Griffith Observatory

The story of Griffith Observatory began with Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh-born mining magnate who immigrated to the United States and eventually donated over 3,000 acres of land to the City of Los Angeles in 1896. Griffith’s vision was sparked by a visit to the Mount Wilson Observatory, where he was profoundly moved by the sight of the cosmos through a telescope. He famously stated that if all mankind could look through that telescope, it would change the world, leading him to fund a public observatory that would be free and accessible to everyone, regardless of their social standing. Construction of the facility did not begin until 1933, long after Griffith's death, utilizing funds from his estate. Built during the height of the Great Depression, the project served as a vital source of employment through the Works Progress Administration. Architects John C. Austin and Frederick M. Ashley designed the structure in a blend of Art Deco and Greek Revival styles, featuring three prominent copper-clad domes. When it finally opened its doors on May 14, 1935, it was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to public science education. Over the decades, the observatory became a cultural icon, appearing in countless films, most notably "Rebel Without a Cause." Between 2002 and 2006, the building underwent a massive 93 million dollar renovation and expansion, which included the addition of the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater and subterranean exhibition halls. Today, it remains one of the most visited public observatories in the world, continuing Griffith's legacy by providing millions of visitors with a front-row seat to the wonders of the universe and the sprawling landscape of Los Angeles.