After undergoing a huge renovation, the Griffith Observatory reopened in late 2006. Located on the southern slope of Mt Hollywood, the Observatory first opened its doors to the public back in 1935; it was only the third Planetarium in the United States at the time. Since then, the Observatory has hosted tens of millions of visitors and has appeared in dozens of films - most notably, James Dean’s Rebel Without A Cause.
Closing for a long overdue renovation back in 2002 (67 years in the making), the Griffith Observatory reopened in November 2006. Four years and nearly $93 million dollars later, the Observatory was completely revamped and is now better than ever. Here are some of the changes/additions made:
Appearance: All elements of the building were completely renovated and restored to their original appearance.
Technology: The Observatory was fitted with state-of-the-art technology - including a new dome, star projector, digital laser projectors, and a sound system.
Size: Around 40,000 square feet of public space was added to the existing structure, including a multi-level exhibit, a new 200-seat theater, bookstore, and cafe.
If you haven’t been to the Observatory for a while, well at least since the renovation began, you’ll notice that getting there has become a little more difficult.
Making Reservations / Purchasing Tickets:
With the overwhelming number of visitors coming to see the newly renovated Observatory, you will have to the make reservations on a timed-entry basis. You can make your reservation in one of three ways:
You can make your reservation over the phone with an operator by calling 1-888-695-0888. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm and you will need to provide them with your credit card information.
You can make your reservation in person at the Griffith Observatory Satellite Parking Lot (we’ll be discussing parking next).
Getting To The Observatory
You can no longer drive up to the Observatory so you'll have to park in a designated area and take a shuttle up there. Here are the locations:
Hollywood & Highland
You can enter the structure from either Orange Ave or Highland Blvd and the cost of parking is $2 for up to 4 hours (this cost is not included in the admission). All shuttles to the Observatory leave from the Orange Court – the far west side of the complex on Level 2.
Cost
Admission to the Griffith Observatory has always been free, but in order to cover the cost of the new reservation and shuttle system, a small fee will be charged temporarily.
General Admission: $8
Children (5-12): $4
Children (4 years and under): Free
Seniors: $4
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