Griffith Observatory

"One of the most well known Art Deco buildings in LA (thanks to James Dean, Rebel Without A Cause) built in 1933, the Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to see the sunset, the Hollywood sign or observe the night sky. It sits on the Hollywood Hills & overlooks Downtown LA, Hollywood & on clear days all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The planetarium, observatory & exhibition hall are free to the public & definitely worth a visit." - Sallie Harrison Design Studio

"Couples can get a taste of old Hollywood glamour at Griffith Observatory. This iconic attraction in the center of Los Angeles has been the setting for film scenes from 'Rebel Without a Cause' to 'La La Land,' and with this dreamy history, it's become an enduring symbol of California love. For those more into the outdoors than the cinema, the hike up to the observatory provides fantastic views of the city." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Griffith Observatory is an Art Deco stargazing spot atop Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park and one of the most visited observatories. It got it's reputation for a reason: It's rich with exhibit halls (one of which houses a rare, electricity-pulsing Tesla coil), photogenic views of the Hollywood sign, a planetarium that hosts brainy but fun shows about the universe, and, of course, the 12-inch Zeiss telescope. More than 600 guests look through that telescope each night, which the observatory claims makes it the highest trafficked telescope in the world. Emotions range at Griffith Observatory, from the romantic (see: La La Land, when Ryan Gosling waltzes Emma Stone into the stars in the planetarium) to the gleeful (try not to smile in wonder at that Tesla coil) to the odd feeling of insignificance looking up at the universe can give you." - Maxwell Williams

"One of the more memorable exhibits at the fabulous Griffith Park Observatory is the Tesla coil. Its lightning discharges thrill crowds of locals and tourists alike, usually every hour on the hour. The Tesla coil is enclosed in a newly designed alcove for maximum wow factor, and its giant arcs and wonderful zapping noises are better than ever. While our favorite tragic science figure Mr. Tesla designed the coil to someday transport the world’s electricity by air, this coil’s loftiest chore is lighting up a neon sign – nevertheless, it remains a sight to see. This particular coil was once owned by Dr. Fredrick Finch Strong – physician, theosophist and enthusiastic electrotherapeutics experimenter. Finch Strong was fascinated by Tesla’s 1893 description of the effects of alternating currents on his research team and began experimenting with high voltage therapies himself. He went on to write a book in 1908 – High Frequency Currents – about his theories on using electricity to affect patients’ “vibrations.” Finch Strong donated the major components of the coil to the City of Los Angeles. It was rebuilt and given a home at the famous observatory where it has been on display since 1937. The Tesla coil is free to see anytime during normal observatory hours." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

"One of the more memorable exhibits at the fabulous Griffith Park Observatory is the Tesla coil. Its lightning discharges thrill crowds of locals and tourists alike, usually every hour on the hour. The Tesla coil is enclosed in a newly designed alcove for maximum wow factor, and its giant arcs and wonderful zapping noises are better than ever. While our favorite tragic science figure Mr. Tesla designed the coil to someday transport the world’s electricity by air, this coil’s loftiest chore is lighting up a neon sign – nevertheless, it remains a sight to see. This particular coil was once owned by Dr. Fredrick Finch Strong – physician, theosophist and enthusiastic electrotherapeutics experimenter. Finch Strong was fascinated by Tesla’s 1893 description of the effects of alternating currents on his research team and began experimenting with high voltage therapies himself. He went on to write a book in 1908 – High Frequency Currents – about his theories on using electricity to affect patients’ “vibrations.” Finch Strong donated the major components of the coil to the City of Los Angeles. It was rebuilt and given a home at the famous observatory where it has been on display since 1937. The Tesla coil is free to see anytime during normal observatory hours." - ATLAS_OBSCURA