Since 1935, the Observatory has provided southern Californians and visitors from around the world with chances to observe, to learn, and to be inspired. The inspiration for the Observatory, and for Griffith Park, came from Griffith J. Griffith, who was the benefactor for both. The idea of a “public observatory” was a very new one at the turn of the 20th century, but Griffith developed very precise specifications regarding what should be included in the building. His ideas were updated and enhanced when the Observatory was renovated and expanded from 2002-2006.
