Berlin Observatory
The construction of the new Berlin Observatory proceeded from a cabinet order of 10 November 1830 according to the design of Schinkel. An approximately one hectare plot was acquired at a price of 15,000 Thalers in the present-day area of Berlin-Kreuzberg. The foundation stone was laid on 22 October 1832 and the observatory was ready by 1835, on the area currently bounded by the streets ″Friedrichstraße″, ″Besselstraße″ and ″Lindenstraße″. The southern end of the ″Charlottenstraße″ was later named ″Enckeplatz″ in honor of the director at that time and the observatory acquired the address of Enckeplatz 3 A (now: ″Enckestraße 11″).
Urania (Berlin)
Urania is a scientific society founded in Berlin in 1888, following an idea of Alexander von Humboldt, by and Wilhelm Foerster. Its aim is to communicate the most recent scientific findings to the broad public. With its 2000 members, Urania organizes more than 1000 events per year which attract about 130 000 visitors. Since its centenary in 1988, the society has awarded the "Urania Medaille" annually to individuals who have supported significantly the implementation of its aims. Recipients are Nobel laureates in natural science as well as social scientists, artists, and politicians.