Vision and History

History

In 1951, Willy Schaerer, a manufacturer and engineer from Bern, established a private astronomical observatory on the Uecht. The chosen location, at just under 1,000 meters above sea level, remains ideal to this day—far removed from winter fog and the light pollution of urban centers. Over the past 50 years, the station has evolved into a highly regarded observatory. It served as a valuable complement to the University of Bern’s Zimmerwald Research Observatory. This pioneering achievement in Swiss research and innovation now continues at Space Eye, offering new generations of scholars unique access to the night sky.

Vision

Space Eye presents cutting-edge science in an entertaining, sensory, and people-centered way. The Space Eye is a window into the universe that invites visitors to observe, marvel, and reflect. Here, knowledge about astronomy is shared; here, stories about space, our world, and the environment are told; and here, research comes to life.

As a visitor and education center, Space Eye coordinates various outreach activities and is highly effective in promoting STEM careers, sustainability, digitalization, and innovative companies.

As a unique center for astronomical observation and space research, we are setting new standards in the dissemination of knowledge and the experience of learning.