Patterson Park Observatory
The Observatory was built in 1891-1892. Designed by Charles H. Latrobe (1834 - 1902) and built by local contractor Cornelius Sheehan, the tower took six months to complete. Its design accents reflect the Gilded Age interest in Asian architecture, and for that reason, it became known colloquially as the “pagoda”, though it is not a true pagoda. Built of iron, glass and wood and standing 60 feet tall on Hampstead Hill (which was a key battlement during the Battle for Baltimore in 1814), the high promontory allows a breathtaking 360 degree view. From the top of the tower one can view downtown, Baltimore’s many neighborhoods, the Patapsco River, and Fort McHenry.
Original Drawing of the Patterson Park Observatory, signed by Charles H. Latrobe.
Over time and due to natural decay, vandalism, and lack of maintenance funds, the Observatory was closed to the public in 1951 for the first in a series of partial renovations. By the 1990’s, the building was once again in serious disrepair. Demolition was proposed as an option, but with the support of the community and city officials, the creation of the 1998 Master Plan for Patterson Park called for the complete restoration of the Observatory. This project - guided by the then newly-formed Friends of Patterson Park in partnership with Baltimore City’s Department of Recreation and Parks and MANY neighborhood volunteers - was completed in 2002.
Visitors to the Patterson Park Observatory, not long after its opening in 1892.
Since then, the Observatory has stood as an iconic structure for Patterson Park and Baltimore City, and it continues to signify the renaissance of the communities around Patterson Park that began around that time. It is the location of many programs and events, such as the Friends of Patterson Park Summer Concert Series, Día del Niño and our holiday Winter Lights at the Observatory, school groups and wellness programs such as Yoga and Mindfulness, one of the sites of AVAM’s Kinetic Sculpture Race obstacles, and much, much more!
After nearly 25 years, the Observatory is once again in need of restoration, in particular to address potential structural issues which had not arisen in the 2002 project. The Friends of Patterson Park is once again stepping up to restore this icon for the community and the city at large. Stay tuned for more information on how to support this effort in the coming months!
The Observatory is maintained in partnership with BCRP, and is operated and staffed by the Friends of Patterson Park and its volunteer Docents. If you enjoy this resource and would like to support our efforts to keep it open to the public, please consider becoming a member of the Friends of Patterson Park.