Carl Theodor's Star Temple – Excursion to the Observatory in Mannheim

Discover the Old Observatory Mannheim – A Tour Through History and Science

The Old Observatory in Mannheim is a unique late Baroque building that was put into operation in 1775. During this tour, you will get a behind-the-scenes look: experience the working world of astronomers and geodesists and discover the artist studios that also shaped the building. We will leisurely make our way up five floors to the rooftop platform. On each floor, you can expect exciting insights into the history of the building and its inhabitants. Once at the top, an impressive panoramic view opens up over Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and the Kurpfalz – from the Odenwald to the Pfälzer Wald. From the platform, you can trace historical sightlines of surveying: from the cathedrals in Speyer and Worms to the endpoints of the historical baseline between Speyer and Oggersheim. An excursion that uniquely combines history, science, and city panorama.

Notes on the Tour

Meeting point for the bus transfer from Schwetzingen to Mannheim: Karl-Wörn-Haus, Museum of the City of Schwetzingen (Marstallstraße 51, 68723 Schwetzingen). Bus departure: 2:30 PM. Please arrive by 2:15 PM for registration at the museum. Duration of the tour at the Old Observatory Mannheim: Approximately 90 minutes. Return to Schwetzingen: Around 5 PM. Participant fee for the tour at the Old Observatory Mannheim: €5.00 per person, payable on site. Access: The observatory is not barrier-free. There are 191 steps to the rooftop platform. Each floor has seating available for resting. Sanitary facilities: Restrooms are available. Weather note: It is usually cool in the tower, and it can be windy on the rooftop platform – appropriate clothing is recommended. The number of participants is limited to 19 people. Registration is required for participation.

Registration with Museum Director Lars Maurer
Email: lars.maurer@schwetzingen.de
Phone: 06202 / 87 – 468