Name of Monument:

Astronomical Observatory of Lisbon Polytechnic School

Name in original language:

Observatório Astronómico da Escola Politécnica de Lisboa

Location:

Lisbon, Portugal

Responsible Institution:

National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC) / Museums of the University of Lisbon

Responsible Institution (original language):

Museu Nacional da Historia Natural e da Ciencia (MUHNAC)

Date of Monument:

1898

Architect(s) / Master-builder(s):

Vitor Augusto Gomes da Encarnação (19th century) and José Cecílio da Costa (19th century)

History:

Teaching of Astronomy existed in the Lisbon Polytechnic School since its creation in 1837. It was aimed at providing training for cartography surveys. Initially, teaching was done at the so-called Marine Tower (1837–1843) and then at the Royal Maritime Observatory (1843–1875). In 1876, a new Observatory was inaugurated in the Garden. However, the first building had low stability and a new one had to be constructed. Astronomy teaching started in 1898. Until the 1930s, the Observatory was autonomous within the School, but later it was put under the jurisdiction of the Department of Mathematics. In 1999 teaching was discontinued and the Observatory was integrated in the Museum.

Description:

The Astronomical Observatory is a teaching observatory. It includes one classroom and three observation domes. It dates from 1898 and it encompasses three buildings. The main building is octagonal in shape, located in the upper part of the Botanical Garden. Inside, it has a classroom and the Meridian Room, all covered in wood panels. Another building, with three-floors, used to host the library, more classrooms and workshops. The Observatory collection includes c. 150 scientific instruments, including several apparatuses built in house by Portuguese astronomer Campos Rodrigues (1836–1919).

Citation of this web page:

António Perestrelo de Matos (MUHNAC-UL) "Astronomical Observatory of Lisbon Polytechnic School" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2025.
https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monuments;AWE;pt;12;en

Prepared by: António Perestrelo de Matos (MUHNAC-UL)

MWNF Working Number: PT 017