How does the restoration impact our visitors and neighbours?
Find practical updates here, including temporary closures as well as all the experiences you can still enjoy while the Observatory is being restored.
You’ll find questions and answers about the neighbour and visitor experience during the restoration period at the bottom of this page. If you have any other enquiries, you are always welcome to contact the Round Tower at post@rundetaarn.dk
FAQ
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The Round Tower will be fully or partially closed during the following times:
May 21st // There will be no visitor access while the dome is reinstalled.
May 26th – May 29th // Visitor access to the Viewing Platform at the top will be restricted as materials and scaffolding is removed. The Spiral Ramp, Library Hall and Bell Loft remains open to visitors.
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History // Dome restoration only happens once in a lifetime.
Cultural heritage and craftsmanship // You can follow the highly specialized work of the craftsmen occasionally on the square where Landemærket meets Købmagergade, as well as on the Round Tower website and via our social media.
Light Year 2026 // In 2026, we are celebrating the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s discovery of the speed of light. To mark the occasion, the Round Tower will be filled with various exhibitions, music and talks about light, astronomy and history.
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Yes, the Spiral Ramp will be open while the Observatory is being restored, except for the announced date when the dome is hoisted back.
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The Viewing Platform will be open during the restoration period, except for the announced closing days between 26th and 29th of May when the scaffolding is taken down.
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Yes, the Library Hall will be open for exhibitions. In 2026, we’re celebrating “Lightyear 2026” – and the 350th anniversary of Ole Rømer’s discovery of the speed of light with four changing exhibitions and a variety of events.
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May 21st, weather permitting. Reinstalling the dome requires calm weather as it will be hoisted up by crane.
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We will continuously update our website with news from the restoration project.
On the square where Landemærket meets Købmagergade, you’ll also be able to follow the craftsmen’s work from time to time and see the dome restoration up close.
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The reinstallation of the dome will be carried out by highly specialized professionals. The area will be secured.
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// November 2025: Telescope is dismantled and sent for restoration in Germany,
// December 2025: Scaffolding and construction site are established.
// January 2026: Dismantling of the dome, depending on the weather.
// January-May 2026: Restoration – copper, carpentry and smithing.
// May 2026: Re-attaching of the dome, depending on the weather.
// June 2026: Conclusive restoration work in the Observatory.
// October 2026: The Observatory is expected to re-open to visitors. -
We are restoring the leaking copper roof to protect our cultural heritage.
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The restoration is true to the current observatory from 1929. It entails:
// Dome: Copper coating and restoration of the wood construction on the dome including the shutters.
// “Eaves” – where dome and observatory building meet – needs fresh copper coating.
// Steel guides and support feet are changed to stainless steel.
// Observatory: New flooring and minor repairs.
// Telescope from 1929 is restored by experts in Germany.
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The dome needed to be hoisted down as it is necessary to improve the construction allowing it to turn 360 degrees. Furthermore, the restoration work can involve the use of open flames and could pose a risk to the historical building, and therefore it is also separated from the building as a safety precaution.
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No, the restoration will not affect the ticket price in the future as it is being financed by the Round Tower’s savings.