Teylers astronomical observatory

Teylers astronomical observatory is a small rooftop observatory in Haarlem, the Netherlands, built onto the Oval Room of the Teylers Museum and still recognisable by its distinctive belvedere tower above the museum roofline.

About Teylers astronomical observatory

The observatory was constructed in 1784 as part of the Teylers Museum complex, one of the oldest museums in the country, and was designed for astronomical and meteorological observation from the outset.

History

Early plans called for a wooden roof structure, but vibration problems ruled that out, so a belvedere tower was built instead to give observers a stable platform above the museum. In 1790 a Herschel telescope from the Teylers collection was installed and used by the scientist Martinus van Marum for observations from the site.

Telescopes & research

The observatory was never intended for precision measurement; instead it served manual astronomical and meteorological observation, with the Herschel telescope as its centrepiece instrument.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits in the heart of Haarlem, in the Netherlands, on the roof of the Teylers Museum, one of the city's best-known historic buildings.

Visiting Teylers astronomical observatory

The observatory is part of the Teylers Museum, so visiting hours and access follow the museum's own schedule; check the museum's website or Google before travelling, since the tower itself may only be viewable as part of a museum visit or special tour.

See your named star from here

An 18th-century observatory built for the naked eye and a modest telescope is a fitting place to think about the night sky differently. If you've named a star, its coordinates are yours to explore - check the catalogue for details.