Public Observatory + Planetarium Munich

Germany's largest astronomical club

About Us - Portrait of the Observatory

Founded in 1947, Munich’s Public Observatory has grown to one of the biggest and best-known popular astronomical clubs in Germany. There has been a public observatory in Munich for more than 60 years now, which has grown from small beginnings to one of the biggest and best-known public observatories in Germany. Only the continuous support and an annual grant by the city of Munich, the honorary work of the members of the club, and the support by many sponsors made this development possible, which served the spread of astronomical knowledge as the primary public task of the club. Today, the club has some 600 members and about 25,000 people visit the more than 500 public shows per year so that up to now more than half a million visitors could experience some of the wonders of the universe in our premises. The Director of the Observatory is Dr. Benjamin Mirwald.

Observatory

35 meters above ground, on the rooftop of a former bunker, the Observatory has set up a bunch of big telescopes. Including a planetarium, lecture and exhibition rooms, a comprehensive library, and workshops. In guided tours, volunteering amateur astronomers explain basics about the universe and love to answer questions.

Planetarium

In our planetarium with 32 seats, a Zeiss projector creates an impressive view of the night sky. Independent of the weather or time of day, which in nature could only be seen under the best weather conditions. The constellations and the movement of the sun, moon, and planets can be clearly demonstrated and these important aspects of the science of astronomy can be easily explained.

Tours

One can visit the observatory for evening tours, which last around 1 ½ hour: From September to March, they begin at 8 p.m., from April to August at 9 p.m. English tours take place every Monday, concurrently with the German tours (which run Mon – Fri). The observatory also opens for special celestial events like eclipses. Weekly, children’s tours are offered. For dates and more information visit the website.

Your Benefit with CityTourCard Munich: 1 € discount on the regular admission fee*
*The CityTourCard Munich is only valid for all regular guided tours. It is not accepted for lectures, courses, or special events.