The range in wavelength and time-resolution of current instrumentation for carrying out astrophysical studies has increased dramatically over the last five decades. Here I will give a brief historical review of time-domain astronomy, followed by a summary of the facilities available now from X-ray to near-IR wavelengths. I will then give a glimpse of various remarkable technologies under development for the next generation of ground and space-based observatories which will take such studies to unprecedented levels.