The two domes of the observatories on the Museumsinsel are clearly visible from afar. The eastern observatory is currently closed for modernisation. The western observatory is open regularly as part of this free daily programme. When the sky is clear, the sun can be observed through the telescope. If it is cloudy, you can learn more about the history and technology of our western observatory and the telescope, a Zeiss refractor that is over 100 years old, in the observatory dome.
Good to know:
- There is room for 18 people in the observatory dome.
- Registration is not possible or necessary
- Participation in the demonstration is included in museum admission.
- The meeting point for the demonstration is in the Agriculture and Food exhibition on level 3, at the end of the exhibition. The Western Observatory is signposted.
Photo: Deutsches Museum
View into the Western Observatory
The Zeiss refractor in the west dome was designed and manufactured by the Carl Zeiss company for the Deutsches Museum in 1924/25. It was installed in the observatory in 1925. The refracting telescope weighs 8.5 tonnes, has an aperture of 300 mm and a focal length of 4960 mm. The telescope underwent a general overhaul in 2008, when the dome was also refurbished.
When will this event take place?
Discover which activities are taking place by checking our daily programme, which is published at around 9.20 each day. Our programme changes daily and includes guided tours, demonstrations, science shows and hands-on activities for individual visitors and small groups of up to five people. All programme events are held in German. They begin either directly where the activity is set to take place or at a guided-tour meeting point in the relevant exhibition.
