Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles

The Griffith Observatory opened to the public in 1935 and is a Los Angeles icon. After 67 years of operation, it was closed for renovation in 2002 and reopened in Fall 2006. The original art deco 27,000 sq ft building built during the Great Depression was expanded by an additional 40,000 sq ft of public space. 

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The Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, 1,134 feet above sea level, with expansive views of the surrounding city, mountains and Hollywood sign. Other than the spectacular views outside, the inside of the Observatory features the 300 seat Samuel Oschlin Planetarium, 200 seat Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon, public telescopes, dozens of exhibits and a cafe/gift shop.

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Parking and entrance into the Observatory are FREE! Even if you're not into astronomy, you'll love the scenic views up there. It is located at 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles. More information at www.griffithobservatory.org or call 213.473.0800.

The Observatory is owned and staffed by the City of Los Angeles Dept of Recreation and Parks. As of May 2015, hours are noon to 10pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 10pm Saturday/Sunday. Closed Mondays. Free public telescopes are available each evening the Observatory is open and skies are clear.

Ojai Art Center

The Ojai Art Center (formerly Ojai Center for the Arts) is the oldest multi-purpose, non-profit art center in California.  Its mission since 1939 has been to support and advance the interest of the arts within the Ojai community.

The center offers seven branches: art, theater, music, literary, photography, film and dance.  Monthly art and photography shows feature local juried exhibits as well as artists from around the country.  The theater branch puts on eight yearly productions, including a popular children's show and musical.  Chamber music concerts are offered through the music branch, monthly literary events and a variety of classes and workshops in the visual and performing arts. 

For more information, visit www.ojaiartcenter.org or call 805.646.0117.  Located at 113 S. Montgomery Street in Ojai, right next to Libbey Park.