The observatory closed in 2002 for renovation and a major expansion of exhibit space.
It reopened to the public on November 3, 2006, retaining its art deco exterior.
The $93 million renovation, paid largely by a public bond issue, restored the building, as well as replaced the aging planetarium dome.
The building was expanded underground, with completely new exhibits, a café, gift shop, and the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater.

A wildfire in the hills came dangerously close to the observatory on May 10, 2007.

On May 25, 2008, the Observatory offered visitors live coverage of the Phoenix landing on Mars.

On October 15, 2017, brush fires approached the Observatory Trail, but were extinguished before causing any structural damage.

On July 10, 2018, the Griffith Park Observatory was evacuated after a brush fire burned 25 acres and damaged cars but was extinguished before it damaged any buildings.

Ed Krupp is the current director of the Observatory.
The observatory closed in 2002 for renovation and a major expansion of exhibit space. It reopened to the public on November 3, 2006, retaining its art deco exterior. The $93 million renovation, paid largely by a public bond issue, restored the building, as well as replaced the aging planetarium dome. The building was expanded underground, with completely new exhibits, a café, gift shop, and the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater.
A wildfire in the hills came dangerously close to the observatory on May 10, 2007.
On May 25, 2008, the Observatory offered visitors live coverage of the Phoenix landing on Mars.
On October 15, 2017, brush fires approached the Observatory Trail, but were extinguished before causing any structural damage.
On July 10, 2018, the Griffith Park Observatory was evacuated after a brush fire burned 25 acres and damaged cars but was extinguished before it damaged any buildings.
Ed Krupp is the current director of the Observatory.
Griffith Observatory