Name of Monument:

Lisbon Astronomical Observatory

Name in original language:

Observatório Astronómico de Lisboa

Location:

Tapada da Ajuda, 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:

1867 (first observations)

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

Architects: Jean François Gille Colson, José da Costa Sequeira (1800–1872), Valentim José Correia (1822–1900); Engineer: Frederico Augusto Oom (1830–1890)

History:

The Observatory was constructed with the support and sponsorship of King Pedro V (1837–1861). It began operating in 1867 and its first director was Frederico Oom, followed by Campos Rodrigues (1836–1919), an internationally recognised astronomer and a creator of several scientific instruments. In 1995, the Observatory integrated the University of Lisbon.

Description:

The Lisbon Astronomical Observatory is the Portuguese national observatory. It has the legal responsibility of national timekeeping. It is located in the Tapada da Ajuda, a green area in the west of Lisbon. It is part of the Museums of the University of Lisbon/National Museum of Natural History and Science. It includes several buildings. It promotes activities regarding the public understanding of astronomy and astrophysics for diverse audiences. The Observatory has important collections: scientific instruments, mostly from the 19th and early 20th century; a Library, which is reference in Portugal, and an important historical archive.

Citation of this web page:

António Perestrelo de Matos (MUHNAC-UL), Marta C. Lourenço (MUHNAC-UL) "Lisbon Astronomical Observatory" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2025.
https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=monuments;AWE;pt;6;en

Prepared by: António Perestrelo de Matos (MUHNAC-UL), Marta C. Lourenço (MUHNAC-UL)

MWNF Working Number: PT 007