This episode of the Nonprofit Report features leadership from the Griffith Observatory Foundation, one of Los Angeles’s most beloved landmarks, known for its Art Deco architecture, panoramic city views, and role as a gateway to the stars.
Guests:
Elizabeth Greenway, Executive Director
Danish Khan, Board President
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Founded in 1935, Griffith Observatory remains free to the public and serves as a civic and cultural icon.
- The Griffith Observatory Foundation partners with the City of Los Angeles to expand programs, access, and support.
- Renovations in 2002–2006 preserved the building’s historic character while adding galleries beneath the lawn.
- Exhibits cover elemental astronomy questions, the solar system, and beyond, designed for all levels of knowledge.
- The Samuel Oschin Planetarium hosts live-narrated shows created in-house with immersive technology.
- Community engagement includes monthly star parties with amateur astronomers and fifth-grade education programs.
- The Observatory functions as an ambassador for Los Angeles and the U.S., especially during global events like the Olympics.
- Accessibility and equity are central—everyone, regardless of background, is welcomed.
Other Points on Griffith Observatory Foundation:
Griffith Observatory embodies the vision of Griffith J. Griffith, who believed that public access to the stars could change the world.
The institution has become a rite of passage for Los Angeles fifth graders through school programs that inspire curiosity about the universe. Online programming has expanded its reach, ensuring even more students can participate.
The Observatory is also a place of resilience, serving as a shared space where people find perspective during challenging times. Its guides and educators encourage dialogue, making astronomy engaging and accessible for all visitors.
As Los Angeles looks ahead to hosting the Olympics and beyond, Griffith Observatory stands as both a local treasure and a global ambassador—bringing people together under one sky to inspire discovery and strengthen community.