Old Naval Observatory

Old Naval Observatory, Washington (Historic sites) — Fig. 01Old Naval Observatory© Unknown author Unknown author · Public domain

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About Old Naval Observatory

The Old Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., is a historic building that served as the U.S. Navy's observatory from 1844 to 1893. Under the direction of Matthew Fontaine Maury, the site became an internationally renowned center for oceanographic research. After the observatory closed, the building housed a hygiene museum and later a hospital, and until 2012 it served as the administrative headquarters of the Navy surgeon general. Today it is owned by the State Department and at times has also served as housing for secretaries of defense. Although the building is a National Historic Landmark and therefore protected cultural heritage, it is generally not open to the public.

Based on the article “Old Naval Observatory” from the German Wikipedia, summarized and rephrased by a language modelLicense CC BY-SA 4.0

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At a glance

Category: Sight › Historic sites
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Address: Massachusetts Ave
20037 Washington, USA
District: Ward 2
Phone: +12026521507
Website: en.wikipedia.org
Email: —
Coordinates: 38.89505° N · -77.05169° E
Data quality: confidence 0.63
Identifier: ID 11069a1c-c02…

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Location & surroundings

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Radius

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FAQ about Old Naval Observatory

quick answers

What is the Old Naval Observatory in Washington?

The Old Naval Observatory is a historic building in Washington, D.C., that served as the U.S. Navy's observatory from 1844 to 1893. Under the direction of Matthew Fontaine Maury, the site developed into an internationally renowned research center for oceanography. Today the building is a protected cultural landmark designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Can you visit the Old Naval Observatory in Washington?

No, the Old Naval Observatory in Washington is generally not open to the public. The building now belongs to the U.S. State Department. You'll find it on Massachusetts Ave in Ward 2.

How was the Old Naval Observatory used after its time as an observatory?

After the observatory closed in 1893, the Old Naval Observatory in Washington first housed a hygiene museum and later a hospital. Until 2012, it served as the administrative headquarters of the Surgeon General of the Navy. It now belongs to the State Department and has at times also been used as housing for secretaries of defense.

What can you see around the Old Naval Observatory in Washington?

Around the Old Naval Observatory in Washington, you'll find several monuments, historic sites, and museums. travelguide195 lists, among others, Braddock's Rock about 257 meters away, the Bernardo de Gálvez Memorial Park about 293 meters away, and The Diplomatic Reception Rooms about 397 meters away. A bit farther, each about 415 meters away, are the Albert Einstein Memorial, the National Desert Storm War Memorial, and the National Museum of American Diplomacy.

Are there restaurants near the Old Naval Observatory in Washington?

Yes, there are several restaurants near the Old Naval Observatory in Washington. travelguide195 lists about 11 restaurants within 500 meters of the building on Massachusetts Ave.

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