L.A.'s Griffith Observatory: Viewing the Stars
in the Sky and in Celluloid
By Claudia Alves

The Griffith Observatory sits high atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America at 4,210 acres. First opened in 1935, the Griffith Observatory reopened last November after a four-year renovation, which included a restoration of the James Dean bust (originally commissioned by Dean himself and finished after his death) and repositioning it so that visitors can now take a photo of it with the Hollywood sign in the background.

As with most places in Los Angeles, Hollywood has touched the Observatory. Hundreds of movies have been filmed here - the most famous being Rebel Without a Cause - but others include The Terminator, Dragnet, and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. Several TV shows have also been shot at the Observatory, including Star Trek: Voyager, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission Impossible and Wonder Years. Paula Abdul's music video "Rush, Rush," an homage to Rebel Without a Cause starring Keanu Reeves and directed by George Lucas, was also filmed here. The murals in the entrance lobby were painted by Hugo Ballin, who is not only a noted muralist, but a writer, art director, and film director and producer.

The photos to the left are views of the Griffith Observatory. The video above features the trailer from the classic James Dean film, Rebel Without a Cause..

The Observatory offers free public access to its telescopes, including a 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope, three solar telescopes and a colestat. Films are also offered. In the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, the opening show, "Centered in the Universe," takes visitors on a cosmic journey of exploration and discovery. In the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, you can see "Once and Future Griffith Observatory," a 20 minute film hosted by Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock from Star Trek) about the history and future of the Observatory.

Make sure to look at the ground as well when walking around the Observatory. The solar system lawn model, to scale, is located just in front of the stairs. Take a look at the sundial and check your watch's time against it. Next to the cafe is the Gottlieb Transit Corridor, which includes a bronze meridian line, a meridian arc, a foll, and an ecliptic chart, which all show the path of the sun (through the day or seasons) or are in position to the north pole of the sky.

There are many gems in the Observatory -- dioramas showing people throughout time using the sky for positioning, for planting crops, and for navigation; the Gunther Depths of Space exhibit; and don't forget to take your picture with Albert Einstein!

Special events include the monthly Public Stars Parties, where you will not rub elbows with Brad Pitt, but with amateur astronomers. You can also try out the telescopes and view the sun, moon, planets and stars.

At the Cafe at the End of the Universe, located in the new lower level, you can get a cool drink, a snack or a full meal. Operated by Wolfgang Puck, this is a calm place to catch your breath and enjoy the view of L.A. and the Hollywood sign. Picnicking at the Observatory is not permitted, but is allowed in other areas of the park.

Location: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Tues.-Fri., 12 noon-10:00 pm, Sat.-Sun., 10:00 am-10:00 pm
For more information click here, or call 213-473-0800.