Observatories

Warko Observatory

On the roof of Royall Hall, UMKC Volker Campus, for over 40 years.

2026 Public Schedule

The observatory is normally open to the public CLEAR Friday nights, May through October, and for special astronomical events.


Public programs are given throughout the season and may include an educational astronomy presentation and viewing through the telescopes (if skies are clear). Staff astronomers — volunteers from the ASKC — will treat visitors to some of the best views of Solar System objects in the area, including the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Some deep space objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy, Orion Nebula, and Hercules Globular Cluster are generally observed, but views depend on sky conditions. Solar viewing may be available before sunset.


The observatory is located on the roof of Royall hall and is only accessible by climbing two sets of stairs.


Please check the Warko Facebook page or follow @warkosky on X for more information and weather updates.

Opening Times

Date Range Opening Time
May 13 – May 24 8:00 PM
June 3 – Aug. 5 8:30 PM
Aug. 12 – Oct. 28 7:30 PM

During high heat index days or very high temperatures, the observatory will not open until after sundown.

About the Observatory


Located on the roof of Royall Hall, UMKC Volker Campus, the Warkoczewski ("Warko") Observatory is owned by the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) and operated by the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC).


Observing instruments include:

  • Custom-built 16″ Warkoczewski Telescope
  • Meade 10″ and 14″ LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain computerized telescopes


For solar viewing:

  • Coronado PST Solar Telescope
  • 80mm refracting telescope with Daystar "Quark" Hydrogen-Alpha filter

Etiquette


Roof space is limited. Please, no chairs, coolers, personal telescopes, or other large items.

Donations Appreciated

Thanks to UMKC, there is no charge to visit the Warko. Because ASKC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we hope you will consider making a donation at Warko or on our website to help offset costs associated with our mission of education and outreach. Thank you for your support!

Etiquette

Roof space is limited. Please, no chairs, coolers, personal telescopes, or other large items. If you are able, please shield white light or flashlights to preserve guests night vision.

Directions to Warko Observatory


The observatory is located on the roof of Royall Hall on the UMKC Volker Campus, 800 East 52nd St, Kansas City, MO. Access Royall Hall by pedestrian walkway from the parking garage (Level 3) on 52nd St. between Rockhill Rd. and Charlotte St. The stairwell to the roof is on the immediate left when entering the building from the walkway.


Address:
800 East 52nd St.

Kansas City, MO

Directions to Royall Hall on the UMKC campus

Warko Observatory