Chamberlin Observatory — Attraction in Denver

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...

This made for quite the romantic cap to our date night! We went to a Public Night, hosted by several enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers from the Denver Astronomical Society (cost $4 per person). Walking through the park for the 8:30pm start time at dusk was very atmospheric, with bats circling overhead while approaching the lit up glow of the observatory and its dome. On entering the 100+ year old building, you get that fabulous, "old", wooden smell. The volunteers gave an interesting talk, followed by us climbing the stairs into the dome, to be confronted by the enormous telescope (12th largest in the world when it was built and still one of the largest refracting telescopes). You can climb a narrow, almost ladderlike staircase up a mobile platform contraption which leads to the eyepiece of the telescope. It's a thrill to watch the telescope be rotated around the dome, and to see the huge slit in the ceiling it looks out of. There's also a balcony from which you can see the night sky to the south and they had high powered loaner binoculars on hand to use...

Attended the Tue/Thurs public night at the Observatory. The tickets are very inexpensive and the event caters to all ages. Attendees ranged from families with young school aged children through older adults.

The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and really helped convey the Observatory's unique history and importance as well as delivery the overpowering awe of the stars and astronomy through both a short lecture/talk and, weather permitting, getting to look through the Observatory's telescope!

Recommend bringing a good coat if visiting in winter as the telescope is in a nighttime indoor/outdoor space.

If you have trouble with stairs or ladders remember to make the staff aware. Weather permitting they can hopefully pick an object to look at that does not require climbing up to the...