Now that the noise surrounding the reopened Griffith Observatory has died down -- and, more importantly, parking is once again allowed up on the hill -- we finally visited the newly renovated, expanded building this week. Even Blogger Toddler enjoyed looking at the models of the planets -- pushing buttons, standing on scales to see his weight on other planets... and snacking at the "Cafe at the End of the Universe."
It's a good looking upgrade. The downstairs space exhibit is simple yet well done; the upstairs "Hall of the Eye" and "Hall of the Sky" exhibits are well organized. (We didn't go inside the new planetarium, as children under 4 are only allowed into the first show of the day.)
The gift shop offers up some great L.A.-centric gifts in addition to the usual touristy knicknacks... but the cafe, run by Wolfgang Puck catering, is as expensive and lackluster as I'd heard.
Some pics:
Nice to see some things haven't changed: The pendulum located in the Central Rotunda.
The views are obviously still fantastic.
The new downstairs "Gunther Depths of Space Exhibits."
Blast from the past: On display, the old projector that thrilled generations inside the Observatory's old planetarium.
Photo op alert: Sit next to Albert Einstein.
Technical difficulties inside the Spock Theater already?
Evan was hungry, so we bought him a turkey and cheese sandwich. That's two slices of bread, some turkey, and a slice of American cheese. For $3.50. Memo to self: Open catering service, secure contracts at tourist destinations. Watch money pile in.
The strangest feature at the new Observatory: The "Cosmic Connection," a hallway decorated by thousands of pieces of cheesy celestial-themed costume jewelry. Seriously.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Rd.
Tuesday - Friday: Noon - 10 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Closed Mondays
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