Visitors to the town of Zweibrücken in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany can be forgiven for thinking they have just been transported to a universe far far away, as they are now being greeted by the sight of a gigantic R2D2.
The observatory in Zweibrücken, Germany. Image by Hubert Zitt / Hochschule Kaiserslautern
Created by Dr Hubert Zitt of the Zweibrücken division of Hochschule Kaiserslautern – University of Applied Science, the project saw the lecturer power-hosing the perfectly-shaped building to a pristine base before applying the signature white and blue paint job that the world’s most famous droid is known for. Together with some helpful students, they transformed the campus observatory into a striking likeness of the character.
Dr Zitt at the observatory. Image by Hubert Zitt / Hochschule Kaiserslautern
Dr Zitt is also known as the inventor of a series of Star Trek and Star Wars lectures at the university. “Dr Zitt combined his passion with his job in a marvellous manner. He teaches electrotechnics and microsystem technics at our university and is responsible for the observatory. He holds famous and internationally-acknowledged lectures on the link between science and science-fiction. It is one of a kind, as this is a privately-executed pet project of his. The international reactions and media attention have been super-crazy. The highlight so far was Marc Hamill tweeting about it!” Miriam Keller, Online & Social Media for Hochschule Kaiserslautern told Lonely Planet Travel News.
Dr Zitt painted the building with the help of some students. Image by Hubert Zitt / Hochschule Kaiserslautern
Miriam also said that anyone wanting to see the building can put “Amerikastr. 1 66482 Zweibrücken, Germany” into their sat nav and it will take them to it.
The structure can be seen from the town. Image by Hubert Zitt / Hochschule Kaiserslautern
Private tours may also be available through Hochschule Kaiserslautern depending on availability.
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