Frommer's Review
Made world-famous in the film Rebel Without a Cause, Griffith Observatory's bronze domes have been Hollywood Hills landmarks since 1935. Closed for renovation for what seemed like forever, it finally reopened in November of '06 after a $93-million renovation. The central dome houses the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where hourly screenings of a narrated half-hour projection show called "Centered in the Universe" reveal the stars and planets that are hidden from the naked eye by the city's ubiquitous lights and smog.
The Observatory also features 60 space-related exhibits designed to "sparkle your imagination," the highlight being the largest astronomically accurate image ever produced -- a 20x152-foot porcelain enamel dazzler that's cleverly called "The Big Picture." It supposedly encompasses a million galaxies, but I lost count after 11. There's also a new 200-seat Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater (go Spock!), a Wolfgang Puck "Café at the End of the Universe," and several Zeiss and solar telescopes for public use both day and night.
Truth be told, most locals never actually go inside the observatory; they come to this spot on the south slope of Mount Hollywood for unparalleled city views. On warm nights, with the lights twinkling below, this is one of the most romantic places in L.A.
Note: So many visitors are expected since the reopening that the city has set up a temporary (and thoroughly maddening) timed-reservation and shuttle-bus system that departs from either the Los Angeles Zoo or the Hollywood & Highland parking areas (but only the Zoo parking lot is free). Car-loving locals are balking at such an absurd inconvenience -- even if you walk or cycle to the site reservations are still required. Compounding the frustration is that you can't reserve a Planetarium ticket, which are sold only at the Observatory on the day of the show. The shuttle costs $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. To make a reservation call tel. 888/695-0888 between 8am and 6pm. All these rules may change by the time you read this, but be prepared.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
