9 BEST Things to Experience at Griffith Observatory in LA
When visiting Los Angeles, one of the things you should make time to see is the Griffith Observatory. This free attraction has plenty to see! If you are wondering what to do at Griffith Observatory, we have just the list for you!
Located in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory is one of the most recognized landmarks in Los Angeles.
You probably remember it from popular movies like La La Land, when Mia & Sebastian went dancing through the observatory after hours.
While the movie may have given you a glimpse of the interior, you really should experience it yourself.
Things to Experience at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
You can easily spend half a day seeing this Hollywood Landmark.
There are so many things you will want to pack into your day that you might even want to bring lunch with you and picnic on the grounds.
Here is a list of the things to see at Griffith Observatory in LA:
1. The Foucault Pendulum in Keck Centra Rotunda
When you arrive, the first thing you will see is the Keck Central Rotunda.
The centerpiece is the Foucault Pendulum.
One of the largest pendulums that demonstrates the Earth’s rotation, it is composed of a 240-pound bronze ball that is suspended by a 40-foot-long cable that swings in a constant direction while the Earth turns beneath it.
2. Murals by Hugo Ballin
Just above the Foucault Pendulum are murals painted by Hugo Ballin.
The eight painted panels represent the “Advancement of Science from Remote Periods to Present Times.”
The panels illustrate aeronautics, navigation, civil engineering, metallurgy and electricity, time, geology and biology, mathematics and physics, and astronomy.
On the rotunda’s ceiling is a mural depicting classical celestial mythology.
At the center of the mural is Atlas, who is holding the signs of the zodiac.
Going counterclockwise is Pleiades, then Jupiter and his thunderbolts. Venus and the four seasons, Saturn, Mercury chasing Argos, a woman holding the Star of Bethlehem and ending with the Moon and a comet.
3. Tesla Coil Demonstration
One of the highlights of a trip to Griffith Observatory is seeing the Testa Coil.
The Tesla Coil presentation explains how instrumental it was to find a way to conduct electricity without wires.
Make sure that you find out the time of the presentation before you arrive so that you don’t miss it!
4. Wilder Hall of the Eye exhibit
This exhibit gallery focuses on observations of the sky and the impact those observations have had on the world.
5. Edge of Space Exhibit
This exhibit showcases samples of the universe (meteorites, moon rocks, & asteroids) that come to Earth from space or space exploration.
You will also find various telescopes that you can use to look at images of solar systems.
6. Gunther Depths of Space Exhibit
At this part of the observatory, you can explore the different planets in our solar system and the galaxy as a whole.
This section also has interactive features like creating your own earthquake now by jumping up and down on a platform in front of a seismometer.
It detects the floor vibrations and sends signals to record the vibrations.
7. Samuel Oschin Planetarium Show
This 290-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater has a star projector, digital projection system, state-of-the-art aluminum dome, comfy seats, sound system, and theatrical lighting that will make you feel like you are really beneath the stars.
The guided shows change throughout the day depending on the time you attend. Tickets for each show are sold until 10 minutes before the start time.
Adult tickets are $7 and children 5-12 are $3. Children under 5 are discouraged.
8. Famous Hollywood Sign
You will find tons of room to walk around and see different parts of Los Angeles in the distance.
The views are nothing short of spectacular.
One major landmark that you will be able to see is the Hollywood Sign.
9. Astronomers Monument
Also take the time to see Astronomers Monument, which features Hipparchus, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and Herschel, the most influential Astronomers in history.
The bronze equatorial sundial nearby is also worth checking out as it will accurately tell time!
Tickets
Admission to the Observatory building, the grounds, and the public telescopes is free. There are parking fees and tickets for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium are an additional cost.
You can also take a guided tour of the Griffith Observatory with a professional guide who has insider knowledge of all the exhibits as an observatory employee.
Hours
Weekday (Tuesday – Friday) 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.
Weekend (Saturday – Sunday) 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Griffith Observatory, in essence, embodies a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, a nature lover, a film fanatic, or simply someone seeking unique experiences in LA, a visit to the Griffith Observatory is a must!
If you are looking for other things to do in Los Angeles during your visit, be sure to check out our itinerary for spending 2 days in LA.
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