Adler Planetarium

Welcome to the Adler Planetarium, a Chicago attraction that is, quite literally, out of this world. Situated at the extreme northeastern tip of Northerly Island, this historic institution is deeply woven into the cultural fabric…

Before we step inside, we must pause to appreciate the extraordinary architecture of the building itself. The structure was designed by Ernest Grunsfeld Jr., the cousin of founder Max Adler. …

Entering the historical sections of the museum, we encounter a remarkable artifact of early 20th-century astronomical education: the Atwood Sphere. Long before digital projectors and immersive dome theaters existed, this…

Stepping outside the main structure toward the lakefront, we arrive at the Doane Observatory. While the theaters inside simulate the cosmos, the Doane Observatory provides a direct, unfiltered visual connection to the universe. …

Moving back inside, we enter the 'Mission Moon' exhibit, a thrilling, deeply personal look at America's intense space race. Rather than just presenting a dry timeline of rocketry, the Adler has wisely chosen to anchor this…

One of the most engaging and frequently updated exhibits at the Adler directly addresses a question that has sparked intense public debate: What exactly is a planet? This exhibit was born out of the frequent, and often…

Our final stop inside the planetarium is the Space Visualization Lab, affectionately known as the SVL. This space perfectly embodies the Adler's philosophy that the museum is not just a repository of the past, but a working…

As we conclude our astronomical journey and step back outside, walk to the northern edge of the planetarium's plaza. Here, you are rewarded with what is universally acknowledged as one of the most unmatched, spectacular views of…