Griffith Park Observatory
(888) 527-2757
2800 E Observatory Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
90027
34.1234
-118.3025
What People Are Saying About Griffith Park Observatory
The Editor
Alison Kramer
Citysearch
In Short
First opened in 1933, this Los Angeles icon is the most visited public observatory in the world. After four years and $93 million in renovations, the expanded facility (it's twice its former size now) has debuted the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, a copper-sheathed dome with 300 reclining seats, a computerized star projector and laser technology for all-dome animated videos. Other additions include a multilevel exhibit gallery, a sprawling bookstore and a Kubrick-esque, white-hued Wolfgang Puck cafe called (what else?) Cafe at the End of the Universe.
User Reviews
jparsons06
February 13, 2009
I was EXTREMELY disappointed with my experience here; I came on a rainy day looking for something to do - my first time since it reopened in 4 years. Bought 3 tickets to the planetarium show for myself and my brothers who were visiting from the east coast. Decided to grab a bite to eat before the show and was horrified by the ridiculous prices at the cafe -- $2.75 for a small bottle of soda? $3 for a snack bag sized chips? I spent more on one small meal than on three show tickets (as the prices were not all listed). Then when we went back upstairs for the planetarium show, we were about 30 seconds late, and the door was already closed and locked. I asked the girl at the front desk, and she told me rudely to look at the clock, I was two minutes late and would not be let in. I said, well then when's the next show? She tells me it doesn't matter because my tickets would not be valid for any other show. No refunds. No late entry. No seeing a later show if you are 30 seconds late. I was stunned; then said I would never be coming back, ripped up my tickets and left them on the counter. The girl says "Thank you" on my way out. She was rude and snippy. I was severely disappointed; not only was it a rainy day, and there was hardly anyone there -- but they are rude to some of the few customers they have? Their policy should at least be that if you are late getting to a show you should be able to exchange your tickets for a later show. And it was raining and I'm sure that theater was only half full if that! I felt so ripped off! After they gouged me for the food in the cafe, I ended up spending $40 on the food and tickets for a show that I did not get to see. Boy, if Griffith J. Griffith could see this I think he'd turn over in his grave. I don't think he gave money for an observatory to swindle as much money as possible from people interested in what I was hoping would be a wonderful astronomical experience. Observatory Management, you should be ashamed.
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doll83
June 17, 2008
The observatory is certainly an unmissable sight. It is located in the beautiful Griffith park and offers besides the exhibits also a stunning LA skyline view from the observatory's extensive patios which are accessible on every floor. The observatory's guide was conversational, knowledegable and available for questions at any time. Interactive exhibits made the exhibition more interesting and fun.
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MidwestNative
March 03, 2008
My date and I decided to do something out of the norm and went to the new observatory on a Saturday night. It was SO much fun. Totally out of the norm. And really, really interesting/educational. Kind of mind blowing. What a fun date, double date, event for out of towners, family, kids. So cool. Beautiful view. Romantic if you want it to be. A "must do".
read full reviewThe Details on Griffith Park Observatory
Know Before You Go:
Due to high attendance, visitors are required to make timed-entry reservations during the opening months. Reservations can be made online, and cost $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Look Good:
The Observatory is open on most holidays, but closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
