The BioStation CT, an integrated, self-contained cell culture observation device and monitoring system, allows users with minimal microscopy experience to conduct live cell imaging locally or by remote operation over a public or private network. The system facilitates management, observation and recording of cell growth, morphology, and protein expression in culture by providing consistent environmental control of temperature, humidity and gas concentration. A number of researchers can perform multiple experiments with the same instrument within the same period. System design eliminates thermal and mechanical drift, ensuring stable environmental controls and drift-free focusing. The product supports multi-dimensional setup for X, Y, time, phase contrast imaging and multi-channel fluorescence on multiple vessels or dish observations.