Štefánik Observatory, Prague

The Štefánik Observatory was founded in 1928 by the Czech Astronomical Society after a period of fundraising that began in 1917. It was constructed on Petřín hill in the center of Prague.

The observatory building features three domes and an observation house with a retractable roof. It is situated on the Hunger Wall on Petřín hill, an area originally developed in the 14th century.

The modern exterior appearance of the observatory dates to extensive renovation work undertaken in the 1970s, following damage from bombardment during World War II.

In the early 2000s, the observatory's telescope equipment and internal exhibition spaces were modernized. This work aimed to enhance the public viewing and educational aspects of the facility.

The largest telescope at the observatory is a double refractor astrograph made by Zeiss in 1905, purchased in 1928 from the estate of Rudolf König. Funds for its purchase were contributed by Tomáš Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia.

The prominent Zeiss telescope, the observatory's main instrument since 1930, underwent renovation between 2022 and 2024. Cosmetic damage sustained during World War II was intentionally preserved.

A mirror Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope was installed in the western dome of the observatory in 1976, contributing to its observational capabilities.

The eastern dome of the observatory is equipped with a 40 cm mirror telescope manufactured by Meade Instruments, complementing the other instruments.