Green Bank Observatory

Green Bank Observatory is a National Science Foundation research and education facility in the National Radio Quiet Zone, home to the 100-metre Green Bank Telescope—the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Its Green Bank Science Center offers a free exhibit hall, gift shop, guided campus tours, presentations, and self-guided grounds access. For the 2026–27 school year, the Science Center is open Thursday–Monday from 09:30–17:30 and closed Tuesday–Wednesday (15 August 2026–27 May 2027); guided tours run at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 16:00 as availability allows. Current admission lists the Science Center and Exhibit Hall as free, guided bus tours at $10/person for ages 6+, presentations at $5/person for ages 6+, and children 5 and under free. Visitors must disable wireless signals in the National Radio Quiet Zone. Check hours, tour availability, closures, and accessibility before travel.