University of Helsinki
Helsinki Observatory, built in 1834, nowadays serves as a Centre for Astronomy, a visitor centre of the Helsinki University Museum. The Observatory would also like to welcome all international students to get to know the Universe around us. Have you ever dreamed about touching a real meteorite (which is almost five billion years old), or wondered what the scales would say on planet Mars? After that you could take a peek into the cloud chamber and see the invisible world: tracks of alpha particles, protons, muons etc.
However, if astronomical digits are too much, it’s not just about hard science: on your visit to the Observatory you can also learn about the history of the building.
Architect Carl Ludvig Engel designed the building to “embellish the city” of Helsinki as it was built at the southern end of Unioninkatu, on the main axis of the city. The Observatory was considered extremely high-tech at the time: three turning observational towers were constructed on the roof, and the main observational hall, the Meridian hall, was equipped with hatches that could be opened. The path-breaking solutions applied for the Helsinki Observatory directed the planning of observatories around the world for decades.
Until the end of 2009 the Observatory served as an astronomy research institute for the University of Helsinki. Furthermore, for a long time the professor of astronomy and his family had their residence in the Observatory.
A time signal bag was dropped every day at noon from the mast of the Observatory’s tower to allow ships docked in the city’s southern port to check their chronometers. Correct timekeeping was essential for navigation.
Welcome to explore the Observatory exhibition! If you also want to see the towers and a planetarium show you can book a guided tour in English.
Diving into the secrets of the universe may make you thirsty or hungry. In that case don’t forget the terrace and the delicious products of the summer cafe Tiedekahvila: have a nice cup of coffee in a unique milieu!
Open Tue-Wed 12-16, Thu 12-20, Fri-Sun 12-16. Student entrance fee: 4 euros. Find out more on our website and check the opening hours of cafe Tiedekahvila.
Photo:Timo Huvilinna