Johnny Burke referenced it in song.
Thousands have tromped up its stairs to get a closer look at the heavens.
And earlier this summer, campus travelers swore at it for forcing another detour.
For its age and history, the Washburn Observatory atop Observatory Drive remains a lively part of Madisonâ??s cityscape. Within just a few weeks, Old Washburn, as it has been fondly called, will be reopened after a two-year renovation and restoration.