Griffith Observatory celebrates 90th birthday

A star was born in 1935, when Griffith Observatory became the first public observatory west of the Mississippi.

Now, “Griffith Observatory is the most visited public observatory on the planet,” says Ed Krupp, longtime director of the observatory.

A leader in public astronomy

Families watch the solar eclipse at Griffith Observatory in 2024.

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Julie Leopo

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LAist

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In the 90 years since its founding, more than 7 million people have peered through the historic Zeiss telescope that adorns the peak of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park.

“More than any other telescope on Earth,” Krupp adds.

Most observatories are used primarily for research, offering limited — if any — public access.

Krupp says what makes Griffith Observatory unique is its dedication to free public observation. The goal is to turn any visitor into an astronomical observer.

“Our telescopes and instruments put people in direct contact, eyeballs or otherwise with the entire universe around them," he said.

A day of celebration

On Wednesday, the observatory is marking the milestone with a full day of festivities honoring its long legacy of connecting Angelenos — and visitors from around the world — to the cosmos.

Admission is, as always, free.

Celebrations kick off with a special opening ceremony on the observatory’s front lawn at 11:30 a.m., before doors open at noon. Visitors will receive limited-edition 90th anniversary buttons while supplies last.

Throughout the day, the observatory will host special programming highlighting both astronomical phenomena and the building’s history as a center for public astronomy.

"People on site will get to see how the sky really works," Krupp said. "It’s a reminder that the observatory itself is an instrument."

In the evening, a program in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater will honor California’s Indigenous astronomical traditions. And visitors will gather on the West Terrace to salute the sunset “as the sun salutes Griffith Observatory’s birthday," Krupp said. "It’s a cosmic party."

As night falls, the celebration will continue with a rare event: the Southern Major Standstill Moonrise, part of an 18.6-year lunar cycle. The event will also be live-streamed on Instagram.

If you want to make a full day of it, Griffith Observatory sits atop some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Griffith Park. LAist has you covered with a full guide of the park’s best trails and history.

For full details on Wednesday’s events and live streams, visit griffithobservatory.org.