Volkssterrenwacht Mira

Volkssterrenwacht Mira is Belgium's oldest public astronomical observatory, located on the grounds connected to the historic abbey in Grimbergen, just outside Brussels. The observatory was established in 1967 by the Norbertine father Godfried Pieraerts, a completely novel initiative at the time and the very first public observatory of its kind in Flanders. In recognition of his work popularising astronomy among the general public, Pieraerts received the Simon Stevin Prize in 1971, and since 2010 an asteroid has been named in his honour.

Where is the observatory located?

Mira occupies buildings historically tied to Grimbergen Abbey, at Abdijstraat 22. The original observatory was housed entirely within the abbey's walls. In 2000 the site was expanded with a spacious new wing, and in 2007 the entire exhibition area was thoroughly renovated, creating one unified, modern space filled with multimedia stations and hands-on experiments.

What can visitors see inside?

The observatory holds what is likely the most extensive collection of astronomical instruments of any Belgian observatory. The site features two fixed telescope domes, a stationary solar telescope (heliostat) used to study the Sun in detail, a planetarium, an armillary sphere that helps explain the movements of celestial bodies, an educational weather station, and a radio system used year-round to detect meteors. These are complemented by a large collection of smaller, portable instruments used during workshops and demonstrations.

How is a visit to Mira organised?

Thanks to the multimedia exhibition renovated in 2007, the observatory is well suited to independent, self-guided visits — there's no need to wait for a group tour to explore the basics of astronomy and the equipment on display. Organised groups can also book a guided tour (rondleiding) covering the full complex, including both the exhibition halls and the telescope domes.

When is it open to individual visitors?

Individual visitors can access the observatory on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons (except on public holidays). Organised groups, by prior arrangement, are welcome to visit almost any day of the week, with the exception of Sundays and public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Is this really the oldest public observatory in Belgium? Yes, Mira was founded in 1967 as the first volkssterrenwacht (public observatory) in Flanders and remains the country's oldest institution of this kind.

Can the observatory be visited without joining a group? Yes, the self-guided, multimedia-based exhibition redesigned in 2007 makes independent visits possible on the designated opening days.

What astronomical equipment is on display? Two telescope domes, a fixed solar telescope, a planetarium, an armillary sphere, a weather station, a meteor-detecting radio system, and numerous portable instruments.

Where exactly is Mira located? At Abdijstraat 22 in Grimbergen, right next to the town's historic abbey, a short distance from Brussels.