GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY LOOKING UP STARS ALIGN FOR HILLTOP ICON'S REOPENING IN 2006.

Byline: Lisa Mascaro Staff Writer

Griffith Observatory, the hilltop icon that's been closed for an $83 million renovation, will reopen in May 2006, a year later than scheduled, officials announced Wednesday.

A late start on construction pushed the project months behind schedule although fund raising has surpassed $90 million, ensuring that the landmark facility will reopen with extra programming and exhibits.

``Certainly this is one of those great icons of Los Angeles,'' Mayor James Hahn said at a morning press conference. ``We wanted to preserve this great, great part of L.A. history for future generations to enjoy.''

Officials also announced the naming of the Samuel Oschin Planetarium - which joins the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater - in memory of an area real estate developer and astronomy enthusiast.

``It's a tremendous institution,'' said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Glendale, who helped secure a $2.75 million federal grant announced Wednesday.

``It's an investment, really ... not only an icon of Los Angeles, an icon of the scientific community, a symbol of our thirst for knowledge of the world around us.''

The observatory closed in early 2002 as the city embarked on a massive renovation plan that retains the signature dome while adding new space and modern equipment.

Highlights include classrooms and exhibit space on the north end of the property, under what had been the front entrance, as well as the 200-seat Nimoy theater.

The planetarium features an upgraded projector and laser video system.

In all, the project adds 35,000 square feet of space, including a cafe and expanded bookstore.

``We can reopen with a planetarium show that's going to dazzle everyone,'' said Camille Lombardo, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of the Observatory.

The observatory closed in January 2002, but construction didn't begin until that fall. That delay pushed back the reopening beyond initial projections of early 2005 to May 14, 2006 - the 71st anniversary of the observatory.

Observatory Director Ed C. Krupp said construction is more than halfway complete.

``I wouldn't call it a delay - it's kind of like the ordinary time in lining up funds,'' he said. ``We have been contemplating that opening date for a long time.''

The construction project is being financed from $28.5 million in voter- approved city and county proposition funds, as well as city, state, foundation and private contributions.

In all, about $90 million has been raised. Friends of the Observatory has set a $100 million goal to pay for additional programs and exhibits.

Lynda Oschin, a West Los Angeles resident, made the recent gift on behalf of her late husband, an adventurer who traveled the world but also gazed up into the night sky.

She said she wanted to ``light his name up in a way that will endure in this city. Astronomy was definitely his love - his second love. ... It'll be a beautiful tribute to my husband.''

Lisa Mascaro, [phone]

lisa.mascaro(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Newly cleaned angels, gods and an array of heavenly beasts decorate the ceiling of the Griffith Observatory's lobby.

(2) Work continues at the Griffith Observatory, which will reopen in May 2006.

(3) Workers move about the roof of the observatory, with a broad view of Los Angeles.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer