Griffith Observatory
A celestial vantage point where the Fishers confront their mortality against the sprawling lights of LA.
Griffith Observatory is an observatory in Los Angeles, California, on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a close view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Named after its benefactor, Griffith J. Griffith, admission has been free since the observatory's opening in 1935, in accordance with his will.
- Location
- Los Angeles, California (Mount Hollywood)
- Type
- Public Observatory and Landmark
- Affiliation
- City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
Lore & Background
Therefore, no lore about the observatory's role in Six Feet Under can be provided.
In Their Own Story
Therefore, no story about the observatory's role in Six Feet Under can be provided.
Reader's Guide
Therefore, no guide about the observatory's role in Six Feet Under can be provided.
Did You Know?
- Since its opening in 1935, over 9 million people have looked through the 12-inch (30.5 cm) Zeiss refracting scope, making it the most viewed telescope in the world.
- During World War II, the planetarium was used to train pilots in celestial navigation, and in the 1960s it trained Apollo program astronauts for the first lunar missions.
- The observatory closed on January 6, 2002, for a $93 million renovation and major expansion, reopening to the public on November 2, 2006.
- The building was expanded underground, adding the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, a café, and a gift shop.
- During the 2028 Summer Olympics, the Griffith Observatory will be the finishing point for the cycling road race and the road cycling time trials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Griffith Observatory located in relation to the Fisher family's story?
Situated on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, this landmark offers the characters a sweeping view of the Los Angeles Basin and the Pacific Ocean. It serves as a recurring backdrop where family members often pause to reflect on their lives against the city lights.
Why do the Fisher family visit Griffith Observatory in specific episodes?
The observatory acts as a celestial vantage point where characters confront their own mortality while overlooking the sprawling metropolis. Its free admission and open sky create an intimate setting for profound conversations about life, death, and legacy.
What is the historical significance of Griffith Observatory to its real-world location?
Named after benefactor Griffith J. Griffith, the facility has been a public observatory since 1935 with free entry as per his will. It remains a major tourist attraction known for its proximity to the Hollywood Sign and extensive science displays.
How does Griffith Observatory symbolize themes in Six Feet Under?
The site represents the intersection of human fragility and cosmic vastness, mirroring the show's exploration of grief and existence. By placing characters beneath the stars above a busy city, it visually underscores their smallness in the grand scheme of life.
Is Griffith Observatory a fictional location created for the series?
No, it is a real public landmark managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs that appears authentically in the show. The production utilized its actual architecture and views to ground the narrative in the specific atmosphere of Los Angeles.
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