The Adler Planetarium

At the Adler Planetarium, the stars always shine brightly

If this world has got you down, head over to The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum where the stars are always glistening and the planets are aligned in your favor.

Founded in 1930 by local businessman Max Adler, The Adler was the nation’s first planetarium. Perfectly situated on Lake Michigan, it afforded a vast and open sky by which to study the heavens by telescope.

Then as now, it strives to be a leader in science education, hoping to inspire young people to seek careers in the field.

Once inside the planetarium, it is easy to become lost in space. There are three theaters within the museum, Difiniti, Universe, and the historic Sky Theater, featuring an exact representation of the celestial night projected onto a large dome.

The theaters offer a host of ever-changing shows on everything from cosmic collisions to spectacular 3-D presentations. Among the Adler’s permanent exhibits are Bringing The Heavens To Earth, a study on how cultures have over time incorporated astronomy into their lives be it for planting or navigation.

There’s also the highly acclaimed Cyber Space Interactive exhibit, hailed by NASA as a great learning tool. From The Night Sky To The Big Bang studies the changing views about cosmology.

The Doane Observatory located at the Adler is open to the public for night sky viewing. While you are there, remember to pull your head out of the clouds to look at the breathtaking view of the city skyline as well as Lake Michigan from within the Adler.

One of the best panorama’s can be seen from the Galileo Cafe. Before taking off, visit The Infinity Shop, which boasts “out of this world” souvenirs such as planet paperweights, telescopes, historical instruments, books, posters and sundials.