The doors open at 8:00 pm. A short presentation in the lecture hall introduces the Allegheny Observatory and some of the important science. A tour of the building including the rotunda and two telescope domes shares the exciting, dramatic and sometimes humerous story of the Allegheny Observatory.
Children are welcome, but the content is designed for adults. At other times programming for children is available.
The tour is about two hours including the telescope viewing. There are several staircases and some standing.
The building is not a museum or science center. Everyone must stay with the docent. Some areas are off limits.
These tours often fill completely several weeks in advance and there is a waiting list. If your plans change, please cancel, either through this app, by emailing allegheny-observatory@pitt.edu or by calling 412-321-2400.
There is no charge, but donations are welcome and go to supporting public outreach.
Note: If your goal is to look through a telescope, please do not sign up, then cancel or no show if it is cloudy. This keeps people who want to tour from booking. Consider the star parties hosted by the Amateur Astronomy Association of Pittsburgh. That is where you will have incredible viewing opportunities.
