Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory in September 2006
Location within Los Angeles
Former names	Griffith
General information
Architectural style	Greco-Roman and Art Deco
Location	Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, United States
Coordinates	34°07′6″N 118°18′1.2″W
Elevation	1,135 ft (346 m)
Construction started	June 20, 1933 (1933-06-20)
Inaugurated	May 14, 1935 (1935-05-14)
Client	Griffith Trust
Design and construction
Architects	John C. Austin Frederic M. Ashley
Website
griffithobservatory.lacity.gov
Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument
Designated	November 17, 1976
Reference no.	168

Griffith Observatory is an observatory in Los Angeles, California, on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a close view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Named after its benefactor, Griffith J. Griffith, admission has been free since the observatory's opening in 1935, in accordance with his will.

Since its opening, over 9 million people have looked through the 12-inch (30.5 cm) Zeiss refracting scope, making it the most viewed telescope in the world. The space theme prevails in the interior.