Observing the Californian Sky: The Griffith Park Observatory

Griffith Park Observatory, located in Los Angeles, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. It was commissioned by Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh-American industrialist and philanthropist, who donated the land for Griffith Park in 1896. His vision was to create a public space that would provide access to the stars and encourage public interest in astronomy.

The observatory was designed by architect John C. Austin and construction began in 1933. It officially opened to the public on May 14, 1935.
The observatory was built in the Art Deco style and featured a prominent dome and a planetarium, making it a significant architectural landmark.

In its early years, the Griffith Observatory became a popular attraction, offering free public programs and educational exhibits about space and astronomy. During World War II, it played a role in the war effort by hosting military training and research.

In the decades that followed, the observatory underwent various renovations and improvements, including the addition of new exhibits A major renovation completed in 2006 restored much of the building’s original features

Today, Griffith Park Observatory is not only an important center for public astronomy education but also a beloved cultural icon, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy its exhibits, telescopes, and stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline and beyond.

The Observatory has welcomed numerous notable astronomers and scientists over the years including Edwin Hubble, reknowned for his work in establishing the field of extragalactic astronomy, Hubble visited the observatory and contributed to public lectures about his groundbreaking discoveries regarding the universe.

Carl Sagan, the famous astrophysicist and science communicator visited the observatory to engage with the public and promote the importance of science and astronomy.

Destination: California