Brera Astronomical Observatory
Brera Astronomical Observatory, Astronomical observatory and science museum in Brera district, Milan, Italy
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Milan).
San Marco Church
194 m
Cerchia dei Navigli
179 m
Napoleone come Marte Pacificatore
77 m
Biblioteca nazionale Braidense
101 m
Museum of the Risorgimento
78 m
Palazzo Brera
84 m
Orto Botanico di Brera
67 m
Palazzo Cusani
146 m
Honorary courtyard of the Palazzo di Brera
95 m
Chiesa di San Carpoforo
200 m
Palazzo Orsini
134 m
Casa Beccaria
198 m
Palazzo Moriggia
90 m
Palazzo Landriani (Milano)
120 m
Monument to Bonaventura Cavalieri
96 m
Monument to Tommaso Grossi
98 m
Palazzo Bigli Samoyloff
105 m
Monument to Pietro Verri
67 m
Casa Valerio
106 m
Statue of Francesco Hayez
65 m
Monument to Gabrio Piola
85 m
Monument to Carlo Ottavio Castiglioni (Milan)
77 m
Palazzo Recalcati Tagliasacchi
127 m
Monument to Luigi Cagnola (Milan)
62 m
Casa Bellotti
177 m
Targa commemorativa a Riccardo Bacchelli
100 m
Crespi House
121 m
Targa commemorativa a Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
174 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes