The inscription on the Observatory’s foundation stone laid in 1830 reads “Et nos petimus astra” – we too seek the stars.
The Observatory
The University’s Astronomical Observatory from 1833 is one of the oldest buildings built for the University. The architect, Grosch, cooperated closely with the professor of astronomy, Hansteen.
The building was thoroughly restored to the University of Oslo’s Bicentenary in 2011. MUV was involved in the restauration process and has the antiquarian responsibility for the historical rooms in the building. MUV curates a permanent exhibition in the scientific wing of the Observatory, we curate the astronomy collection and some scientific archive material.
The main activity in the Observatory is teaching activities for school children. The building and exhibition is open to the public on special occasions only
Can one professor really be expected to head the Norwegian Geographic Survey, the Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Metrology and Accreditation Service – in addition to his day job? Norway’s first professor of astronomy had very busy days, yet still managed to fit in a field trip to Siberia.
The University’s Astronomical Observatory from 1833 is one of the oldest buildings built for the University. Here Professor Hansteen worked on astronomy, surveying, time and geomagnetism. Parts of the architect Grosch’s neo-classical building were in themselves a large scientific instrument.
Christian Heinrich Grosch (1801–1865) designed the Observatory, the first Palm House in the Botanical Garden and the university complex on Karl Johans gate. His designs dominated public buildings in Norway for several decades after 1814.
Professor Christopher Hansteen is a central name in Norwegian history of science, but few people know that he introduced a special Norwegian system of measures and weights immediately after Norway’s separation from Denmark in 1814.