Griffith Observatory

James Dean at Griffith Observatory

Posted on by AdventureDavid

jamesdean

This bust of James Dean is in front of Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles on the right (west) side as you face the building.  Both the interior and exterior of the Observatory were featured in his most famous movie, 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause, and was the first time a planetarium theater was used in a movie. The work is by artist Kenneth Kendall and a duplicate bust is in the James Dean Memorial Park in the actor’s hometown of Fairmount, Indiana.  On a clear day you can take a picture of the statue with the Hollywood sign in the background.

Links:     GO      previous related post

Astronomers Monument at Griffith Observatory

Posted on by AdventureDavid

griffithtower

This monument, designed by local artist Archibald Garner, was built in 1934 by the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) in an effort to employ workers during the Great Depression.  The six astronomers depicted include Hipparchus, Nicolas Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, Issac Newton, and John Herschel.

Links:   Griffith Observatory       previous related post

Griffith Observatory

Posted on by AdventureDavid

griffithobserv

Griffith Observatory sits on the south facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.  This beautiful Art Deco building opened its doors on May 14, 1935.  It is named for Griffith J. Griffith, the Welsh-American industrialist who donated the land that is now Griffith Park and the funds to build the observatory.

link to more info