Opening in autumn 2023
Project
Ournetwork
With Space Eye, a very special sensory experience is currently being created in Gantrisch Nature Park near Bern in Switzerland. Besides housing the biggest telescope in Switzerland, the Space Eye Space and Environment Observatory boasts an impressive high-end 8K planetarium, an exhibition area and an adventure trail.
This is where we can learn about astronomy; this is where stories about the cosmos, our world and the environment are told; this is where research becomes a hands-on venture. Designed by star architect Mario Botta, Space Eye is a multimedia events venue for visitors of all ages.
Space Eye invites us to marvel and explore, directing our gaze out towards the universe and back into our darkest past – but also showing us the future, the limitless possibilities, mysteries and dangers that space presents us with both now and in the years to come. Above all, however, time and again Space Eye looks back at us – the observers struck by wonder and admiration. It provides a live view of the universe and up-to-the-minute snapshots of the fields of astronomy, aerospace technology and sustainability. As we turn our eyes to the heavens, Space Eye seizes the opportunity to tell us stories and make research something we can all experience first-hand. It acts as a hub that forges a link between science, technology, creativity and society.
This is where day-trippers and tourists, families and technology fans of all ages come together. Space Eye also offers schools, students and companies an enjoyable range of educational activities and enriching entertainment. It reports on current research projects, inspires young people to pursue careers in the MINT subjects and represents Switzerland as a country of innovation.
Astronaut Claude Nicollier, the first and to date only Swiss person to have travelled into space, acts as ambassador.
Space Eye gets real!
Newsletter
Keep up to date! Receive regular news and updates from the world of Space Eye.
This project focuses on the real science of the universe, earth and life on earth. Preserving life on our planet is our fundamental responsibility. This project is of national and international importance.
Professor Claude Nicollier
Swiss astronaut, project ambassador
Trusteeship
As owner of the observatory, Stiftung Sternwarte Uecht is responsible for its operation and for making it accessible to both astronomers and the general public. It ensures the development and operation of Space Eye.
Builder of the Uecht Observatory Dr.h.c. Willy Schaerer founded the Stiftung Privatsternwarte Uecht Dr.h.c. Willy Schaerer in 1982; now Stiftung Sternwarte Uecht (the Uecht Observatory Foundation), in 2022 it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The Swiss pioneer of telescopic technology and passionate astronomer has donated his observatory to the Foundation and entrusted the latter with its further operation.
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Board of Trustees
Andreas M. Blaser
President
IT and management consultant, co-owner of Blaser Meewes & Partner AGProfessor Thomas Schildknecht
Vice-President
Head of the Zimmerwald University Observatory, Vice-Director of the Astronomical Institute of the University of BernChristine Spicher
Member of the Board of Trustees
TeacherGregory Blaser
Member of the Board of Trustees
Consultant/delivery managerProfessor Kathrin Altwegg
Member of the Board of Trustees
Professor at the Physics Institute of the University of BernDr Markus Meewes
Member of the Board of Trustees
Physicist, IT and management consultant, co-owner of Blaser Meewes & Partner AGMarkus Müller
Member of the Board of Trustees
Electronics engineer, solar engineer, former helicopter pilot and international aviation expertMatthias A. Spycher
Member of the Board of Trustees
CEO of Spycher Group Holding AGProf. Silvio Decurtins
Member of the Board of Trustees
Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Bern, President of the foundation HFSJGVerena Neuenschwander
Member of the Board of Trustees
OsteopathWalter Inäbnit
Member of the Board of Trustees
Entrepreneur -
Management Board
Management Board
Michael Kropf
Space Eye Managing Director -
Advisory Board
Adolf Ogi, Alexander Pulver, Beat Giauque, Prof. Christian Leumann, Christoph Neuhaus, Christoph Schmutz, Prof. Hans Rudolf Ott, Hans-Ulrich Müller, Katharina Baumann, Matthias Aebischer, Raphael Lanz, Regula Rytz, Dr. h. c. Remo Galli, Reto Nause, Scott Kelly, Susanne Kiener, Prof. Thomas Stocker, Prof. Thomas Zurbuchen, Ueli Winzenried, Urs Gasche, Werner Luginbühl, Prof. Willy Benz
Network
Space Eye operates within a lively network of partners from the worlds of science, business, education and art.
