
November 17
The Special Events Committee is very pleased to invite you to a guided visit of the University’s Astronomical Observatory at Solli in Oslo.
The observatory from 1833 is one of the oldest buildings built for the University. The architect, Christian Heinrich Grosch, cooperated closely with Professor of astronomy Christopher Hansteen. Parts of this neo-classical building were in themselves a large scientific instrument. As the city expanded, it was no longer possible to use the observatory because of light pollution from the sky above. It therefore closed in 1934 and the operations moved to Blindern.
The Observatory is now a museum used mainly for teaching activities for school children. Danish-born Christian H. Grosch, one of Norway’s most important architects, also designed the university buildings in Karl Johans gate. The Observatory holds a special place amongst his buildings.
Bjørn Vidar Johansen, Administrative Manager of the Section for Museum of University and Science History, an expert on the history of the Observatory, will guide us round this beautiful and interesting building, which was thoroughly restored for the University of Oslo’s Bicentenary in 2011.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, November 17 at 10:45 (for 11:00 Group 1)
[Thursday, November 17 at 11:45 (for 12:00 for a second group if needed)]
PLACE: Observatoriegata 1, 0254 Oslo
The Observatory is located a couple of minutes walk from the roundabout at Solli plass. Walk down Observatoriegata and follow the signpost pointing to the right into Observatorie terrasse, a cul-de-sac (blind alley) till you see the Observatory on your left.
PRICE: NOK 25. – for a gift for the guide. Please make your payment preferably by bank transfer to the Forum account: 1600 40 36631 or by VIPPS 591747. No cash will be handled at the venue. Please state the event and your name in the transaction (in the KID-number box for bank payments and in the dialogue box for VIPPS).
SIGN UP: Rosemary Hauge, email: rosemary@rhauge.no, no later than Tuesday, November 8. Please supply your telephone number in case we need to contact you.
TRANSPORT: Many buses and trams 12 and 13 stop at Solli plass.
LUNCH: There are a number of restaurants at and around Solli plass. Expresso House offers a simple sandwich-type lunch.
Maximum number of participants is 30, in 2 groups of 15.
Guests are allowed if space available. Cancellations after the deadline and no-shows will be charged. For questions or last-minute cancellations, please contact Rosemary Hauge by email: rosemary@rhauge.no or mob.: 952 48 805