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Seattle, Washington / Museums

Jacobsen Observatory

A historic 1895 observatory on the University of Washington campus, featuring a vintage 6-inch Brashear refracting telescope and public stargazing events.

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Jacobsen Observatory
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What is the Jacobsen Observatory known for?

Built in 1895, it is the second-oldest building on the University of Washington campus. It is primarily used for public outreach, including demonstrations, talks, tours, and events.

When is the observatory open to the public?

Public open houses are typically held on the first and third Tuesday evenings between April and September. The observatory is closed from October through March.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission tickets for the open houses are free.

What can I see there?

Visitors can view the night sky through a six-inch Brashear refracting telescope on a Warner & Swasey equatorial mount, which dates back to 1895.

Is the observatory accessible?

There is an ADA ramp leading to the classroom; however, the dome is only accessible via a narrow wooden stairway from the 1890s.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Theodor Jacobsen Observatory is a historic landmark on the University of Washington campus, standing as the second-oldest building on the grounds. Built in 1895 and designed by Charles Willard Saunders, the structure is a small, L-shaped, one-story building with a flat roof and a two-story round tower topped with a sheet-metal dome. The exterior is crafted from coursed, split-faced Tenino sandstone, which was leftover material from the construction of Denny Hall. In 1912, a 45-seat classroom was added to the south side of the building to support academic growth. The observatory is named after Theodor Jacobsen, who served the university's astronomy department from 1928 until his retirement in 1971. Today, the facility is jointly run by the UW Department of Astronomy and the Seattle Astronomical Society, focusing primarily on public outreach, demonstrations, and tours. Inside the dome, visitors can find a six-inch Brashear refracting telescope mounted on a Warner & Swasey equatorial mount. This vintage instrument allows the public to view the night sky on clear dark nights during scheduled open houses. These programs take place on the first and third Tuesday evenings of April through September, rain or shine, providing a unique window into the history of astronomy. Accessibility varies within the building. While there is an ADA ramp to the classroom, the ascent to the telescope dome is only possible via a narrow wooden stairway that dates back to the 1890s. This architectural detail emphasizes the building's age and preserved historical integrity.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit for the first or third Tuesday of the month between April and September for free open house events.
  • Be aware that the telescope dome is only accessible via a narrow 1890s wooden stairway.
  • Enter through the north campus entrance at NE 45th and 17th NE and walk about 100 yards south.
  • Check for clear dark nights to get the best experience with the 6-inch Brashear telescope.

Nearby context

The observatory is located on the north end of the University of Washington campus, approximately 100 yards south of the north campus entrance at NE 45th and 17th NE, placing it in a heart of academic history.

Sources

Evidence and links