Ward Observatory

The Observatory was designed by A. Atkins to Joseph Ward's specifications, cost £290 to build, and was formally opened by Premier Richard Seddon on 25 May 1903.

[1] In the Astronomical Society's heyday before and during World War I, Joseph Ward was Honorary Director of the Observatory and Charles Whitmore Babbage, grandson of Charles Babbage[3] the President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

[1] In 1926 the observatory was gifted by the Astronomical Society to the Wanganui City Council, debt free.

[4] Located in Cooks Gardens, access to the observatory is from St Hill Street.

Public viewing is on Friday evenings after dark, or by arrangement with the Astronomical Society.