The Adler Planetarium

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The Adler Planetarium Located on Chicago's lake, The Adler Planetarium is the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
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The Adler Planetarium is the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere! Located on Chicago’s lakeshore, the museum typically hosts more than half a million visitors each year and reaches millions more through youth STEAM programs, neighborhood skywatching events, people-powered research, and other outreach efforts. Today, the Adler is bringing our unique approach—scientific exploration rooted in community and connection—to guests from around the world who can enjoy the digital Adler from their own homes, libraries, schools or offices.

October 20 marks the beginning of a monthlong opportunity to spot meteor showers. The Orionids are first, peaking the ni...
10/19/2026

October 20 marks the beginning of a monthlong opportunity to spot meteor showers. The Orionids are first, peaking the nights of October 21 and 22. The southern Taurids peak Nov 4-5, and the northern Taurids peak November 11-12. All three meteor showers will be active between October 20 and November 20, and bright meteor fireballs may be seen at any time. The best time to look is after midnight. Just face south and look up!

10/19/2026

How does a black hole form? 🕳️

We asked Adler astrophysicist Dr. Michael Zevin a question that takes us to the most extreme objects in the universe: how does a star collapse into a black hole?

What happens when a massive star reaches the end of its life—and how does its gravity become strong enough to trap even light?

10/15/2026

At the Adler Planetarium, you can ask our astronomers your biggest questions about space and get answers straight from the experts. 🚀

Here’s a look behind the scenes of one of those conversations, exploring spectroscopy, and how scientists use light to uncover the secrets of the universe.

10/14/2026

Join us on Oct. 19th and throughout the fall for Scopes in the City with The Adler Planetarium!

The Adler is bringing space science to neighborhoods across the city in two ways as part of a meaningful partnership with the Chicago Public Library for their One Book, One Chicago event series.

🔭 Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m.; Portage-Cragin branch
🔭 Nov. 2, 6-8 p.m.; Obama branch
🔭 Nov. 16, 6-8 p.m.; Bucktown-Wicker Park branch

Come join us!

10/13/2026

🤳🏽Screenshot this post!
The following days will be free to all Illinois residents:
✨ Oct 26-28
✨ Nov 9-10
✨ Nov 16-18
See you then!

10/10/2026

Chicago Marathon weekend is here! 🏃‍♀️

From sweaty selfies during training on the Adler's lakefront, to running 26.2 miles to cross over the finish line, we’re cheering on every runner taking on this epic feat this weekend.

Reach for the stars, Chicago! We’ll be rooting for you all the way. 💫

⭐ We’re thrilled to co-present the new documentary, Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff, at the 62nd ! The Adler's ver...
10/09/2026

⭐ We’re thrilled to co-present the new documentary, Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff, at the 62nd !

The Adler's very own Michelle Welch will be participating in the Q&A. Join us for the October 24 & 25 screenings!

10/08/2026

If World Space Week has you wondering, "What actually IS space? Is it a thing? Or is it what happens when you take all the things away?," the Adler Planetarium is here to help.

Need more mind-melting space facts in your life? 🤯 Visit the Adler and chat with our astrophysicists at Astronomy Conversations! While you're here, check out our newest original dome show, The Universe Explained (Live). 🚀

10/05/2026

Happy World Space Week! 🪐

Space scientists need YOU to help explore our universe! Visit zooniverse.org to join real research projects designed by people like Doctors Mike, Giacamo, and Cliff here, who would love your help hunting for gravitational waves, understanding clouds on Mars, and finding comets captured by the Rubin Observatory!

09/30/2026

Where's our Moon base? 🌕

We asked Adler astrophysicist Dr. Geza Gyuk a question that seems surprisingly overdue: We've already been to the Moon several times, so why don't we have a Moon base yet?

Address

1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL
60605

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 4pm - 10pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+13129227827

Website

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