Observatorio

About the museum

The Observatorio was built in 1831–1834 on the top of Tähtitorninvuori (Observatory Hill), after the university had moved from Turku to Helsinki following the great fire of Turku in 1827. The building was designed by the architect Carl Ludvig Engel and by F. W. A. Argelander, professor of astronomy. Engel wanted the observatory to be an ornament of the city, and on completion it was one of the most modern astronomical research institutions of its time. The professor’s family also lived in it.

The design of the building influenced the planning of the Pulkovo main observatory in Russia in the late 1830s and later other observatories. The Department of Astronomy operated in the building until 2010, and the building was renovated in 2011–2012.

Today the Observatorio is the public astronomy centre of the Tiedemuseo Liekki (Liekki Science Museum) of the University of Helsinki. The basic exhibition on the main floor presents the universe and the history of the observatory, and the old observation towers and the planetarium can be visited on guided tours. In the Meridian Hall the large astronomical instruments are still in their original positions.

Highlights

• Meridian Hall, where the large astronomical instruments are still in their original positions
• A real meteorite about five billion years old, which can be touched
• Guided tours of the old observation towers and the planetarium
• Observatory tower designed by C. L. Engel, 1834

Permanent exhibition

• Minä ja maailmankaikkeus – The basic exhibition on the main floor of the Observatorio takes visitors from the solar system to the stars and the structure of the universe, with the help of a thermal camera and a cloud chamber. The exhibition includes the Meridian Hall and a touchable meteorite.

Founded

1832

Operated by

Helsingin yliopisto (Tiedemuseo Liekki)

Admission & discounts

University of Helsinki staff and students enter free of charge. The Museokortti is accepted. The admission ticket covers the basic exhibition on the main floor; guided tower tours must be booked in advance.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The step-free entrance is through the red wooden gate at the western end of the Observatorio; to open the gate, call +358 50 318 5764 or press the intercom button A1. The gate leads to the exhibition spaces and to the halls for rent. The towers and the planetarium are not step-free. Because of the old floors, stiletto heels must not be worn.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Space-themed children’s parties can be held at the Observatorio, where children get to touch a real meteorite.

Getting there & parking

The Observatorio is at the southern end of Unioninkatu, on Kopernikuksentie, surrounded by the Tähtitorninvuori park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The building has a café that serves by order, and a museum shop; in addition, there is the bookshop and astronomy supplies shop of the Ursa association.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Spaces available for rent include the Argelander Hall and the East Rotunda.

Plan your visit