Mount Wilson Observatory Presents “Matinees on the Mountain” screening Early Astronomical Films

Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO)—Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history—presents the fourth “Matinees on the Mountain” screening on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 3:00pm.

The Observatory, along with Los Angeles Filmforum, presents “Envisioning the Skies: A Short History of Astronomical Films,” a program of early scientific films exploring how cinema first attempted to understand and visualize the cosmos. Curated by L.A. Filmforum’s Jane de Almeida, Adam Hyman, and Jheanelle Brown, the program explores how astronomy and image‑making have shaped one another from the 19th century to the present-day. From Hanns Walter Kornblum and Ernst Krieger’s “Our Heavenly Bodies,” to Bernard Lyot’s solar footage, to Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos.” these films reveal how techniques from sequential photography to digital simulation have transformed how we see, teach, and imagine the universe.

MWO's new film series—happening on select Saturday afternoons this season—will take place in its 256-seat auditorium, screening classic science fiction, early scientific, vintage silent films, and even a few family-friendly surprises. Moviegoers can enjoy lunch at the Cosmic Cafe or picnic on the grounds, explore the Observatory’s rich history, and then settle in for a unique cinematic experience 1-mile above the City of Los Angeles. Tickets are priced at $20 for general admission and $15 for children under 12. For more information and tickets, please visit: www.mtwilson.edu/events/movie082325

VISITING MWO
The gate to Mount Wilson’s campus opens at 10:00am daily and closes at 5:00pm from early April through November. Entrance to the grounds is free. Visitors can hike, gaze at the telescope domes and towers that dot the landscape, and take a look at historic Mount Wilson photos and letters in the Museum.

The Cosmic Cafe (www.mtwilson.edu/cosmic-cafe), located above the main parking lot at the Observatory entrance, is open on weekends in the spring, summer, and fall. In addition to traditional menu items such as hot dogs, drinks, and snacks, the Café offers wraps, salads, and sweet treats from Little Flower.

PARKING
A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory. A $5 day pass or a $30 dollar annual pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe on weekends between 10:00am and 5:00pm. During the week, passes are available at locations around Los Angeles. The most convenient location before heading up is at the Shell station in La Canada Flintridge at the bottom of the Angeles Crest Highway (https://find.shell.com/us/fuel/10007957-4530-angeles-crest-hwy/en_US). Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information about Passes and other locations to buy them: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/passes/adventure-pass

For more information about Visiting Mount Wilson Observatory, please visit: www.mtwilson.edu/visiting