Zweibrücken R2-D2

The world is full of incredible observatories. But though most of those focus on the stars, it’s rare to find one that pays homage to the resident of a galaxy far, far away. A university in Germany transformed its hilltop observatory into the charming likeness of R2-D2. The blue and white building looks like an oversized replica of the beloved Star Wars droid.

The project that transformed the building into this pop culture homage was led by Dr. Hubert Zitt, an immense fan of the Star Wars franchise who even gives lectures on the films. He and his students painted the observatory and turned it into the quirky attraction it is today.

The building itself is a small public observatory that holds a 14-inch reflector with a myriad of filters and attachments. The place, though part of the university, is not used for science and is instead used for public showings.