If you’ve never visited the Observatory, now’s your chance—virtually! If you have, there’s now a new layer to explore.
Enhance your visit to Griffith Observatory with exclusive audio, video, and exhibition guides, and click the link in our bio.
#GriffithObservatory #ObserveandPonder #BloombergConnects
Griffith Observatory turns 91 today!
On May 14, 1935, the Observatory opened its doors for public astronomy. Each year millions of people visit the building whether by chance or on purpose and learn just a little more about the cosmos.
#GriffithObservatory #ObserveandPonder #LookUp
Have you been to Griffith Observatory?
RSVP IN OUR BIO!
Join us for a Sunset Walk & Talk with Park Urban Ecologists and Griffith Observatory Staff. Learn more about park ecology 🌱 and astronomy 🔭
📆 Wednesday, May 20th
⏰ 6:15 - 8:15 PM
📍Griffith Park
Hope to see you there!!
The iconic observatory that sits atop Mount Hollywood opened to the public on this day in 1935. It was the United States' third planetarium and one of the first institutions dedicated to public science. It's also one of the best places to get a view of the famous Hollywood Sign.
While Griffith Observatory has appeared in more that 150 screen productions, it plays a central role in one classic film. Do you know the movie? Share your guesses below and then tap the link in our profile to see if you were right.
📸: Joe Sohm / Visions of America / Contributor
Clouds, while generally unfavorable for nighttime viewing, are such a lovely sight when illuminated by sunlight at dawn and dusk. You can see why.
#GriffithObservatory #LookUp
This summer, lean back, look up, and experience the wonder of the cosmos through a one-of-a-kind journey into the night sky.
ABOVE returns to the Samuel Oschin Planetarium with Night Gallery: The Stars of the Summer. This magical program can be enjoyed three times this season and will be presented live by Griffith Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp.
Explore the summer's constellations, hear the stories behind them, and enjoy exclusive access to the Observatory outside of regular public hours.
Seats for this beloved program will fill up fast, so go to the link in our bio to get tickets. Don't miss your chance to join us this summer in the coolest room in L.A.
This special event is hosted by Griffith Observatory Foundation and directly supports Griffith Observatory in its mission of inspiring everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky.
#GriffithObservatory #ABOVE
I truly cannot believe that the year 2026 is the FIRST time I have ever had the chance to visit the INCREDIBLE and ICONIC @griffithobservatory for a very special screening of Spaceballs presented by @amazonmgmstudios . Thank you to the incredible leadership and staff, including the legend Dr. E.C. Krupp, Director of Griffith Observatory and Elizabeth Greenway, Executive Director of Griffith Observatory Foundation for the amazing tour and the amazing event. I truly cannot wait to come back ASAP. 🔭
Your May lunar calendar is here!
𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘱𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘔𝘢𝘺 17.
The New Moon on the 16th ends this waning cycle. From the 17th onward, the Moon is waxing which means its surface is becoming more illuminated until it reaches its full phase on May 31st. The Last Quarter is on the 9th, and the First Quarter is on the 23rd.
#GriffithObservatory #LookUp #ObserveandPonder
We're about halfway to the Summer Solstice, and we thought we'd share this awesome picture of the Sun with quite a few prominences. Though small compared to the Sun, prominences are quite massive with the largest recorded measuring 800,000 km (500,000 mi), which could fit 63 Earths!
Photo by David Pinsky, Museum Guide, @chondrite55
Photo date: December 8, 2025
Camera: Canon 6D Mk2
Equipment: Lunt 50 Solar Telescope
A sold-out screening of 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 marked Josh Gad’s first-ever visit to Griffith Observatory.
Last night’s 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳 𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘺 event brought Mel Brooks’ iconic parody to the big screen in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. Guests enjoyed photos opps with @official501st , along with exclusive access to exhibits and the best views in the city.
Before the film, @joshgad paid homage to the original Spaceballs and offered a nod to the upcoming sequel 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘖𝘯𝘦, which he stars in, wrote, and produced with Mel Brooks: “You’re in good hands. I promise you.”
The evening raised nearly $10,000 for Griffith Observatory Foundation, the nonprofit partner of the Observatory. This is the equivalent of funding 13 school buses for future School Program field trips.
Become a member of the Foundation for early access and discounts to events like this, and sign up for our email newsletter via the link in bio to stay up to date on future film screenings.
Photos 1-5, by: Brian Feinzimer, Griffith Observatory Foundation, @bri.fei
Date: 05/04/2026
#GriffithObservatory #Spaceballs
Want to know what’s in the sky for the month of May? Astronomical Observer, Vanessa Alarcon and Theater Programs Manager, Patrick So have your monthly Sky Report from Griffith Observatory.
For the full Sky Report please visit our YouTube channel. Link in bio.
#GriffithObservatory #lookup #observeandponder
Although today will be a nice, sunny day, we can't help but think about that time when a double rainbow arced over the Observatory grounds.
Two rainbows are a celestial treat! Notice how the sky between the two bands appears darker compared to above and definitely below the rainbows. This is called Alexander's band, named after Greek philosopher Alexander of Aphrodisias. In short, this dark band occurs because the light gets refracted twice in the primary rainbow, creating a secondary faint—and also reversed—rainbow. These two rainbows end up refracting the light between them away from observers at certain angles.
Picture 1: anonymous
Picture 2: Administrative Clerk Pixie Iwata @pixieiwata
Picture 3: Museum Guide Linda Rivera
Picture 4: Museum Guide David Pinsky @chondrite55
#GriffithObservatory #ThrowbackThursday #LookUp
