A bronze bust of James Dean decorates the walkway to the observatory, commemorating Dean, whose "Rebel Without a Cause" was partly filmed here.
For those interested in celestial rather than movie stars, the twin refracting telescope is available on clear evenings. The planetarium reproduces the night sky, with special effects replicating visible phenomena. There is also a science center.
Please call 213-668-8171 for 24-hour recorded information about observing stars from Southern California.