Mikulášovická hvězdárna Observatory

Mikulášovická hvězdárna, built in 1913 by pharmacist Adolf Kraus, is a unique monument located in the heart of the city of Mikulášovice. This Art Nouveau building, connected to the original pharmacy U Lva, was declared a cultural monument in 1992 and is known for its architectural design and historical stories. The observatory boasts a revolving dome that allowed the sky to be observed, and a pink facade divided by Art Nouveau motifs.

The emergence of the Mikulášovice observatory is closely linked to the personality of Adolf Krause, son of pharmacist Josef Adolf Krause. In 1913, he built this building as an addition to the original pharmacy purchased by his father in 1886. Adolf Krause was an amateur astronomer and founded an Astronomical Association in Mikulášovice in 1921, indicating his passion for the observatory and astronomy. His correspondence with the World Astronomical Society of Berlin Treptowa shows a significant connection that the observatory had beyond the local community.

Architectural is Mikulášovická hvězdárna characteristic of Art Nouveau, which was the artistic direction common at the time. The building has a storey structure with a swivel dome which exceeds the height of the building by one floor. The facade is decorated with a distinctive shield and balcony with metal railing, while the east side has blind windows. Pink facade breaks the ledge, Art Nouveau plant motifs and stucco shambas with lion heads in the tops.

The history of ownership of the observatory is marked by several key events. After the death of Adolf Krause in early 1939, the building was probably not used during the Second World War and was no longer operational after it was completed. In 1992 the observatory was declared a cultural monument along with the neighbouring pharmacy building, which meant its protection and recognition of historical value. After purchase by the city of Mikulášovicemi in 2012 the night sky observation and the planned reconstruction of the building were restored.

Today, Mikulášovická hvězdárna is reopened to visitors, which allows you to become aware of its rich history and architecture. Its importance as a cultural monument and local observatory makes it a valuable part of the Mikulášovice heritage, which is worth visiting not only for historians but also for any curiosity. The observatory recalls the importance of astronomy and Art Art Art Art Art Art during the course of the 20th century and is an important monument that retains the memory of the past of the city.