VISIT MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY

Hours: 9AM-5PM

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.

TOURS

Explore the history, science, and technology of Mount Wilson Observatory
Weekend Public Tours | Engineering Tours | Private Tours | Self-Guided Tours | Virtual Tour

EVENTS

Concerts, lectures, public telescope nights, & more!
Concerts in the Dome | Talks & Telescopes | Arts @ the Observatory | All Events

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

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

Join us on the Mountain! There are a wide range of activities and events, including telescope viewingsengineering tours,  concertsastronomy lectures, and art events! Check them out below, sign up for a few, and come explore our beautiful Observatory campus.

Special Virtual Event: Discovering Our Universe YouTube Event

Special Virtual Event: Discovering Our Universe YouTube Event

October 5, 2023    
8:30 pm – 9:00 pm
“Discovering Our Universe” is a layperson’s guide to the remarkable astronomical breakthrough that happened 100 years ago this month in Pasadena, CA.
Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: October 15

Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: October 15

October 15, 2023    
9:00 am – 2:30 pm
SOLD OUT
Talks & Telescopes: October 21 - Hal McAlister

Talks & Telescopes: October 21 – Hal McAlister

October 21, 2023    
5:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Come enjoy an inspiring night on the mountain!  The evening begins with the talk at 5:30 in our Auditorium, followed by observing through both the 60- and 100-inch telescopes […]
Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: October 28

Special Behind the Scenes Engineering Tour: October 28

October 28, 2023    
9:00 am – 2:30 pm
SOLD OUT

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 | Shop | Volunteer

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