Author: Sarah DiGiulio & Manasa Reddy

The Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum in Chicago is an established center for amateur star-gazers and researchers alike, boasting three spectacular theaters along with one of the largest collections of historic telescopes and sky-mapping tools. The Adler Planetarium was granted National Landmark status in 1987.

History of the Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium first opened its doors in 1930, Chicago businessman Max Adler heard about an optical device being developed in Europe that could project the night sky in a hemisphere-shaped-room. Fascinated with this concept of the modern planetarium, he commissioned one to be built in Chicago. "Under the heavens everything is interrelated," Adler said at the museum's dedication in 1930. The planetarium has seen several face-lifts, but Adler's original mission lives on today to enrich the public with the knowledge of how the universe works.

In the late 1960s the museum was refurbished and the original planetarium was replaced. The Doane Observatory was added in 1977--it houses Chicago's biggest public telescope. And 1999 saw the addition of the Sky Pavilion, which includes the new Definiti Space Theater, two terraces for star-gazing beside the Chicago skyline, and Galileo's Cafe.

Exhibits at The Adler Planetarium

From ancient artifacts to interactive galleries, the Adler opens the door into times and galaxies beyond our present reach. Here are some of the ways you can explore the universe at the planetarium.

Through the Past

In "Bringing the Heavens to Earth," you can learn how cultures from all over the world have used the sky in their daily lives and in rituals, from burying pharaohs to planting crops. "The Universe in Your Hands" goes back to the earth-centric (read: medieval) Europe and Middle East. Here, you'll find devices you've probably only read about: armillary spheres, astrolabes, and other navigational and surveying instruments.

The Pritzker Cosmology Gallery shows how astronomers have charted the stars, from Copernicus in the early 1500s to modern NASA scientists. The Atwood Sphere lets visitors see the stars like they would have in 1913--take a trip inside the hollow metal ball, with tiny holes that pinpoint the locations of the stars.

Visit "Shoot for the Moon" to see Jim Lovell's restored Gemini 12 spacecraft. The exhibit tells the story of space exploration from man's first steps on the moon to what astronomers are planning today.

Into the Future

Supported by NASA, CyberSpace is "the future of museum going experiences." The interactive exhibit gives you a look at the universe that you'd never be able to get with any ordinary telescope. Get updates on current astronomy in the CyberClassroomor participate in interactive video conferences in the CyberStudio.

Go behind the scenes of the Space Visualization Lab (SVL) to talk to scientists, see what they're working on right now, and tell them what you think! Keep in mind that the SVL is only open from 2:00-3:00 pm on weekdays.

To see all the exhibits currently on show at the planetarium, click here.

Adler Planetarium Theaters

Travel the ages and the universe at a movie in any of the Adler's three hemisphere-shaped planetarium theaters.

The Definiti Space Theater

The Definiti Space Theater uses new digital technology to display the huge phenomena that happen beyond our solar system.

Galaxies collide in the newest show, "Cosmic Collisions." See how the Interstellar Boundary Explorer is mapping the outskirts of the solar system in "IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System."

The Sky Theater

The museum's other theater, the Sky Theater, uses the traditional method of projection to display the stars with tiny points of light. "Skywatchers of Africa" shows how different cultures of Africa have used the sky over the ages to guide their societies in their daily lives, from their agriculture to religion.

The Universe Theater

Great for families and anyone else who loves sporting neon-colored 3-D glasses, "Fly Me to the Moon" follows three flies that hitch a ride on Apollo 11 and walk on the moon. The 3-D show begins with a slideshow of the most recent 3-D images of Mars and the sun.

Be sure to check out the Adler Planetarium website for the full listing of shows and show times to fit in as many out-of-this-world missions as possible. Most shows run three to four times each day.

Events at the Adler

If it fits the schedule, plan to visit the Adler on Far Out Friday. The first Friday of the month, the museum keeps its doors open until 10 p.m. See unlimited shows and guest speakers. And this is the only time to view the sky through the lens of the Doane Telescope, Chicago's largest public telescope. Or, bring a telescope and museum volunteers on the terrace will help set them up and locate stars and constellations.

Budding astronomers will enjoy the camp programs. There are even the Astrovernight programs, where the whole family can learn what humans need to survive in space and about the next frontiers.

Adler Dining

Hungry astronomers can grab a healthy lunch at Galileo's Cafe between 11 and 3:30. Glass paneled walls offer diners a sweeping view of the skyline. The varied menu includes salads, wraps, panini, sub sandwiches and a children's menu for astonomers-in-training. The restaurant also serves breakfast sandwiches and omelets from 9 until 10.

Planning Your Visit

Museum Hours

Admission Pricing & Packages

Museum Maps

Parking & Directions

2010 Discount Days at Adler Planetarium