Meghiddo Architects

As long as there are stars in the California night sky, the Griffith Observatory throws a star party every night. The venue offers these free get-togethers with a little help from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Also with the facility is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium; this planetarium gets in on the fun by offering $7 tickets to three exciting shows that spotlight the wonders of the universe, of the sea, and of the ocean. The observatory is also the home of the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon presentation theater, so there is much to do here between the time you are peering heavenward.

The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra has been delivering the classics to the area with an unmatched level of excellence. The symphony features some of the best musicians in the world and their talents help bring many great classics to life. Among some of the more notable performances on the entertainment schedule include several pops concerts, Crescendo on the Vine, Vienna Nights, and other themed and seasonal productions. The symphony also offers several educational programs in addition to its busy schedule of concerts.

Art is born out of both inspiration and reflection. A specific geographic area can inspire the creation of some truly amazing art as well as reflect the attitudes and feelings of a particular point in time. Nowhere is that more obvious than at Long Beach's Museum of Latin American Art. These works seem to come alive with both a dimensionality and a spiciness that gives them a personality all their own. The facility was founded in 1996 and holds the distinction of being the only museum of its kind in the United States.