Today, the Daily News reported on the upcoming unveiling of the 4-years-coming renovated Griffith Observatory located above the City in Griffith Park. Of course, the park was "gifted" to the City by Col. Griffith Jenkins Griffith and the funds to build the Observatory were willed to the City upon his death (of course, all this confirmed by the always accurate Wikipedia).
So, all this hoopla for the unveiling of the new observatory calls to mind the last time the Observatory hosted an unveiling. It was back in the days of Councilman John Ferraro. Later this year, it's going to be the most crowded attraction in the City, employing a Getty-esque reservation system for the visitors; but in 1990, it was the flanking of firefighters and a few community members that celebrated the restoration of Observatory's "Astronomers' Monument" which was originally built in 1935 (along with the rest of the structure) which depicts six cast-stone figures for this 40-foot monument by 6 artists. Represented are astronomers Sir William Herschel, Sir Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler, Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei and Hipparchus. The 4-week, $70,000 restoration was celebrated by Councilman Ferraro (at the podium) and TV crews.
These photos chronicling that last event are courtesy of then-Council Aide Tom LaBonge.
1 comment:
When does the Griffith Observatory open? It's the best public gathering place in the world and a leader in astronomy. Before spending time and gasoline, get some knowledge into the Griffith Observatory. View the Open and Close Times of this famous location in Los Angeles on regular days and on holidays. Utilize the Griffith Observatory's Operating Schedule in advance to visit the exhibitions and take in the breathtaking vistas of Los Angeles.
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