Phases of the restoration project
Get an overview of the restoration work on both the dome and the telescope.
Phase 1
At the end of November, the Round Tower’s almost 100-year-old refractor telescope will be removed and sent to a specialist workshop in Germany, where it will be carefully dismantled, cleaned and restored.
In early December, scaffolding will be erected around the Observatory, making the top and Viewing Platform inaccessible to visitors for a period of time. However, the rest of the Round Tower will remain open, and visitors can still enjoy the iconic Spiral Ramp and the current special exhibition in the Library Hall.
Preparatory work for dismantling the dome will then begin.
Phase 2: The dome will be hoisted down and clad in copper
The Observatory dome will be lowered in January – lifted by crane in one piece on a calm day. The dome will then be restored in the square at the foot of the Round Tower. The old structure will receive a new copper roof before it is reinstalled approximately four months later.
Copper work involves the use of open flames, so most of the restoration work will take place outside of the Round Tower for fire safety reasons. Visitors will be able to see parts of the restoration from a construction site and workshop set up at the foot of the Tower – in the very same spot where the dome was first hoisted up in 1929 (see “The Round Tower Observatory Through Time”).
Phase 3: Restoration work and temporary closure
From January to April, coppersmiths, carpenters and blacksmiths will continue to restore the dome. During this period, a new floor will be laid in the Observatory. In January, the upper section of the staircase will be repaired and painted, and the Spiral Ramp will be limewashed. For this reason, the entire Tower will be closed from 5 January to 5 February.
Phase 4: The Round Tower will reopen to visitors
In February while the Observatory is being restored, the rest of the Round Tower will open for the “Lightyear 2026” – a magical, year-long celebration of light featuring an introductory historical exhibition about Ole Rømer’s groundbreaking discovery of the speed of light, four special exhibitions and a varied programme of light-themed events. Read more here.
Phase 5: Raising the dome and dismantling the scaffolding
The dome is expected to be lifted back into place in April/May. Final restoration work will be completed inside the Observatory, and the scaffolding and construction site will be dismantled.
Phase 6: The return of the telescope
The restored refractor telescope will return from Germany with fresh paintwork and improved optics and an upgraded steering mechanism that will allow for even more precise orientation.
Phase 7: Reopening of the Observatory
As darkness returns and we enter the winter season, the Observatory will reopen, welcoming all those who want to experience a direct connection to the universe, to light, and to history in the very heart of Copenhagen.
All dates are subject to change and possible delays during the restoration of the historic dome and telescope.
The latest schedule and updates will always be available here
With thanks to
Lead consultants
Fogh & Følner Arkitekter A/S
Sub-consultants
Eduard Troelsgård Rådgivende Ingeniører A/S
Contractors
Emil Nielsens Smedeværksted A/S
Blikkenslagermester Jens Volf
Kjell Pedersen Entreprise A/S
Dansk Stillads Service A/S
C.Møllmann & CO A/S
Finn L. & Davidsen A/S
Lyders & Svend G. A/S
TT Mobilkran A/S
Telescope restoration
Uwe Meiling, Meiling Astro Design
Niels Haagh, Track the Stars APS
Consultants
BARK Rådgivning
Schmidt Brandrådgivning
