During the public showings at the 7 " Zeiss refractor telescope several objects are shown (depending on their actual visability): Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, the moon, open star clusters, globular star clusters, interstellar nebulae, planetary nebulae, double stars and galaxies. In special showings it is possible to observe the sun.

Two further instruments (7 " Starfire refractor and 16 " Newton reflector) can be used for the public presentation on the observation terrace. Furthermore the star constellations will be explained there. If possible, the International Space Station ISS and Iridium flares are shown.

The Stuttgart Observatory is operated by the registered association "Schwäbische Sternwarte e.V.". The association was founded in 1919, public tours at the observatory's telescopes have been made continuously since 1920. The observatory's staff are members of the association and do their work voluntarily.