Observatory

Elector Carl Theodor (1724–1799) showed a keen interest in sciences and the fine arts. During his reign, Mannheim became a major centre for scientific research. Surveying and meteorology were encouraged as was astronomy – observation, measurement and classification during the Enlightenment era were valued as expressing a rational understanding of the world.

In the 18^th century, celestial events  were described mathematically as verifiable and predictable physical processes, e.g. at the famous Mannheim Observatory. Its historic inventory is kept at the TECHNOSEUM – apart from numerous instruments, you can also admire globes of the earth, the skies and the moon along with a model of the observatory itself. The original of the latter can also be seen in Mannheim’s city centre – of course within sight of Mannheim’s castle, the former seat of its patron, the elector.