W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda
Artistry, Myth, Science, and the Observatory
At the nexus of the original Observatory building, the W. M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda celebrates the intersection of science and mythology, earth and sky, and the man whose vision brought the Observatory into being.
Explore the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda
Hugo Ballin Murals
On the vaulted ceiling and upper walls of the W. M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda are Griffith Observatory's greatest artistic treasure: the Hugo Ballin Murals. Workers have carefully and completely restored the murals so that they appear as they did when first painted by muralist, film producer, and author Hugo Ballin in 1934.
Foucault Pendulum
The gently swaying Foucault Pendulum in the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda has long been a visitor favorite since the building opened in 1935. One of the largest such devices in the world, the fully restored pendulum is actually an elegant scientific instrument which demonstrates the Earth's rotation.
Griffith J. Griffith Exhibit
Griffith Observatory is the product of one man's singular vision for public astronomy: Griffith J. Griffith. Our Griffith exhibit in the W.M. Keck Foundation Central Rotunda celebrates his contributions to Los Angeles.
Astronaut Images
Just off the Keck Central Rotunda, three lightboxes illustrate the wonder of human exploration of the Moon.
South Gallery
The South Gallery connects the entry to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, the W.M. Keck Central Rotunda, and Gravity’s Stair, which leads down to the lower levels of the building. Covering the entire ceiling of the South Gallery is a spectacular mural, painted by A. B. Heinsbergen, which depicts the Sun with rays emanating outward. The walls of the gallery are home to ten iconic images from astronomy and space exploration.