Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO), Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history, welcomes the public to the opening reception of its first Arts @ The Observatory exhibit of the 2026 season, “Nocturnal Landscapes From the Arid West,” by Russell Crotty, on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Organized by MWO’s artist-in-residence Stephen Nowlin, the exhibit will be presented inside the magnificent vaulted dome of the historic 100-inch telescope. The public is invited to a free opening reception on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:30pm–5:00pm, with the artist giving a short walkthrough beginning at 1:30pm. For more information about the exhibit, and to RSVP for the opening reception visit: http://mtwilson.edu/events/arts-crotty2026.
“Nocturnal Landscapes From the Arid West” will feature several drawings from Crotty’s ongoing “Landscape Works” series—delicate renderings of land and sky punctuated with anecdotal text and reflections on both the infinite and the sublime. Feet-on-the-earth and eyes-on-the-cosmos, the works merge direct observation with personal reflection, creating a dialogue between terrestrial experience and celestial wonder within one of astronomy’s most storied architectural spaces.
The exhibition will remain on view Saturdays from July 4 through October 17, 2026, from 1:00pm–5:00pm. Starting in July, admission is $10 (children under 12 admitted free). Tickets can be purchased here: mtwilson.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F46912
Additional viewing times may be arranged by appointment by contacting arts@mtwilson.edu.
California artist Russell Crotty (b. 1956) is celebrated for his meticulous ballpoint pen drawings that bridge scientific observation and fine art. For decades, Crotty has also been a serious amateur astronomer, contributing observational data to organizations including NASA and the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO). His work is held in permanent collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Centre Pompidou, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). He has also exhibited at the Hammer Museum, SFMoMA, and during a notable residency at the Lick Observatory. www.russellcrotty.com
MWO’s Arts @ The Observatory series invites audiences to experience the universe through art, featuring exhibitions and immersive programs that connect creativity, science, and place at Mount Wilson Observatory, in the spirit of founder and polymath George Ellery Hale. For more information visit: www.mtwilson.edu/arts-the-observatory
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 Cafe 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
NOT ADA-COMPLIANT
Please be advised that access to the 100-inch dome is via an open-air, 53-step staircase inside the building. There is no ADA-compliant access.
