Website:https://griffithobservatory.org/about/filming/ (Filming & Photography at Griffith Observatory)http://www.griffithobservatory.org/building.html (Griffith Park Observatory Website)
Description:Observatory with dome, telescope, Planetarium, outdoor statue; T-shaped concrete building, multi-story, domed with several smaller domes at corners.
Site Condition:FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY RENTAL CRITERIA. For both filming and photography, preference is given to productions which do not in any way disrupt public operations, do not pose a threat of damage to the facility and grounds, and do not pose an unreasonable burden on the Observatory, the park, or the surrounding neighborhood. Given the limited availability of the building, we give priority to those productions which portray and promote the Observatory as itself and which are related to the promotion of science, education, and/or Los Angeles. For filming productions, the size of the crew, amount of equipment, and need for parking will also be taken into account, as the Observatory has very limited space available for these. Monday is the only day the Observatory is closed. The building operates for the public 6 days a week, 12-14 hours a day.
General Notes:updated contact 11.7.2023 bd / Updated 5/22/25 J.Jackson
Usage Restriction:Filming on a case-by-case basis, and only with advance approval by Observatory management. UNIQUE FACILITY. Griffith Observatory is a unique venue historically and in character. The Observatory is a Los Angeles and California historic landmark, a status that imposes significant limitations on what activities may be permitted. Unlike a typical rental hall or similar venue, the Observatory has extremely limited availability and capability to support rental use. It has always been intended and operated as a public facility. There is virtually no “back of house,” no dining rooms, no catering kitchen, no special purpose rooms, and no equipment (chairs, tables, linens, lamps) to support events. We have very limited parking and very constrained staffing. We do not permit outside programming (musical or artistic performances, science lectures) as part of an event. FILMING REQUEST PROCESS: 1. Review the Observatory website to ensure rules/guidelines can be followed 2. Email questions or submit a proposal to the email address listed on the filming section of our website: https://griffithobservatory.org/about/filming/ (This should be done first, before reaching out to FILM LA or Park Film Office). 3. If approved, contact the Park Film Office and FILM LA as soon as possible for permit and approval, they each have their own separate permit process, deadlines, procedures and fees.
Jurisdictions::FILMLA / LOS ANGELES FILM OFFICE - FLICS, Los Angeles City
Within 30-Mile Zone: Y
State Property: No
Closed/Vacant: No
GPS Source:Google Maps (interactive), x coordinate: 34.1183776, y coordinate: -118.3003521
Building Materials: Concrete
Filmography (Legacy projects not in Reel-Scout):BOWFINGER; DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS; REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE; TERMINATOR; CHARLIE'S ANGELS-FULL THROTTLE
Contacts: Events, Film *Main Contact, Griffith Observatory[email protected]
Griffith Park, Film Office *Permit Approvals, Los Angeles Parks & Recreation4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.644.6220 Phone 1213.847.6056 Fax[email protected]https://www.laparks.org/ranger/park-film-office
* Key Contact
