Exterior Exhibits
The grounds of the Observatory present compelling opportunities to observe the movement of the Sun and Moon and to walk a scale model of the solar system. Looming over the lawn is a monumental sculpture celebrating astronomers who gradually revealed the nature of the universe. The terraces offer vistas of Los Angeles, Griffith Park, Mt. Wilson, the Pacific Ocean, and, of course, the famous Hollywood Sign.
Explore the Exterior Exhibits
Astronomers Monument & Sundial
Greeting visitors upon their arrival at Griffith Observatory, the Astronomers Monument is a large outdoor concrete sculpture on the front lawn that pays homage to six of the greatest astronomers of all time.
Solar System Lawn Model
Engraved in the front sidewalk of Griffith Observatory is a scale model of our solar system. One-quarter-inch-wide bronze lines mark the orbits of the planets, which are indicated with bronze plaques also embedded in the sidewalks.
Sunset & Moonset Radial Lines
Seven stone and bronze lines embedded in the lower West Observation Terrace radiate out from the building toward the western horizon. Each line points toward a notable sunset or moonset position on the horizon.
The Gottlieb Transit Corridor
The new Robert J. and Suzanne Gottlieb Transit Corridor, a monumental 150-foot-long, 10-foot-wide glass-walled passageway, immerses visitors in the motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars across the sky and demonstrates how these motions are linked with time and the calendar.
Roof & Terraces
Griffith Observatory's roof and terraces give visitors a chance to observe the panorama of Los Angeles. Connected by the Observatory's lawn and sidewalks, the terraces provide vantage points facing in every direction.
Rebel Without a Cause Monument
Although hundreds of films, television shows, and commercials have used the picturesque surroundings of Griffith Observatory, none have featured the building more prominently or brought as much international attention as the Warner Brothers production of Rebel Without a Cause in 1955.