Visit the Observatory

The OAB (Brera Astronomical Observatory) was one of the first Italian research institutes to establish a specialized team for science communication (POE Office, Public Outreach & Education). The POE enriches Lombardy’s cultural offerings with a comprehensive program that includes conferences at both of its locations, night sky observations through professional telescopes, educational workshops, participation in festivals and initiatives, all of which can be explored on the dedicated website in italian POEfactory: http://poefactory.brera.inaf.it/

Visit the Milan location

Via Brera 28, 20121 Milano
How to reach us in Brera
For info: +39-02-72320300

Museo Astronomico di Brera

Established in 2015 as the INAF Museum, the MusAB is an extraordinary collection of instruments used by the Observatory’s staff over its 250-year history. The Museum also includes the Schiaparelli Dome and the telescope used by the famous astronomer for historic observations of the planet Mars.

Discover more on MusAB website

Cieli di Brera lectures

A series of meetings with some great Italian astrophysicists and astrophysicists who, in addition to their field of research, have also distinguished themselves for their communication skills.
All meetings are in italian held in-person only at 6 p.m. at the Aldo Bassetti Room of the Pinacoteca in Palazzo Brera, Via Brera 28, where the Brera Astronomical Observatory has been based since 1762.

Discover the program on POEfactory

“L’Universo in fiore” astronomy courses

With these courses, the Observatory intends to give back to the citizenry the knowledge and skills achieved in astronomy, celebrating the excellence of Italian astronomy, which has given and continues to give prestige to the country, under the sign of continuity with the famous astronomer Schiaparelli.

Discover the program on POEfactory

For the schools

Lectures, workshops and guided tours.
Learn more by visiting the schools section of POEfactory!

Visit the Merate location

Via E. Bianchi 46, 23807 Merate, Lc
How to reach us in Merate
For info: +39-02-72320500 Merate visitor switchboard from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Day tours

A guided tour to explore our grounds and the two domes that house our two Ruths and Zeiss telescopes all interspersed with stories, anecdotes and trivia!

Find out more and buy your ticket on POEfactory

Open Night

The Merate location opens its doors to the public to showcase the frontiers of scientific and technological innovation in astronomy. Our researchers will take you through the laboratories at Merate, discovering the modern research being done at our Institute. We will also take a short tour of our telescopes.

Find out more and buy your ticket on POEfactory

Evening tours

Guided sky observations typically take place 3 to 4 times a month when the Moon is in first quarter and, in addition to seeing our satellite in the telescope eyepiece, allow observing deep sky objects invisible to the naked eye.

Find out more and buy your ticket on POEfactory

Virtual tours

Take a virtual tour of Merate’s domes

For the schools

Lectures and guided tours.
Learn more by visiting the schools section of POEfactory!