On the highest point of Observatoriekullen (the Observatory Hill), boasting a panoramic view over the city, lies the old Stockholm Observatory. From here research within the fields of astronomy, meteorology and geography was conducted during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today this building holds a museum, dedicated to the history of science, and run by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The museum tells us of the history of the building, and of some of the activities which have taken place here.

The foundations of the Observatory were laid down in 1748 by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. This was to become their very first own building.

Several of Sweden’s most prominent scientists are associated with the Observatory. Here, you will meet some of the astronomers and explorers that have made Swedish research internationally renowned.

Opening times and guided tours in English >>

TEMPORARY EXHIBITION

Jacob Berzelius

The Observatory Museum will open an exhibition on the world-famous chemist Berzelius in the International Year of Chemistry 2011.

Photo: Anders Kronborg

FORMER EXHIBITIONS

Light of a Day
8 May-29 May 2011

Five finalists from a Photo contest at Stockholm University will have their photos on display in the Observatory Museum in May.

THE WORLD AT NIGHT
October 17 2010 - February 22 2011

The World At Night (TWAN) is a program to produce and present a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s landmarks against the celestial attractions.

During the autum 2010 about 20 photographs from TWAN were displayed in an exhibition at the Observatory Museum.

Read more about TWAN

Photo: Babak Tafreshi

TULIPAE HORTORUM
March 13-August 31 2010

Read more >>

Photo: Jonathan M. Singer

Is Anybody There? Thoughts on life in Space from the 17th Century to the present
Jan 15- Dec 29 2009

Read the exhibition texts>>

Carl Linnaeus and The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
April 15 2007-January 6 2008

Carl Linnaeus is one of the most famous Swedish scientist from the eigthteenth century. He was born 300 years ago in Småland, in the southeastern parts of the country. In 1739 he became one of the founders of The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The exhibition explored the connections and cooperation between Linneaus and the Academy in the eighteenth century, from the founding af the Academy to the death of Linnaeus in 1778.

The exhibtion was a contribution to the Linnaeus Tercentenary 2007.

Read the exhibition texts>>