Jul. 24, 2026
Friday / 6:00 PM
The Observatory offers programs exploring the history of astronomy and the history of the University of Michigan. We’re open Thursdays, Fridays, and select Saturdays. Admission is always free!
Check our calendar for programs and events!
Learn more about this newly reimagined, one-of-a-kind place, where the spirit of science and discovery link the past and present.
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On July 20, 1969, humankind took a giant leap when astronauts first set foot on the Moon. International Moon Day commemorates the Apollo 11 mission and the spirit of exploration and discovery it represents. This photograph, taken in 1920 through the historic Fitz telescope, offers a glimpse of how astronomers at the Detroit Observatory captured the Moon more than a century ago. 🌔
Long before the Space Race, observatories played a vital role in expanding our understanding of our closest celestial neighbor. Through careful observation, photography, and public education, they inspired generations to look to the night sky—helping lay the foundation for the scientific achievements that eventually carried humans to the lunar surface. 🚀
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Since 1960, the Ann Arbor Art Fair / Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original has been a hallmark of summer in Ann Arbor, bringing together local and international artists, creative demonstrations, and thousands of visitors each July. 🎨
As you explore the Art Fair, stop by the Frankel Detroit Observatory! We are open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for touring and observing.🔭
Join us each day for Crafting the Sky, a free, hands-on workshop that explores the intersections of art and science. In any of the four sessions, participants will discover how artists and astronomers work together to interpret and share our understanding of the universe. Then you'll create your own artistic model of the cosmos using images captured through the Observatory's telescopes! 🌌
Be sure to check our website for details! myumi.ch/Rm57d
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When the Detroit Observatory was built in 1854, it stood about a half mile from the University of Michigan's original 40 acres—too far away for some! This photo, taken in 1922, offers a glimpse into how much can change. Today, the Observatory is in the heart of U-M's Central Campus, a reminder of how the university has grown around the historic landmark.
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