FRIENDS OF THE OBSERVATORY (FOTO) 

Friends Of The Observatory (FOTO) is the non-profit membership organization created to support and promote Griffith Observatory's educational programming and capital development needs. FOTO is committed to helping Griffith Observatory remain a vital community and international centerpiece of learning, discovery, and inspiration bringing astronomy to life for millions of visitors each year. Join us now and ensure that the stars continue to shine at Griffith Observatory.

Make Advance Reservations for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium!

As an exclusive benefit, only active FOTO members may make advance reservations for shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.  All other Samuel Oschin Planetarium show tickets will be sold only at the Observatory. Reservations MUST be made 72 hours in advance.

If you are not already a FOTO member and would like to take advantage of this and other fantastic member benefits, JOIN FOTO NOW! 

FOTO members can make advance reservations for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium by following these three easy steps:

1. Reserve Your Seats for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Follow the link below to the FOTO website and click on the "RESERVE PLANETARIUM TICKETS NOW" button at the top of the page. Follow the instructions to make your reservation. You will need to select the day and specific show you'd like to see, and indicate the number of each kind of tickets you will need. Please keep in mind that you may only reserve eight tickets at a time. PLEASE NOTE: You must make your reservation at least 72 hours in advance of your visit; we regret that we will have to decline reservations made with less advance notice.

2. Confirmation. Once your show reservation is confirmed, you will receive an email with a confirmation code. Please make sure all the information is correct. Print out the confirmation page and bring it with you when you come to the Observatory.

3. Pick Up and Pay For Your Tickets. When you arrive at the Observatory, go directly to the Ticket Counter in the Center of Gravity (at the top of the Cosmic Connection corridor). Bring your confirmation email with you to pick up AND pay for your tickets at that location. You need to pick up your tickets at least 45 minutes prior to your posted showtime or they will be released for general sale.

That’s all there is to it! If you’re ready to make your show reservation, please click here.

A Committment to Public Astronomy

Friends Of The Observatory was founded in December 1978, by Debra Griffith, the wife of Harold Griffith, grandson of Observatory founder Griffith J. Griffith. She was assisted in FOTO's creation by her husband, Griffith Observatory Director Dr. Ed Krupp, and a small group of dedicated supporters. The intent of the organization was to support the Observatory in its mission and to advocate for its restoration and renewal. Over the years, with support from its volunteer Board and thousands of members, FOTO provided funds for purchase of equipment, artifacts, materials, and services not covered by the annual City operating funds.

FOTO partnered with the City of Los Angeles to renovate and expand Griffith Observatory. FOTO played four primary roles in the renovation and expansion project. First, FOTO was (and remains) the designated fundraising organization for the project, having directly raised over $30 million, including over $26 million in private funds. It has also been active in securing much of the remainder of the funding needed for the project. Second, FOTO negotiated, managed, and funded contracts for the purchase of all equipment in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Third, FOTO managed the design, content development, acquisition, and installation of the new exhibit program. Finally, FOTO managed the media relations and advertising (creative and media planning only) efforts associated with reopening. In addition, four senior members of FOTO serve on the Renovation Steering Committee, which guided planning and implementation for the renovation and expansion project.