Its proximity to the University of Bern in particular has helped Space Eye to build up an exceptionally wide national and international network. It also cooperates with numerous leading museums and exhibition venues in Switzerland and beyond. In this capacity, Space Eye takes on a central role in the collaboration on and coordination of national research and mediation activities.
Rich research history
Space and Switzerland are a success story. Space Eye strengthens Switzerland as a hub of research and innovation and carries on a long tradition. Over 50 years ago astronaut Buzz Aldrin unfurled the University of Bern’s solar sail on the moon. Since then, Switzerland has contributed to countless achievements and technologies in space. Take the latest expeditions to Mars, for instance. Switzerland has also been a leader in climate protection research for a decade now. Furthermore, as a centre of education Space Eye makes a major contribution to the science and research accomplishments of tomorrow by awakening enthusiasm in children and young adults for the MINT subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology).
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Unique network with cooperation partners
Astronomisches Institut Universität Bern, Swiss Optical Ground Station and Geodynamics Observatory Zimmerwald, Center for Space and Habitability Universität Bern, Oeschger-Zentrum für Klimaforschung, Universität Bern Institut für Geologie, EPFL Lausanne Space Center, EPFL Space4Impact, Universität Zürich, Space Hub, Universität Zürich Remote Sensing, ETH Zürich MINT & PEPPER, ETH Zürich FocusTerra, Universität Genf Astronomie (und Observatoire de Genève), Physiscope Universität Genf, Universität Basel, Philosophisch-Naturw. Fakultät, SCNAT Akademien der Wissenschaften Schweiz, ESA BIC, ESO Supernova München, ARS Electronica Center Linz, Hochschule Luzern HSLU, FHNW Fachhochschule Windisch Nordwestschweiz, Albert Einstein Gesellschaft Bern, Verkehrshaus Luzern, Naturhistorisches Museum Bern, Bern Tourismus, Sonnenobservatorium Uecht, Naturpark Gantrisch, Sternenpark Gantrisch, PlanetS, Swiss Space Museum, Pädagogische Hochschule Bern, Gymnasium Lerbermatt, Stiftung HFSJG
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Silver partners
Ursula Wirz Stiftung, LGT Bank, Kulturförderungsfonds Kt. Bern, Emch Aufzüge AG, Stadt Bern, Bouygues E&S InTec Schweiz AG, OBT Treuhand AG, Burgergemeinde Bern, Bonny Stiftung für die Freiheit, MPS Micro Precision Systems AG, Gesellschaft zum Mittellöwen, Mapei SA, Bernapark AG, Gesellschaft zu Zimmerleuten, Element AG
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Further partners
DC Bank, Baumann Elektro AG, Lanowa AG, Gemeinden Regionalkonferenz Bern-Mittelland, Fontes Stiftung, Fondation Johanna Dürmüller-Bol, UBS Switzerland AG, Credit Suisse Bern, Valiant Bank AG, Stähli Gartengestaltung GmbH, Bern Tourismus, Optega GmbH, B + S AG, Diverse Firmen und Private, Mitglieder des Uecht Sternen Club
Supporters
Joinus!
Why not also support the visionary Space Eye project, which opens up a fascinating world with fantastic opportunities to both scientists and visitors? Together we can create something that’s extraordinary, sustainable and absolutely breathtaking.
Sponsors
Become a sponsor and partner of Space Eye and benefit from an infrastructure that not only allows you to explore outer space but also provides unlimited opportunities for all kinds of events, spectacular exhibitions and special functions for customers.
Donors
Become a donor if you wish to support the development and activities of Stiftung Sternwarte Uecht as a private individual or with your company.

Space Eye
Star Club
Join the Star Club by reserving the star or star sign of your choice for yourself or a loved one. As a member of the Star Club, you enjoy exclusive benefits.
History
As owner of the observatory, Stiftung Sternwarte Uecht is responsible for its operation and for making it accessible to both astronomers and the general public. It ensures the development and operation of Space Eye.
Builder of the Uecht Observatory Dr.h.c. Willy Schaerer founded Stiftung Privatsternwarte Uecht Dr.h.c. Willy Schaerer in 1982; now Stiftung Sternwarte Uecht (the Uecht Observatory Foundation), in 2022 it celebrates its 40th anniversary. The Swiss pioneer of telescopic technology and passionate astronomer has donated his observatory to the Foundation and entrusted the latter with its further operation.