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Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is unquestionably one of LA's icons, a domed Art Deco monument to science and a perennial favorite of Hollywood filmmakers, who have made its PWA Moderne silhouette know to most everyone.  Just after the turn of the century, Griffith J. Griffith offered $700,000 to the city to build the observatory and theater on the nearby parkland he had previously donated. The city declined, principally because "The Colonel," as he was known, had just been released from San Quentin Prison for trying to murder his wife - a 1903 incident in which Griffith, drunk and deluded with the wild idea that his wife was orchestrating a papal conspiracy, shot May Griffith through the eye. Although convicted of attempted murder, Griffith only spent a year in prison, and it wasn't until 1919, after his death, that LA finally took his money and later built the observatory and, later, an amphitheater.
The observatory, finished in 1935, is best known as a shooting location for Nicholas Ray's classic film "Rebel Without a Cause," but it has appeared in many other movies as well, ranging from modern films like "The Rocketeer" to numerous B-grade 1950s sci-fi flicks.  There are interesting science shows in its planetarium and other technical displays inside. On the roof is a powerful telescope that is frequently open to the public on clear evenings - particularly during meteor showers, eclipses, or other unusual heavenly phenomena. Day or night the view of Los Angeles is amazing. Many couples, during courtship, spend a great amount of time in this spot. However, nighttime is recommend; as the infamous film director Roman Polanski ("Chinatown") said, "Los Angeles is the most beautiful city in the world; as long as seen at night and from a distance."
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Writer: Lee Z.
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[Must Visit]
Nearby Spots: Old Town Pasadena · Universal Citywalk · Olvera Street ···
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Considered to be the most tourist packed spot in Chicago, Navy Pier is actually located on Lake Michigan; it extends about a mile into from the shore.  The hustle and bustle of this spot is unbelievable! The number of events and activities going on in this place is quite astounding. Opened in 1916, the pier was designed for both shipping and recreational...More
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Foder's Upclose Los Angeles
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