When you set foot in Los Angeles, you’re stepping into a city woven with history and innovation. Perched atop the rolling hills of Griffith Park, the landmark is a gateway to the cosmos. The ground beneath once belonged to “Rancho Los Felis,” a vast Spanish land grant of over 6,647 acres. This area has evolved dramatically since its early ranching days. Colonel Griffith J. Griffith acquired the land in 1882 and later donated a significant portion to Los Angeles in 1896, envisioning a park where the public could enjoy leisure and learning.
Building on the idea of a park for public enjoyment, Griffith envisioned an observatory that would make astronomy accessible to all. Opened to the public in 1935, the observatory was crafted in a Greek Revival architectural style, a choice reflecting the era’s view on public buildings’ roles. Architects John C. Austin and Frederick M. Ashley designed it with enduring elegance, confirming its status as a symbol of knowledge and beauty.
Vermont Canyon Road, constructed in the 1930s, enhanced access to this hilltop site. This transformation established the observatory as a destination for locals and visitors. Its accessibility has allowed it to continue with its educational mission to bring stars within reach.
However, the observatory has undergone significant transformation. Closed between 2002 and 2006 for a substantial renovation, it included an underground expansion. This 40,000-square-foot addition accommodated new exhibit space and a state-of-the-art planetarium theater, while preserving the historic facade well-known in Los Angeles’ skyline.
Walking through the observatory, visitors engage with a piece of history. The renovation team designed the underground section to keep the observatory’s classical view intact from Griffith Park’s various vantage points. The seismic upgrades to the original structure have ensured its ongoing role. California’s earthquakes are a stark reality, and these enhancements have secured the observatory’s future, allowing it to continue its educational goals. Inside, the reinstalled Foucault pendulum silently shows Earth’s rotation, linking back to the original intention behind its creation.
Delving into the observatory, visitors engage with a historical site that serves an educational purpose. Whether visitors are seasoned travelers or new explorers, the observary’s history and its focus on making science accessible offer a distinct experience. It reflects the power of foresight, philanthropy, and the pursuit of knowledge in Los Angeles.
