The History and Restoration of the 1864 Townsend Teece Telescope
16 October 2025
Time
6.00PM – 7.00PM
Venue: Exhibition Space on the 1st Floor of the Observatory Tower
Free
Hear the fascinating story of the Townend Teece Telescope - and then get an opportunity to climb the stairs and admire it after the talk!
Associate Professor Karen Pollard from the University of Canterbury will give an illustrated talk on the amazing history and restoration of the 1864 Townsend Teece Telescope which has been in the Observatory Tower at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre since 1896 and was meticulously restored post-earthquake for public stargazing.
For the past 125+ years, the people of Ōtautahi Christchurch have been able to explore the wonders of the night sky and learn about the science of astronomy through the University of Canterbury's Heritage Stargazing Friday night sessions at the Observatory Tower at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.
Free, no booking required.
This event is part of the Christchurch Heritage Festival (11 - 27 October 2025).
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