Dearborn Observatory

Dearborn Observatory (1889) is equipped with one of the few remaining refracting telescopes still in use, and it remains an important teaching tool in Northwestern's astronomy program. Designed by Cobb and Frost, the Richardsonian Romanesque building was the gift of James B. Hobbs, a Northwestern trustee from 1883 to 1914. The building features rough-cut limestone walls, a broad entrance arch, a slate roof, and eyebrow dormers. In 1939 the 2,000-ton stone building was moved 100 yards to the south in order to make room for the construction of the Technological Institute. The Dearborn Observatory is currently open for public viewing every Friday night from 9 pm - 11 pm (summer hours). Reservations are required. For more information please call (847) 491-7650.