Observatory History

The Jackson WY Observatory was envisioned by Astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer in 2014. Dr. Singer met Jakub Galczynski in 2015 and the two would design a conceptual observatory that would be pitched to various hospitality groups. Max Chapman approached Sam to develop an observatory for Brooks Lake Lodge. Due to site-specific complications, the project was abandoned. As CEO of Snow King Mountain, Max’s focus turned to the summit of the mountain and its Master Plan.

The team would spend years researching and promoting the Snow King Observatory through the non-profit Wyoming Stargazing. In 2021, the Town of Jackson approved Snow King’s Master Plan, including the Snow King Observatory. The first step was to replace a historic chairlift with a new summit gondola. At the time of approval, Jakub Galczynski had been working for Farmer Payne Architects. Jakub soon left the Architectural Team to develop the Snow King Observatory in partnership with the prior team. Jakub’s role and responsibilities are as follows: Design Lead, Construction Documents, and Project Manager. After the Building Permit, Jakub Galczynski would cover all aspects of the Interior Design of Snow King Observatory. After a near century-long endeavor, Snow King Observatory publicly opened on June 1st, 2024. The event included attendance and a speech by renowned Science Communicator Bill Nye ‘Science Guy’. Image : Samuel Singer (Left), Jakub Galczynski, Max Chapman (Right) at Team Celebration on May 31, 2024