Round Tower time capsule sealed for 100 years

The Round Tower in Copenhagen installed a time capsule on Thursday, containing greetings from Danes and items from 2026, to remain sealed until 2126, Danish broadcaster DR reported.

The capsule was placed at the base of the tower’s 100-year-old telescope, which is set to return after restoration later this summer. The metal capsule is bolted shut and carries a plate stating it must not be opened before 2126.

Greetings were collected through the tower’s website or on small pieces of paper submitted in person. Christina Toldbo, head of the Round Tower’s observatory, said the aim was to send messages to people a century from now, adding that the team had wished for such messages from 1929 during the restoration.

Thursday also saw the restored copper dome hoisted back into place. Director Jeanette Bursche said the restoration took two years after rot in the woodwork and rust in the copper were discovered. The work was carried out at a workshop visible to the public near the tower’s base.

The dome was originally installed on the same date in 1929. The tower, built as an observatory in 1637 by King Christian IV, now serves as a public observatory.