This place is amazing. I’ve been going here for 15 years in the summers. Highly recommend!

Brief history:

The observatory at Observatory Park in Denver, known as the Chamberlin Observatory, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It was built in 1890 and completed in 1894 as part of the University of Denver’s astronomy program, thanks to a generous donation from Humphrey B. Chamberlin, a Denver real estate magnate.

Designed by architect Robert S. Roeschlaub in Romanesque Revival style, the observatory was constructed to house a large 20-inch refracting telescope, which was one of the largest in the world at the time. The telescope was made by the Warner & Swasey Company and the lens was crafted by the renowned optics expert Alvan Clark & Sons. The observatory was intended to serve both educational and research purposes, with a focus on teaching astronomy students at the University of Denver.

In the early 20th century, the observatory played a significant role in astronomical research and public education, hosting numerous stargazing events and allowing visitors to experience celestial observations. Over time, it has undergone several restorations to maintain the historic structure and telescope.

Today, the Chamberlin Observatory is a popular destination for amateur astronomers and the public, offering regular public viewing nights through the Denver Astronomical Society. It remains an iconic part of Observatory Park and the University of Denver’s history.