On May 31st, 2025, the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill celebrated its 90th Anniversary. Hosting University of Toronto astronomy from 1935 to 2008, the observatory’s 1.88m telescope was once the second largest in the world and saw use by leading scientists such as variable star trailblazer Helen Sawyer Hogg.

This exhibition will feature some of the artifacts used at David Dunlap Observatory that are now part of the David A. Dunlap Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics’ historical collection.

(Note: This small-scale exhibition is adapted from the larger original 90th anniversary exhibition that was held at the Dunlap Observatory from June to October 2025. Only selected highlights from the original exhibition are featured).

Open to everyone (during building hours)

Important building access information:

Current students/staff/faculty - remember to bring your TCard to swipe for building entry
External/non-U of T visitors - please inform the security desk of your interest in viewing the exhibition only (external visitors are only permitted to visit the rest of the Gerstein Science Information Centre with prior arrangement)

Curated by Victoria Fisher, Historian in Residence, Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics, University of Toronto.

JUST ANNOUNCED - also check out our upcoming pop-up exhibit, Into Focus: Women in Early Toronto Astronomy (March 11, 2026. 11am-2pm).

The Dunlap Observatory at 90

About this exhibition

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People and collections

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