Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum in Chicago, Illinois was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and is the oldest in existence today. The Adler was founded and built in 1930 by the philanthropist Max Adler, with the assistance of the first director of the planetarium, Philip Fox. Located on Northerly Island, it is a part of Chicago's Museum Campus along with the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

Theater

The Adler has three full-size theaters. Since the museum's opening in 1930, visitors view representations of the night sky in the historic Sky Theater planetarium, the outer protective dome of which is visible from the exterior of the building. The Zeiss Planetarium projector is capable of accurately reproducing the movement of every aspect of the night sky. In 1999, the Adler expanded its exhibition space, including the addition of the definitiTM Theater, a completely digital fulldome video environment powered by DigitalSky 2 software. Outside the Planetarium are several sculptures, one by Henry Moore is a sundial sculpture named Man Enters the Cosmos, while the second is a Neoclassical sculpture of astronomer Nicholas Copernicus, a replica of a famous 19th century work in front of Warsaw's Staszic Palace by Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

Replacement projector and the 2008 Presidential election

In the second presidential debate of 2008, John McCain was critical of Obama's support for a $3 million earmark which would have bought a new projector for the planetarium. The current Zeiss Mark VI projector is 40 years old and no longer supported by its manufacturer, Carl Zeiss AG. The Adler has asked six area U.S. representatives and both Illinois senators for assistance in obtaining federal funding for various projects. Both Republicans and Democrats were enlisted for assistance. The replacement projector earmark was not approved.

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Chicagoist
23 April 2015
The Adler is every nerd-at-heart's paradise. See a show in the Sky Theater, a massive domed viewing screen where you look up and feel a rush as you travel through the stars.
Paul Alfred
29 April 2014
If you are a fan of astronomy - this is a great place to visit. Lots of great multi-media presentations and use of Tablet and touchscreen technology. Just wish for more complex themes like Blackholes.
Maike Plotnik
16 April 2016
Must-visit in chi town !!! Sth really geeky is explained in a straight and cool way so everybody loves our suns and planets afterwards! It was great ! Staff is more than friendly !
Kevin M. McNally, CMP
5 February 2019
Look up to the sky and stars! Since it opened in 1930, visitors can enjoy sky shows or be your own astronaut. Space is the final frontier for your learning and imagination. And the Moon is inspiring.
Moustafa Almaliki
20 March 2018
One of the tips I will share is to get a city pass and see the museums, skydeck, and this cool planetarium. It’s cheaper this way and you get to see all the attractions Chicago is famous for.
Social News Network
27 November 2012
The road leading up to the planetarium has an excellent view of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan; it is excellent for family pictures and very well-lit during the day. Perfect weather in the summer!
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1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605, USA Get directions
Mon-Fri 9:30 AM–4:00 PM
Sat-Sun 9:30 AM–4:30 PM

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