This needed 7 years, because there were only some 70 days available for construction work each year ; in 1888, there were only 52. The year 1889 was inscribed on the pediment and should have seen the work finished, but in fact only 75 days work were possible. In 1890 there were 83. The contractor responsible for undertaking the work was completely ruined, and ended up working as an ordinary labourer in 1893. The observatory was inaugurated 18th August 1894.