The Griffith Observatory opened , free to the public, in 1935, built on land donated by Griffith J. Griffith. The observatory was closed in January 2002 to undergo a 93 million dollar renovation. A second level was added under the main floor to preserve the outside appearance of the observatory. Reopened in November of 2006, the hype resulted in an overflow of visitors. I don't know why. I was disappointed with the exhibits. Nothing exciting or interactive! A 20 minute wait for the shuttle ride there and back, no quick stroller accesses, hidden elevators and small hallways made my visit unsatisfactory. Not exactly a great place to take toddlers. Leonard Nimoy donated a million dollars to open the Event Horizon Theater on premise that shows a short film about the renovations made over the last 4 years. Whup De Do! That's what I get, what can you expect for free admission? This statue of Einstein was the most exciting thing I saw that day.
