Chamberlin Observatory

The Chamberlin Observatory is an astronomical facility in Observatory Park featuring a red sandstone building in Romanesque style that houses a historic 20-inch refracting telescope. The instrument was manufactured by Alvan Clark & Sons with a specialized mount designed for precise celestial tracking.

Construction began in 1890 after Denver real estate developer Humphrey Chamberlin donated funds, and the telescope began observations in 1894. This made it one of the most important astronomical facilities of that era.

The Denver Astronomical Society organizes regular public observation nights where visitors gather to look at stars and planets through multiple telescopes. These events create a sense of shared wonder about the night sky in the community.

The facility is managed by the University of Denver's Department of Physics and Astronomy and visitors need to register in advance. Plan your visit for clear evening hours when public observation sessions take place.

When completed, this refractor ranked among the world's largest and reflected Denver's importance as a scientific center in the late 1800s. Its elevation on a high plateau provided excellent conditions for studying the night sky.

Location: Denver

GPS coordinates: 39.67611,-104.95306

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59