Astronomisch-Physikalisches Kabinett

About the museum

The collection goes back to Landgrave William IV of Hesse-Kassel, who in 1560 founded the first permanently equipped observatory in Europe in Kassel and worked with instrument makers such as Eberhard Baldewein and Jost Bürgi. From the Landgraves' cabinet of curiosities developed a collection of science and technology, which Landgrave Charles considerably expanded around 1700 with his own mechanics, opticians and craftsmen; Denis Papin also experimented in Kassel at that time.

Later the collection was displayed in the Museum Fridericianum, and from 1913 in the Hessisches Landesmuseum. Numerous objects were lost in the Second World War. Most recently the Astronomisch-Physikalisches Kabinett was housed in the Orangerie in the Karlsaue – the building that Landgrave Charles had built in the early 18th century as a summer residence and winter quarters for orange trees, and on whose roofs Landgrave Frederick II observed the moon and planets in the 1760s.

The exhibition ranged from the late Renaissance to industrialisation and covered astronomy, clocks, geodesy, physics, as well as mathematics and information technology. Because the Orangerie needs a thorough renovation, the museum area is currently closed; Hessen Kassel Heritage shows selected objects in small presentations in the Hessisches Landesmuseum. The planetarium in the Orangerie remains in operation; with 54 seats it is the largest in Hesse and works with a Zeiss star projector and digital dome projection.

Highlights

• Planetarium with Zeiss Skymaster projector, the largest planetarium in Hesse
• Baroque Orangerie of Landgrave Charles in the Karlsaue
• Instruments from William IV's observatory (currently not on display)
• Selected objects in cabinet exhibitions at the Hessisches Landesmuseum

Operated by

Hessen Kassel Heritage (Museumslandschaft Hessen Kassel)

Admission & discounts

Planetarium prices. Free admission to the planetarium with, among others, the Hessen Kassel Heritage annual pass, Meine Card+/Auszeit Card+ and FamilienApp Hessen, and for companions of people with the B mark; with the Geo-Card 2 for 1. The other free-admission rules of Hessen Kassel Heritage do not apply in the planetarium.

Accessibility

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

Planetarium accessible by wheelchair, lift available, parking spaces for holders of a severe-disability parking permit; assistance dogs allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops

Planetarium programmes are also aimed at families with children; children under 3 are not admitted to the show hall.

Getting there & parking

The Orangerie is located at the edge of the Karlsaue park; the planetarium's address is An der Karlsaue 20d.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Restaurant “Der Grischäfer” in the Orangerie; nearby a café/bar on the island of Siebenbergen.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit