Crow Observatory, Academic observatory at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Crow Observatory sits atop Crow Hall and contains a refractor telescope used for detailed study of the night sky. The facility serves both research purposes and offers public viewing experiences.
Washington University acquired the Yeatman telescope in 1863 and installed it for astronomical research. Following relocation after the 1904 World's Fair, the telescope found its permanent home here.
The observatory functions as an educational center where students and faculty conduct research while offering guided viewing sessions for the local community.
The facility opens for evening visits during fall and spring seasons when weather conditions allow clear viewing. Plan your visit with awareness that cloudy skies can affect access to the telescope.
The telescope was built by Henry Fitz & Co, craftspeople known for precision optics work during the 1800s. A transit mechanism added in 1882 enhanced its observational capabilities for tracking celestial movements.
Location: Missouri
GPS coordinates: 38.64910,-90.30540
Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24
Forest Park
2.1 km
Saint Louis Zoo
2 km
Saint Louis Art Museum
1.4 km
Apotheosis of St. Louis
1.4 km
Missouri History Museum
1.8 km
The Pageant
974 m
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
316 m
Francis Olympic Field
729 m
Jewel Box
2.7 km
St. Louis County Jail
2.9 km
Thinker on a Rock
308 m
Tivoli Theatre
768 m
City Hall of University City, Missouri
971 m
Washington University Hilltop Campus Historic District
385 m
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
938 m
Emmanuel DeHodiamont House
1.8 km
Monsanto Insectarium
2 kmUnion Avenue Opera
2.8 kmSt. Louis Modern Chinese School
1.9 km
Sutter-Meyer House
1.8 km
Hamilton Place Historic District
1.4 km
Wydown-Forsyth District
595 m
Waterman Place-Kingsbury Place-Washington Terrace Historic District
2.5 km
Delmar Loop–Parkview Gardens Historic District
757 m
St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre
2.4 km
EyeSeeMe African American Children's Bookstore
2 km
B'Nai Amoona Synagogue
770 m
Jefferson Memorial
1.8 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover 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