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Grounds open daily 10AM–5PM.

Visiting Mount Wilson
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Visit Mount Wilson Observatory

Located on Mount Wilson, a 5,710-foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, California, the Observatory was conceived and founded by George Ellery Hale in 1904.

The home of some of the most important telescopes in the development of modern astronomy – including the two largest telescopes of their time – it is a site of significant scientific and Los Angeles history.

The Observatory and grounds are open to the public to visit, and during the spring and summer hosts public programs including observing through the historic telescopes, lectures, concerts, educational programs, and more.

Plan Your Visit
Interior view of the historic 100-inch Hooker Telescope at Mount Wilson Observatory.

Tours

Explore the history, science, and technology of Mount Wilson Observatory

Weekend Public Tours | Engineering Tours | Private Tours | Self-Guided Tours | Virtual Tour

The dome of the Mount Wilson Observatory illuminated at night with people gathered at the entrance.

Events

Concerts, lectures, public telescope nights, & more!

Concerts in the Dome | Talks & Telescopes | Arts @ the Observatory | All Events

Inside the dimly lit interior of the Mount Wilson Observatory, illuminated by red light, a person is looking through the eyepiece of a telescope

Observing

For an experience of a lifetime, view celestial objects through our historic 60-inch or 100-inch telescopes.

Telescope Reservations | Solar Observing | Public Ticket Nights

George Ellery Hale, circa 1905, working in his office in the Monastery, the dormitory for astronomers on the mountain.

History

Conceived & founded by George Ellery Hale in 1904, the observatory is home of some of the most important telescopes in the development of modern astronomy.

Our Founder | Our History | Mount Wilson Astronomers | Reflections Newsletter

Events & Programs

We have an exciting schedule of events planned for the mountain in 2026!

Arts@theObservatory: Russell Crotty – Nocturnal Landscapes From The Arid West

Arts@theObservatory: Russell Crotty – Nocturnal Landscapes From The Arid West

June 27, 2026 – October 17, 2026    
An exhibition of drawings by California artist Russell Crotty, whose intricate works explore the relationship between scientific observation, landscape, and the night sky, presented in the historic 100-inch telescope dome at Mount Wilson Observatory.
More Info & Tickets
Talks & Telescopes - October 17: Sam Hale

Talks & Telescopes – October 17: Sam Hale

October 17, 2026    
The Duality of Genius and Struggle: G. E. Hale
Sam Hale, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Mount Wilson Institute
“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood.” This quote is an encapsulation of George Ellery Hale’s incredible life and monumental achievements. The five astronomical telescopes he built beginning in 1897 were the largest in the world for almost one hundred years. While living in Pasadena just after the turn of the 20th century, he turned what was a community school into what became the California Institute of Technology. At the same time, he was the driving inspiration for the creation of the Huntington Library. While serving on the Planning Commission, he was a major force for the creation of the city’s elegant civic center. As we’ll learn in this talk, Hale accomplished all this and more while suffering from debilitating emotional issues.
More Info & Tickets
Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: October 24

Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: October 24

October 24, 2026    
This special, behind-the-scenes tour concentrates on the mechanical, optical, and electrical details of our 60- & 100-inch reflector telescopes with demonstrations of their motion controls.
More Info & Tickets
LAAS Star Party - November 7

LAAS Star Party – November 7

November 7, 2026 – November 8, 2026    
Come join us for a public star party and spend a relaxing evening in the San Gabriel Mountains under the stars looking through telescopes provided by the members of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society!
More Info & Tickets
FULL EVENT CALENDAR
Mount Wilson Obvservatory dome during daytime with beautiful clouds in the background. Text to left reads: "Make a Difference".

Support Our Mission

The mission of the Mount Wilson Institute is to manage & promote the Mount Wilson Observatory for scientific research, historic preservation, education, public engagement, and the arts. Your generous support keeps our mission alive!

Donate | Become a Member | Volunteer | Shop

A group of students on a STEM educational tour in front of the Mount Wilson Observatory Astronomical Museum.

Education

Our Education programs are led by astronomers from world-renowned institutes. Students learn, at any level, about the astrophysics that led Hubble to discover the expanding Universe.

Grades 4-12 STEM Program | Adult Summer Observational Astrophysics Retreat

A star-filled night sky above the forested silhouette of Mount Wilson, featuring the Mount Wilson Institute mission statement highlighting scientific research, historic preservation, education, public engagement, and the arts.

Visitor Advisory for Saturday, October 17

Cosmic Cafe Closed Saturday, October 17

Due to a precautionary power shutoff by Southern California Edison in response to high winds, the Cosmic Cafe's kitchen will be closed Saturday, October 17.

The gift shop will be open, and parking passes will be available for purchase.

The Observatory remains OPEN! Docent tours will take place as scheduled at 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM, and our evening Talks & Telescopes event will proceed as planned.

All other areas of the Observatory remain open to visitors. We hope to reopen the Cafe on Sunday, October 18, weather and power conditions permitting.

Thank you for your understanding!