist with entrance ramps and seating.
  • Wheelchair seating and companion seats are located near the back.
  • Select seats include retractable armrests.
  • During peak times, priority seating is provided for visitors with wheelchairs plus one companion.

Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater 

  • Doors open approximately 10 minutes before showtime.
  • Wheelchair and companion seating is located in the top section.
  • Select seats include retractable armrests.

Restrooms & Visitor Amenities

Restrooms

  • Located on every level and outside adjacent to the parking lot
  • Accessible restrooms on lower levels and adjacent to the parking lot
  • Parking lot restrooms are gender-neutral
  • Baby-changing stations available in all restrooms

Water Fountains

  • Located throughout the building and grounds

Strollers

  • Ramps and elevators provide stroller access to all levels.
  • Samuel Oschin Planetarium: Staff assist with stroller storage while waiting in line/attending a show.*
  • Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater: Strollers must be parked outside and to the left of the theater entrance.*

*Visitors are responsible for their personal belongings. Please do not leave items unattended or block walkways.

Sensory Considerations

Griffith Observatory can be a busy, stimulating environment—especially on weekends and holidays.

  • Light, noise, and temperature levels vary throughout the building.
  • Visitors are welcome to bring noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, or other comfort items.

Program Notes

  • Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows contain moments with a loud explosion and/or a flash of light. Learn more here.
  • Tesla coil demonstrations produce lightning-like bolts and loud buzzing sounds, typically once per hour. View schedule here.

View daily programs to plan your visit and choose a time that works best for you and your group.

You may also preview the building by exploring the virtual Griffith Observatory in Minecraft (Java Edition).

Service Animals

Service animals and service animals in training are welcome throughout Griffith Observatory.

  • Service animals are defined as animals individually trained to assist a person with a disability.
  • Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted inside the building.