Entry No. 27 — the Pittsburgh file — filed under: history

Allegheny Observatory

Perched atop a hill in Riverview Park, this historic 19th-century observatory offers free, reservation-only night tours where visitors can peer through antique refractors and visit the crypt of its former directors.

The move: Snag a rare ticket for a Thursday or Friday night tour, dress in warm layers, and look for Jupiter's bands through the 13-inch Fitz-Clark Refractor before paying respects in the basement crypt.

• 📍 Riverview Park
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 159 Riverview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: physicsandastronomy.pitt.edu · northsidechronicle.com

last checked: 2026-07-21