Visit the Old Observatory
The Old Observatory is still used intensively as a university building. Yet there is still plenty to see and experience in this beautiful monument. Find out what the possibilities are here.
Visitor Center
Our Visitor Center is located in the basement of the Old Observatory. The Hortus botanicus Leiden and the Sterrewacht Leiden jointly organize programs for the Visitor Center. From February 7, 2025, the Visitor Center will host the multi-year exhibition "Plants & Planets", a new presentation where you can marvel at what science, art and nature can tell us about the origins of life. The visitor centre also offers walk-in tours to one of the oldest telescopes of the Netherlands. This telescope is located in one of the domes right next to the Old Observatory.
Learn more about the upcoming exhibition and walk-in tours.
Private Tours
In addition to walk-in tours at the Visitor Center, we also offer private tours for groups. These tours are scheduled for a day and time that works for your group. A personalized experience for young and old, friends or colleagues! A unique chance to explore the main building of the Old Observatory.
Learn more about our private tours.
Open evenings
Monthly open evenings are also organized by one of Leiden's amateur astronomy societies. For only €5 per person, you can enjoy an astronomical lecture and (weather permitting) telescope viewing.