Sterrenwacht, Sterrenwachtlaan 5

English translation

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Description

Sterrenwachtlaan 5, 5a, 6, 7, 8, 9, subdivided into Sterrenwachtlaan 5/5a, 6 and 7/8/9.

Building complex of the Leiden Observatory, built in 1858-1861 by architect H.F.G.N. Camp, on a bastion on the west side of the city, which previously formed part of the Hortus Botanicus.

The complex consists of a main building, connected by lower wings to the residence of the professor-director on the left and the residence for the observer on the right side.

Main building, Sterrenwachtlaan 6.

Currently rendered but originally executed in fair-faced brickwork, building in eclectic-classicistic style, consisting of ground floor and one storey. Central risalit in the front facade, moulded cordonline between the ground floor and the storey. Door surround with principal moulding on consoles, moulded wooden window surrounds. Beneath the cornice consoles, between which rosettes. On the cornice a wooden balustrade. On the rear side a platform. On the flat roof of the main building four observation domes, of which the largest two, above the hall and on the rear side, are founded entirely separately from the building on heavy piers. In the largest dome is a ten-inch refractor from 1885. In the dome on the rear side a six-inch refractor from 1838. In the hall a marble bust on console, representing F. Kaiser, made by F. Stracke in Amsterdam in 1875; a telescope from the beginning of the 18th century and the Quadrant of Snellius from 1617. Furthermore five bells, two of which by A. Hohwu in Amsterdam, one by Knobliche in Altona and one by Utzschneider and Fraunhofer in Munich. On the storey the archive, built around the pier of the large dome and finished in forms inspired by the Renaissance. Wooden gallery on small columns with keystones and carved heads. The gallery is closed off by an iron balustrade. The fluted wooden pilasters, which carry the cornice of the bookcases, have small carved busts in woodcarving as transition to the principal moulding. On the ground floor runs through the main building and the adjoining buildings a continuous corridor which provided the opportunity to test lenses in a covered elongated space.

Former residence of the professor-director, Sterrenwachtlaan 5/5a.

Rectangular brick building in eclectic style, consisting of basement and bel-etage, on which a later added storey. Moulded wooden window surrounds, central risalit and wooden cornice, on which above the risalit an attic storey. Balcony against the central risalit of the rear facade. Internally a central hall with staircase which passes into an oval gallery, both with baluster railings. Light dome above the hall. Marble tiled floor. Above the hall doors fanlights with cast iron life trees in arched surrounds. In the rooms stucco ceilings and black marble fireplace mantels.

Former residence for the observer, Sterrenwachtlaan 7/8/9.

Rectangular brick building in eclectic style, consisting of basement and bel-etage, on which a later added storey. Moulded wooden window surrounds, central risalit and wooden cornice. Behind the building complex on the remaining part of the former bastion a garden with old trees. In front of the complex, opposite the residence of the professor-director and to the northeast of the observer's residence, stand two observation domes, respectively built around 1925 and circa 1957, which in themselves do not merit protection. In the latter dome stands a photographic telescope from 1897.