First-ever public observatory at a U.S. ski resort earns global acclaim for educational architecture and accessibility

The Snow King Observatory, designed by Farmer Payne Architects and GALCZYNSKI, has won the Popular Choice Award in the "Architecture + Learning" category at the 2025 Architizer A+Awards, the world’s largest architecture and design award program.

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Perched 7,808 feet above sea level on Snow King Mountain in Jackson, Wyoming, this 4,400-square-foot facility is the first public and ADA-accessible observatory in North America located atop a ski resort. It features a one-meter telescope and is designed to balance scientific purpose, architectural elegance, and accessibility. Jakub Galczynski, Principal of GALCZYNSKI, shared,"The observatory’s concept was born even before a client existed. As designers, we must sometimes create our own opportunities by envisioning ideas that are less explored."

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Planetarium
Photo credit: Cody Brown

Planewave CDK1000 telescope
Photo credit: Cody Brown

Key design features include:

• A Planewave CDK1000 telescope on a 20-foot isolated concrete pier
• A 35-seat planetarium with an 8-meter dome by SPITZ
• A 40-seat auditorium and rooftop deck for portable telescope use
• A low-profile design that preserves Teton Range views
• Dark-sky lighting strategies and a white membrane roof to minimize heat and visual pollution
• High-performance wall assemblies to reduce energy use and sound emissions

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Photo credit: Cody Brown

Accessible year-round by gondola or a 1,600-foot trail, the observatory opened in June 2024 with a keynote by Bill Nye, "The Science Guy." Since then, it has hosted daily educational events, public star talks, and scientific research, including satellite photometry and multi-filter galaxy imaging. The location is within the world’s first designated International Dark Sky Community, ideal for stargazing due to its altitude, dry climate, and low light pollution. The project was made possible thanks to the leadership and support of Max C. Chapman Jr., whose dedication to public science access helped bring the concept to life.

About the Architizer A+Awards

Now in its 13th edition, the Architizer A+Awards is the largest global award program for architecture, with a reach of over 400 million people. Jurors include prominent architects such as Kongjian Yu, Evelyn Lee, and James Corner, along with influential figures like Hans Ulrich Obrist. Public voting took place from May 5 to 16, 2025.

About Farmer Payne Architects

Farmer Payne Architects is an award-winning residential architecture firm with studios in Jackson Hole (WY), Sun Valley (ID), and Shreveport (LA). The firm specializes in context-sensitive custom homes, luxury residences, commercial architecture, and interior design.

About GALCZYNSKI

GALCZYNSKI is a research-driven design practice led by Jakub Galczynski, committed to creating architecture rooted in rugged landscapes, history, and local character.