Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg, Strasbourg Travel Guide

The Observatoire Astronomique de Strasbourg, dating back to 1881, stands as a testament to the Alsatian city's rich scientific heritage. Established during the period when Alsace was part of the German Empire, the observatory was intended to showcase imperial prestige and the advancement of scientific study. Designed by architect Hermann Eggert in collaboration with astronomer August Winnecke, the neo-Renaissance architecture reflects the aesthetic tastes of the era. The building is designed in a Greek cross layout, with each frontispiece featuring sculptures that represent Aurora, the Sun, the Moon, and Aurora Borealis.The observatory boasts a large telescope with a 48.7 cm diameter lens housed within an impressive 34-ton iron dome. While light pollution prevents observation from the dome's balcony today, the site continues to serve as a significant research and educational institution. The Strasbourg Astronomical Data Centre is located here, centralizing observation data from observatories worldwide. Visitors can explore a planetarium, created in 1981 in a former meridian hall, and a museum called “the crypt of stars”. These spaces display a collection of antique scientific instruments.The observatory has a history of changing nationalities, mirroring the broader political shifts in the Alsace region. It has evolved from the first observatory built in 1673 on city wall towers to its current location. Today, the observatory continues to engage the public through educational programs, guided tours and events like the “Night of the Stars”.