Beginning July 2026, the Cincinnati Observatory is entering A New Phase, a comprehensive campaign that includes a renovation of our Herget building! This work will help preserve our National Historic Landmark, expand our capacity to inspire even more visitors, and deepen our community impact for generations to come.

There are several exciting elements to the project, including:

• Expand our collections and archive space to include improved conditions for the maintenance and storage of the observatory collections
• Creating an additional viewing area for items not usually on display to be open during tours and events
• Installation of ADA compliant restroom facilities 

What this means for Events and Programs

While the Herget building, Clark telescope and museum spaces will be unavailable as the work is completed, we can’t wait to share the incredible end result.  Our Mitchel building will remain open, as will access to our Mitchel telescope, the oldest public telescope still available for viewing in this hemisphere! 

Mitchel building programming will include:

• Tours of the Mitchel dome and viewing through our Mitchel telescope 
• Astronomy Evenings
• Dr Wes’s Classes
• Private events and rentals 
• Family Astronomy Nights 

We’ll also be out in the community collaborating with several partners on programming. Click here to learn more.