Project History

The Snow King Observatory was conceived in 2014 by astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer. Dr. Singer met Jakub Galczynski at a Silicon Couloir meeting in Jackson, WY. Sharing a mutual fascination with astronomy and a local dark sky initiative, they collaborated on a public observatory design that would serve both the Jackson community and its visitors.

Max Chapman, CEO of Snow King Mountain Resort, approached Dr. Singer to further integrate the observatory into the resort’s future Master Plan. Chapman’s personal interest and numerous decisions resulted in the success of Snow King Observatory.

The 2021 Observatory design was roughly 1,000 square feet. After the Town of Jackson approved Snow King’s Master Plan in 202, the Observatory design expanded to include a stargazing rooftop and planetarium theater. These two items where proposed by Dr. Singer to ensure visitation, during cloudy skies. By this time, Galczynski had relocated to Ketchum, ID to work at Farmer Payne Architects. After introducing the Snow King Observatory project to the firm, he transitioned to an independent role to lead the development of Construction Documents in a collaborative effort. The project represents years of dedicated research and resourceful planning.

As Design Lead, Project Manager, and Interior Designer, the Observatory became Galczynski’s career focus. Regardless the project would not have been possible without the dedication of team.

After nearly a century of work, the Snow King Observatory opened on June 1, 2024. The grand opening featured a keynote address by renowned science communicator Bill Nye, “The Science Guy.”

Image Left : May 31, 2024 – Astronomer Samuel Singer, Jakub Galczynski, and Owner Max Chapman

Image Below : 2015 Snow King Observatory Design