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, the Key Bridge 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 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 was 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.
Visitors to the Patterson Park Observatory, not long after its opening in 1892.
Completed in the spring of 2002, the Observatory now stands as an iconic structure for Patterson Park and Baltimore City and signifies the renaissance of the communities around Patterson Park. It is also the location of many programs and events, such as the Friends of Patterson Park Summer Concert Series and our holiday Winter Lights at the Observatory, Audubon’s family programs, Tour Dem Parks water stop, one of the sites of AVAM’s Kinetic Sculpture Race obstacles, and much, much more!
The Observatory is operated, maintained 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.