Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium, founded in 1930 by businessman Max Adler, was the country's first planetarium. It stands at the far end of Northerly Island, out in Lake Michigan, in Chicago, IL, about 1.4 miles off the old road, as part of the city's Museum Campus. A National Historic Landmark, it combines space science exhibits, theaters and an observatory, and it makes a good family outing before starting Route 66.
What is Adler Planetarium?
The planetarium is a public astronomy museum run by the Chicago Park District. Its stated aim is to inspire people to explore and understand the universe. Inside are three theaters and exhibitions on space science. Highlights include the Gemini 12 capsule, which carried astronauts into orbit, along with antique scientific instruments and historic printed materials about astronomy. The Doane Observatory on site is a public observatory that is also used for research.
Outside, sculptures surround the building, including Henry Moore's Man Enters the Cosmos from 1980, John David Mooney's Spiral Galaxy from 1998 and Ary Perez and Denise Milan's America's Courtyard. They are worth a slow walk around the building before or after going in.
History of Adler Planetarium
Max Adler, a local businessman, founded the planetarium, and it opened its doors on May 12, 1930. The design by architect Ernest A. Grunsfeld Jr. won a 1931 gold medal from the Chicago chapter of the AIA, the national architects' association. The building was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Visiting Adler Planetarium: tips
The planetarium is listed as wheelchair accessible. Allow two hours or more if you plan to see a show in one of the theaters. It shares the Museum Campus with the Field Museum, about 0.5 mile away, and with the Shedd Aquarium nearby, so it is easy to fill a whole day here without moving the car. A cafe is about 0.4 mile away, handy for a break between exhibits.
Practical info
- Address
- 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
- Phone
- +1 312-922-7827
- Website
- adlerplanetarium.org
- Hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu–Sun 9–4 · Wed 4 pm–10 pm
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
Where to eat near Adler Planetarium
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On the map
Full mapAdler Planetarium with the 6 closest stops and a place to eat (fork and knife). Tap a marker for details.
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Stops near Adler Planetarium
All of Illinois
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1.3 mi from Adler Planetarium
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1.4 mi from Adler Planetarium
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Questions about Adler Planetarium
Was the Adler the first planetarium in America?
Yes. It opened on May 12, 1930, as the first planetarium in the country.
What is there to see at the Adler Planetarium?
Three theaters, space science exhibits including the Gemini 12 capsule, antique scientific instruments and the Doane Observatory, plus outdoor sculptures.
Own or run Adler Planetarium? Send us a photo or a correction.