Samuel Oschin Planetarium
📍 Griffith Park, CA
The 290-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium at Griffith Observatory shows live narrated presentations including Signs of Life, Centered in the Universe, and Water Is Life. Tickets are sold same-day on-site only. Recommended for ages 5+.
★★★★★ If you’re in LA and haven’t sought out the Griffith Park Planetarium! Space is endlessly fascinating, and the fact that this celestial experience is free is nothing short of astronomical. From the exhibits to the spectacular views of LA, it’s an out-of-this-world adventure. It’s a stellar way to spend an afternoon
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for school-age children aged 5 and up who are curious about space and science. The combination of free Observatory entry and affordable show tickets makes it an excellent-value educational outing. Kids who can sit through a 35-minute narrated presentation get the most from it.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →59 Google reviews
Bart Kupnicki
a year ago
“★★★★★ If you’re in LA and haven’t sought out the Griffith Park Planetarium! Space is endlessly fascinating, and the fact that this celestial experience is free is nothing short of astronomical. From the exhibits to the spectacular views of LA, it’s an out-of-this-world adventure. It’s a stellar way to spend an afternoon”
My Name
4 months ago
“I do appreciate everything this place has done for the people and new people whome haven't been born yet years after I'm long gone within time. Also a side note thank you for allowing star trek voyager doing an episode here thank you all around”
Vipul Singh
a year ago
“Got to the free parking lot around 3:45pm on a Wednesday, then walked up and was able to get tickets to both the 4:15 Signs of Life and the 5:15 Centered in the Universe. Both shows were excellent and very well narrated.”
Apurv Thakur
4 years ago
“Must visit show in the planetarium- ‘Centered in the Universe’. It would be the best $7 (or $5 if you are a student) you will ever spend on a show. Amazing animations and story narration😍.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Samuel Oschin Planetarium features a Zeiss star projector under an aluminum dome with 290 seats. Current live shows — Signs of Life, Centered in the Universe, and Water Is Life — each run approximately 35 minutes with multiple daily showtimes. Admission is free to enter the Observatory; show tickets are sold on-site for same-day performances only. The venue sits within Griffith Park, with parking available and sweeping city views surrounding the building.
