Discover the history of Leiden Astronomy - guided tours

Take a tour to a historic telescope and be inspired by an astronomy student about the universe. Learn more about the telescopes, the history of the building and research in Leiden then and now.

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There is a rich history within the walls of the Old Observatory. Although the building is now used for very different purposes than when it opened in 1860, the historic value of the building is immediately palpable upon entering.

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During the tour you can look through the telescopes in good weather. You will then look through the same telescopes that great scientists such as Einstein, Lorentz, Oort and many others looked through!