Griffith Observatory

“The hood ornament of the city”

Located on the south side of Mt. Hollywood at an elevation of 300 m above the city of Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is an impressive sight. Director Dr. Edwin Krupp calls it “the hood ornament of the city”.


Located on the south side of Mt. Hollywood at an elevation of 300 m above the city of Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is an impressive sight. Director Dr. Edwin Krupp calls it “the hood ornament of the city”.

The Griffith Observatory is a publicly accessible attraction, popular with tourists and locals alike. Its impressive planetarium and awe-inspiring panoramic views of the entire metropolitan region right up to Santa Monica Bay always draw crowds. The observatory has also been used as a backdrop in various movie productions.

The architecture of the building itself is absolutely unique. The white domed structure was completed in 1935 as a mix of art deco and Egyptian-inspired styles. The observatory consists of three main sections: the Hall of Science, the Planetarium and the Laserium laser show. Exhibitions at the observatory include rocks from Mars and the moon. More than 70 million people have visited the observatory since it opened.

The footpaths and steps around Griffith Observatory are illuminated by slim profile BEGA recessed wall luminaires. They are part of a lighting concept that does justice to the exceptional location and impressive architecture of the complex.


Architecture Original: John C. Austin und Russel W. Porter, Los Angeles Restoration and Extensions: Pfeiffer Partners and Levin & Associates, Los Angeles

Lighting Design Horton Lees Brogden, Los Angeles

Photography Patrick Poendl · Shutterstock Celso Diniz · 123RF