Paris Observatory, PSL University, Astronomical observatory in Montparnasse, France
The Paris Observatory is a scientific institution with its main location featuring a baroque building designed by Claude Perrault in the 1670s. The facility serves research in astronomy, astrophysics, and related sciences, and houses a library containing scientific documents spanning centuries.
King Louis XIV established the institution in 1667 as part of his initiative to advance scientific research alongside the Royal Academy of Sciences. The baroque building and collections were developed over the following decades to solidify France's leadership in astronomy.
The name reflects its scientific purpose, and the main building displays baroque architecture from the 17th century that defines the site's character. Visitors can see the historical spaces and instruments that show how astronomers worked in that era.
The facility is accessible through programs at Paris Sciences and Letters University and provides spaces for teaching and research activities. Visitors should check in advance which areas are open to the public, as some sections may be restricted.
The institution published the first national almanac in 1679 and introduced modern weather maps in 1863, tools that revolutionized how scientific data were handled. These early publications made astronomical and meteorological information accessible to the public.
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