The Class of 1951 Observatory is located on the Vassar College Campus in the heart of Poughkeepsie. It houses two large telescopes, both of which help support education at the college. The interesting architecture and astronomical significance of the building provide a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of every day life.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Class of 1951 Observatory
The Observatory is located on the eastern side of the Vassar College Campus. Free visitor parking is available throughout the campus. There is also plenty of free street parking up and down Raymond Avenue. The Dutchess County LOOP bus is another viable option. Schedules and routes may vary.
Best and Worst Time to Go to the Class of 1951 Observatory
The Observatory is open to the public on Wednesday nights from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The building is also home to several classrooms and is therefore unavailable during regular school hours. Weather may also pay a factor. The Observatory will not open during bad weather.
Admission to the Class of 1951 Observatory
Admission is completely free during public hours.
Must See/Do at the Class of 1951 Observatory
Visitors are encouraged to explore the night sky using the Observatory's two large telescopes. Faculty members of the physics and astronomy department are on hand to answer any questions and to provide the public with useful information regarding the study of the stars.
Other Places to See Near the Class of 1951 Observatory
The Vassar College campus is also home to the Powerhouse Theater Company which plays hosts to a variety of talented actors during the summer months. The campus itself is vast and visitors are able to explore its hidden treasures all year long. Off campus, visitors can enjoy the quiet hospitality of the Beechtree Grill or the rowdy collegiate atmosphere of Burgerfi for food and drink.
Insider Tip for Visitors for the Class of 1951 Observatory
There is another observatory on the Vassar College campus. The Maria Mitchell Observatory is a large domed, brick building near the college's campus center. It now houses the Department of Education and should not be confused with the working observatory.
The Class of 1951 Observatory can be found on the eastern side of the Vassar College Campus.
Author's bio: Krista Miller has lived in the Poughkeepsie area for 26 years. She currently volunteers at a local history museum and enjoys scouting the area for new and interesting places to visit.
