Mills Observatory

Dundee Mills Observatory

The Mills Observatory in Dundee  was first constructed in 1935 and was the first purpose-built public astronomical observatory in the United Kingdom.

The observatory is classically styled in sandstone and has a extraordinary 7 m dome, which houses a Victorian refracting telescope, a small planetarium, and display areas.

The dome is one of two made from papier-mâché to survive in the UK, the other being at the Godlee Observatory.

The dome is made from papier-mâché and is one of the two that was made from it, to have survived in the United Kingdom, the other one is called Godlee Observatory which is located in Manchester, England.

The Observatory has two display areas, the main one is in the centre of the building on the ground floor which has pictures and models displays, and also houses the observatory shop, The higher level offers displays of ancient device and records of nearby importance.

You can watch stars and planets via our telescopes, or appreciate the scenery with a few incredible treetop vistas across the silvery Tay.

Telescope 1: 300 mm Schmidt-Cassegrain, New telescope was installed in 2013 with the telescope being: 400mm (16 inch) Dobsonian Reflector.

Opened In October 28, 1935

Admission Free

Location

Address: Balgay Park, Dundee DD2 2UB, UK