Bohnenberger Observatory (Schloss-Sternwarte)

The Museum of the University of Tübingen MUT has thus been given the museum use of the historically significant observatory from Johann G. F. Bohnenberger at Hohentübingen Castle. This is all the more significant, as the small observatory was constructed 200 years ago specifically for the so-called “Reichenbach’ Repetitive Circle”; a device which could be put back onto its original place again 16 years later. Only a few repetitive circles exist worldwide, for example in Florence, Milan and Paris. However, the historically unique entire ensemble consisting of the original device and the specifically for that constructed building which also presents the oldest ground observatory in the world, only exists in Tübingen. The renovation was concluded in September, 2018, – right on time for the 200-year festivity of the Württemberg land survey which started in this exact location.

We are very happy and would like to thank all departments, architects, restoration specialists, cooperation partners and collaborators in the redevelopment of this fantastic place! This presents another big step for the MUT, to – step by step – make the significant historical, scientific but also cultural-historical rooms, collections and locations accessible to the public. This also includes the Tübingen Castle Laboratory as cradle of biochemistry or the worldwide oldest giant wine barrel in the castle cellar, and the observatory, in addition to the outstanding collections in the Museum of Ancient Cultures.

The wooden door and the blinds of the observatory give an insight into the interior during the opening hours of the museum:
Wed to Sun: 10am till 5pm, Thu: 10am till 7pm

Discover more about the observatory on the occasion of the reopening published publication “The Tübingen Castle Observatory” by the astronomy historic Jürgen Kost.