Hall Of The Eye

Overview

Nestled within the iconic Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, United States, the Wilder Hall of the Eye stands as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the cosmos. This captivating exhibition space invites visitors on a journey through the history and evolution of how we observe the sky. It's not merely a collection of artifacts, but a narrative that highlights the progress of human ingenuity in deciphering the universe around us. The Hall of the Eye is dedicated to illustrating the nature and advancement of human observation and the instruments crafted for this exploration, focusing on the profound societal impact these celestial insights have brought.

History & Cultural Background

The Griffith Observatory itself, a majestic Art Deco landmark, first opened its doors on May 14, 1935. Its founder, Griffith J. Griffith, held a visionary belief that astronomy should be accessible to everyone, not confined to distant mountaintops for scientists alone. He mandated free admission for all visitors, ensuring that the wonders of the universe could inspire a broad public. The Wilder Hall of the Eye embodies this founding principle, offering a comprehensive look at how our understanding of the heavens has progressed from rudimentary observations to sophisticated technological marvels. It forms a crucial part of the observatory's mission to spark curiosity and inspire generations to look up and wonder.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Wilder Hall of the Eye apart is its immersive approach to showcasing the 'evolution of human observing.' It masterfully demonstrates how early civilizations used the sky to understand time and seasons, evolving into our current sophisticated astronomical practices. The hall meticulously charts the key developments that have allowed our eyes to see 'farther, fainter, and beyond.' Visitors can engage with exhibits that explain the fundamental questions: what do we observe, how do we observe it, and why is it important? Among its many engaging displays, the Hall features a unique working Tesla coil, originally built in 1910 by Earle Ovington, and notably repaired with the expertise of Kenneth Strickfaden, known for his electrical special effects in classic films. This dramatic demonstration of high voltage electricity, often showcased hourly, is a highlight. Another fascinating exhibit is the Camera Obscura, an early optical device that uses mirrors and lenses to project an image onto a flat surface, illustrating foundational principles of observation.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Tesla coil within the Wilder Hall of the Eye carries a particularly intriguing backstory. Built by aviation pioneer Earle Ovington, it was later gifted to the observatory and restored with assistance from Kenneth Strickfaden, whose work graced Hollywood productions like 'Frankenstein' and 'The Wizard of Oz'. This connection to both scientific innovation and cinematic history adds a layer of local charm and makes the hourly demonstrations particularly captivating. The Hall also emphasizes the pivotal role of telescopes in changing our perception of the universe. Exhibits explore how manipulating optical tools like lenses and mirrors led to breakthroughs, with Galileo's telescopic observations of the Moon, Jupiter's moons, and the Milky Way being a prime example of 'extending the eye.' It reminds us that each new instrument built expands our understanding, a continuous quest that started from Earth, our original observing platform.

Visitor Perspective

Stepping into the Wilder Hall of the Eye, travelers are encouraged to see themselves as part of a long lineage of skywatchers. The exhibits are designed to cast each visitor in the role of an observer, providing opportunities to engage with the concepts and ponder their own relationship with the universe. It's an inspiring space that transforms complex scientific principles into an accessible and thought-provoking experience. After exploring the evolution of vision within the Hall, visitors often emerge with a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity that has enabled humanity to unravel cosmic mysteries. Complementing the broader Griffith Observatory experience, which includes breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean, a visit to the Wilder Hall of the Eye offers not just facts, but a meaningful connection to our shared human endeavor of looking skyward.