Brera Astronomical Observatory

The Brera Astronomical Observatory is an observatory and science museum located in the Brera district of Milan, housed within the historic Palazzo Brera. Inside, visitors can see a collection of astronomical instruments that scientists used from the 18th century through the 1970s.

The observatory was founded in 1764 by Jesuit astronomer Roger Boscovich and came under Austrian Habsburg control in 1773 after the Jesuits were suppressed. This shift influenced how the facility developed and operated over the following centuries.

The museum displays instruments used by notable astronomers including Giovanni Schiaparelli, who spent years observing Mars from this location during the 1800s. You can see the equipment these scientists relied on and understand how astronomical work was conducted in earlier centuries.

The museum is open on weekdays and offers guided tours where you can see the original dome and telescope. It is worth checking in advance when these special tours are scheduled to get the most from your visit.

The facility preserves an 8-inch refracting telescope from 1875 in its original dome, which was restored to working condition in 1999 for public viewing. This telescope shows how carefully scientists have worked to bring a piece of the past back to life.

Location: Milan

Inception: 1764

Operator: INAF

Address: Via Brera 28, 20121 Milano

Phone: +390250314680

Email: pasquale.tucci@unmi.it

Website: http://brera.inaf.it

GPS coordinates: 45.47159,9.18897

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28