observe this

Sunday was a sneak preview day for FOTO members to have a look at the newly constructed and recently renovated digs of Griffith Observatory.

Eric, Phil and I started the day with an insanely fantastic breakfast at Square One Dining. Afterwards we had about 30 minutes to kill before boarding the shuttle to the Observatory so we went exlporing at the old zoo in Griffith Park. The remains of the zoo prior to the one in existence today still stands and are currently used as BBQ pits and picnic areas.

At 11:30 we boarded the shuttle and approximately one hour later we arrived at the Observatory. Kidding. It was more like 45 minutes. OK, maybe I exaggerate a bit much but the bus we were on did have some difficulty accelerating up hills and the Observatory is located on top of a big hill, that's all I'm sayin'.

Of course once we got to the top all of that bus business gave way to sheer excitement at the fact that we were actually there...on the Observatory grounds. The building seemed to smile at us as we walked closer, happy to have visitors back.

We were guided to the right side of the building and greeted with an enthusiastic docent who gave us a brief intro on the renovation and what we were going to see. Then she let us loose to explore. We headed down the stairs and into the building. To the right the cafe, to the left the gift shop, straight ahead the new exhibit space. We grabbed a water at the cafe ($1.62) and checked out the gift shop (be sure to look at the floor) before heading inside to the new exhibit area; a split level space that focuses on space and the planets that occupy it. Once done, we followed a curved wall around and up to the original bulding entering from the rear, near the Planetarium and into the rotunda. The Hugo Ballin murals were jaw-dropping. After a quick breeze through the East and West Halls we went outside and took in the view. Although it was overcast the day was still beautiful To be there, along the front wall and looking out over the vast city, we realized how much we actually missed the building and how extremely excited we are to finally get it back.

Zoo and Observatory pics here.

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Comments

[Leah]

Great photos, thanks for sharing them. :)

[Rick]

I haven't been there since working on Queen of the Damned. Super excited to go. You have amazing pics!