The John Hevelius Observatory was one of the most recognisable elements of the old buildings on Korzenna Street in Gdansk. It was built on the roofs of three of the astronomer’s houses and for many years attracted the attention of scientists and monarchs. The buildings were severely damaged during the Second World War and were completely removed in the 1950s. Discussions about their possible reconstruction have been around for a long time, but no decision has yet been made.
Life and achievements of Johannes Hevelius
John Hevelius was born in 1611 in Gdansk in a family of brewers. He was educated in the city gymnasium and during his travels around Europe. After his return he ran a brewery and was active in the city government. He devoted the greatest part of his life to astronomy. He became famous for his maps of the Moon, his catalogue of stars and the introduction of new constellations. He constructed his own instruments and long telescopes. He maintained contacts with scholars from many countries, so that his work played a significant role in the development of 17th century astronomy.
Hevelius’ observatory in Gdansk
Jan Hevelius gained the means to create a private astronomical laboratory through brewing. He erected terraces with measuring instruments and telescopes of impressive size on the roofs of three tenements on Korzenna Street. In time, he expanded it with additional pavilions and a tall tower supporting the largest telescope. The observatory operated for many years and gained a considerable reputation among European scientists. In 1679, as a result of a fire, research work ceased, but after reconstruction Hevelius returned to observing. After his death, the equipment disappeared over time. Subsequently, a number of houses underwent further reconstructions and by the end of the 18th century the last elements of the former laboratory were dismantled.
Tenements on Korzenna Street
The astronomer’s tenements were severely damaged during the Second World War. Only the ground floor and one wall with the date 1647 survived. In the first years after the war, the ruins were recognised as an object of great historical value and protected with a conservation plaque. Nevertheless, at the end of the 1950s, the concept of a new, contemporary development of the Old Town prevailed and the remains of the former houses were gradually removed. In 1953, the ruins were completely demolished. This decision aroused opposition from part of the scientific community. There were sharp comments in the press at the time about the treatment of the heritage. There were calls to identify those responsible for removing the last fragments of the historic tenements. The discussion was short-lived, as a period of greater media scrutiny soon returned and the topic disappeared from public debate.
Disputes over the reconstruction of Hevelius’ observatory
As late as the 1950s, attempts were made to introduce the reconstruction of the Hevelius houses into the urban plans of rebuilt Gdansk. It was proposed to move them a little closer to the Radunia River and to reconstruct the observation terrace according to its original orientation. It was pointed out that the empty area near the Old Town Hall still offered a chance for such a project. However, the idea did not gain sufficient support either among officials or decision-makers responsible for rebuilding the city. The development plan from the 1990s still provides for the possibility of introducing service buildings in the area, but does not impose a form referring to the historic houses. The reconstruction of the houses with the Hevelius Observatory remains an open question.
The memory of Johan Hevelius
Numerous events have been organised in Gdansk to commemorate the anniversaries of Hevelius. On the 300th anniversary of his death there were scientific conferences and occasional exhibitions. On the corner of Korzenna and Hevelius streets a plaque was placed reminding of the former houses and observatory. However, there is a lack of initiatives to restore their material form. There are different theories as to where exactly the astronomer’s laboratory was located. Some people link it to other buildings in the Main Town. The history of the tenements at Korzenna Street is definitely a painful part of Gdansk’s lost heritage, wherever the famous Hevelius observatory was located. Today, blocks of flats stand in their place.
Source: gdansk.pl
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