The Cincinnati Observatory’s flagship telescope saw its first light from the stars 180 years ago!

Join us at the observatory to celebrate this historic instrument and our founder, Ormsby Mitchel. The event will include two featured presentations - Phil Shoemaker will discuss Mitchel’s role in the procurement of the telescope, while John Briggs will describe how the 1845 refractor compared to other telescopes of the era (specifics on talks and speakers). Observatory staff will be available in period accurate clothing and a tintype antique photographer will be on-site to take guests back to the early days of astronomy in Cincinnati. Honoring Mitchel’s original fundraising for the telescope at $25 a share, guests that pay the commemorative admission price will receive an exclusive, limited edition lapel pin depicting the Mitchel telescope.

Tickets - $25 per person Commemorative Admission/$15 per person General Admission

Guest presenter: Emmy Bursk

How can we study the universe's earliest galaxies, billions of light-years away? The answer lies in using other galaxies as natural telescopes. By bending and magnifying light from distant objects, these natural lenses provide a glimpse into the formation of galaxies, the cosmic web, and the origins of the universe.

Class level: Intermediate - This class is recommended for guests that have some background of astronomical knowledge and are comfortable with mathematical material.

Classes will be held in-person at the observatory. Pricing details are below:

Non-members $20/class

Members $15/class

Weekly Public Program

Astronomy Evening at the Cincinnati Observatory is the perfect program to get acquainted with all of the offerings of your local observatory. Located in picturesque Mount Lookout on the East Side of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest one of its kind in the country that still uses its original telescope from 1845, and now you too will get to participate.

This 90 minute long, family-friendly program features an Astronomy themed presentation on the different things you can experience in the night sky. Tours of our historic buildings and viewing through our telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting).

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE For Members.  Please note: March and April are sold out. Watch for May dates to release soon.

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE for Observatory Members 

Cosmic Kids

Inspire your kids to be future astronomers, physicists, scientists, and engineers with our monthly Cosmic Kids class at the Cincinnati Observatory! Participants will be engaged in an astronomically fun and interactive program each month. Parents are welcome to join in on the cosmic fun or drop off their kids for the program. Participants who join us for the entire 9 class series will receive a discount. 

• April 5 - 3D printing
• May 24 - Comets and Meteors

• Grades K, 1, 2 classes meet 9:30 - 10:30am
• Grades 3, 4, 5 classes meet 11:00am - 12:00pm

Single Class Tickets:

$12.00 per class non-member
$10.00 per class member

You may also decide to stay with your child for the class or drop them off and pick them up after, parents will not be charged as participants. Not sure which session would be best? Give us a call 513-321-5186.

Guest presenter: Emmy Bursk

Water is essential for life on Earth. Therefore, the theme “Follow the water” has driven space exploration in the search for extraterrestrial life. This class will explore Jupiter’s ocean moon, Europa, and the mission designed to study its subsurface ocean, investigating its potential to harbor life and how it could deepen our understanding of habitable environments beyond Earth.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Classes will be held in-person at the observatory. Pricing details are below:

Non-members $20/class

Members $15/class

Come and paint with us at the Cincinnati Observatory!

Join us on April 16, 7-9 PM, for a fun and creative night out where we'll learn how to paint a beautiful space-related masterpiece. You don't need any experience to join - each step of the painting process will be guided by Sarah Hellmann from Art for All People. Plus, enjoy delicious light bites while creating your beautiful artwork. The evening will end with a tour of the Observatory and viewing through the telescopes (if clear).

The cost is $60 per person and includes all your supplies, food, and drinks. The cost of the ticket benefits Art for All People and the Cincinnati Observatory. Recommended for ages 16+.

Meet our artist for the evening, Sarah Hellmann!
Sarah Hellmann is an author, artist, and speaker. After earning her PhD from the University of Cincinnati, she founded the nonprofit, Art for All People, a ministry that brings the arts to those effected by incarceration, addiction, mental illness, human trafficking, and veterans who suffer from PTSD. Sarah is a life-long artist. Her mission is to encourage others to use their inherent creativity toward healing and empowerment. Sarah recently published her book, Broken-Down Jalopies and Other Short Stories: Perspective Changes Everything. Available on Amazon.

Embark on a romantic celestial journey with our "Late Night Date Night" at the Cincinnati Observatory. Couples will enjoy a star-filled evening complete with guided stargazing through historic telescopes (weather permitting), an intimate astronomy talk, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for making memories under the night sky. Whether it’s a first date or a special anniversary, this enchanting evening promises to bring the magic of the cosmos a little closer. Ticket price includes admission for two, mocktails, and dessert. 

Tickets: $80 per couple  April is SOLD OUT. Watch for May date(s) in early April.

18+ Only. 

Einstein turned physics on its head with the introduction of the theory of special relativity in 1905. From time dilation to nuclear energy, this class will look at the historical development of special relativity and how it is both observed and utilized in science today.

Class level: Intermediate - This class is recommended for guests that have some background of astronomical knowledge and are comfortable with mathematical material.

Classes will be held in-person at the observatory. Pricing details are below:

Non-members $25/class

Members $20/class

Stories From Our History

This special program offers those seeking to learn more about the Observatory’s history a more detailed, in-depth guided tour at Noon or 1:30pm. All the wonderful details covered in a Daytime Tour are included - as well as more stories of how the Observatory came to be (and almost didn’t!). You'll also discover the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping as well as visit our interactive Sundial, original 1843 cornerstone, and more! Tours last approximately one hour with plenty of time for questions and some behind-the-scenes fun! Perfect for local history, astronomy and science buffs ages 12 and up.

General Admission $10 (recommended for kids 12+), $5/senior, $5/veteran, FREE for Observatory members

Space is limited.  Advanced reservations are recommended.

The worlds created by science fiction authors are full of astounding technological feats. We’ll take a look at some of the most common examples and test the scientific viability of the human imagination. From space elevators to interstellar travel, we’ll see where our dreams can take us!

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets: Non-members $25/class.   Members $20/class

This Astronomy Archives presentation will spotlight unique artifacts from our extensive historical collections, showcasing over 180 years of history. Many of these items, particularly those related to the Space Age, are rarely seen by the public, giving you an exclusive glimpse into the Observatory’s treasures. You'll also have the opportunity to ask about archives, collections, and conservation, and learn how to preserve your own personal history at home.

Non-members - $20 / Children $5 / Members $15

Walk-ins welcome!

Join us for our early-morning events in 2025, Sights Before Sunrise. These are clear-only events so we will let you know the day before if the event is a go. This program is for those who want to be the first to see objects that will be up later in the year at our typical viewing times. This event will include viewing through our historic Mitchel telescope of 1-2 planets and the
Moon. Coffee and donuts will be available.

$5/person, Free for members. If you would like to join our email list for cancellation notices, please fill out this form.