Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California's most popular attractions. Griffith Observatory's mission is to inspire everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the sky. Admission to the Observatory building and grounds is FREE. There is a nominal charge to see shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.Griffith Observatory is owned and operated as a public service by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. Friends Of The Observatory (FOTO) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Griffith Observatory's exclusive fundraising, membership, and advocacy organization. Visit www.FOTO.org to learn how you can support the Observatory and its commitment to education and the community.