Allegheny Observatory Tour

The Allegheny Observatory is an astronomical research institution, a part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh. The facility is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and is designated as a Pennsylvania state and Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation historic landmark.

Night tours are every Thursday from from April through August.

All tours begin at 8 p.m. and last until approximately 10 p.m. A short slide or film presentation is shown followed by a walking tour of the building finally ending up at the 13″ Fitz-Clark refractor (one of only two in existence). If it’s a clear night you would be shown whatever celestial objects are within range of the telescope that night. The tours are free of charge but you must have a reservation. To make a reservation call 412-321-2400 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.