Detroit Observatory
Library/MuseumDetroit Observatory is a library/museum building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is located at 1398 ANN ST, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, on the University of Michigan's Central campus. The building has 2 floors. Visit the official website for current hours and information. From the Diag, Detroit Observatory is approximately 9 minutes walking northeast.
Classification: Teach, Research, Support.
Official website: Detroit Observatory
Building Details
| Category | Library/Museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 1398 ANN ST, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 |
| Floors | 2 |
| Coordinates | 42.28198235, -83.7316897857143 |
| Website | bentley.umich.edu |
| Campus | Central Campus |
History
- Year Built: 1854 (Source: Bentley Historical Library)
- Architect: Richard Harrison Bull
- Style: Greek Revival
- Named for: Citizens of Detroit who raised $18,760 for construction
- Notable: Oldest research building on campus; one of oldest observatories in US; Michigan Historic Site (1958), NRHP (1973)
- Primary use: Museum, historic preservation
- Did you know: Oldest research building on campus (1854) and one of the oldest observatories in the US. Astronomers here discovered 21 asteroids and 2 comets. Its meridian-circle telescope is the oldest in its original mount in the world.
Nearby Buildings
- Simpson Institute 254 ft (78 m)
- Alice Lloyd Hall 261 ft (79 m)
- Couzens Hall 271 ft (83 m)
- Kahn Health Care Pavilion 355 ft (108 m)
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center 475 ft (145 m)
Other Library/Museum Buildings
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Detroit Observatory located?
- Detroit Observatory is located at 1398 ANN ST on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Its coordinates are 42.28198235, -83.7316897857143.
- How many floors does Detroit Observatory have?
- Detroit Observatory has 2 floors.
- How do I find Detroit Observatory on the University of Michigan campus?
- Detroit Observatory is located on Central Campus at 1398 ANN ST. From the Diag, it is approximately 9 minutes walking northeast.
Sources
- University of Michigan Facilities and Operations
- OpenStreetMap Contributors
- Bentley Historical Library
- MGuide Campus Map — student-built, independently maintained
Data sourced from University of Michigan and OpenStreetMap. Data last updated April 15, 2026.
Source: mguide.app/building/detroit-observatory