Adler Planetarium facts for kids
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The Adler Planetarium
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The planetarium in 2022
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 Location in Central Chicago
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| Location | 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois, United States |
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| Built | 1930 |
| Architect | Ernest Grunsfeld Jr. |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000819 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1987 |
| Designated NHL | February 27, 1987 |
The Adler Planetarium is a cool public museum in Chicago, Illinois. It's all about astronomy (the study of space) and astrophysics (the physics of space). A businessman named Max Adler started it in 1930.
It sits on Northerly Island right by Lake Michigan. Guess what? It was the very first planetarium in the United States! It's part of Chicago's Museum Campus, along with the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. The Adler wants to help everyone explore and understand the universe.
The planetarium opened its doors on May 12, 1930. Its architect, Ernest A. Grunsfeld Jr., designed it. In 1987, it was named a National Historic Landmark.
The Adler has three theaters and cool space exhibits. You can even see the Gemini 12 space capsule there! It also has a collection of old science tools and books. Plus, the Adler Planetarium has the Doane Observatory, where people can look at the stars.
Outside the planetarium, you'll find amazing sculptures. These include Man Enters the Cosmos by Henry Moore and Spiral Galaxy by John David Mooney.
Contents
How the Adler Planetarium Started
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The Idea for a Planetarium
In 1913, a man named Oskar von Miller wanted a machine that could project stars onto a dome. Walther Bauersfeld created this amazing invention in 1923. It became known as a planetarium. Soon, planetariums became very popular in Europe.
Max Adler was a retired businessman from Chicago, Illinois. He heard about a planetarium in Munich, Germany. He thought a planetarium would be perfect for Chicago's growing Museum Campus.
Adler visited the Munich planetarium with his cousin, Ernest Grunsfeld Jr. He asked Grunsfeld to design the Chicago building. Adler also bought a collection of old astronomy tools and antiques. This collection became the start of the Adler's museum items. In 1928, Max Adler gave $500,000 to build the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
The planetarium was first planned to be part of the Museum of Science and Industry. But there were delays with that project. So, Adler looked for another spot.
The city had just finished building Northerly Island on Lake Michigan. This island was part of a big plan for Chicago. The Adler Planetarium and Astronomical Museum opened on Max Adler's birthday, May 12, 1930.
Important Dates
- 1923 – The modern planetarium is born! Walther Bauersfeld designs a machine that shows the night sky.
- 1928 – Max Adler decides to build the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
- 1930 – Max Adler buys a collection of old science tools. The Adler Planetarium opens on May 12. Phillip Fox becomes the first director.
- 1933 – The Century of Progress Exposition (a big fair) happens near the planetarium.
- 1952 – Max Adler passes away.
- 1967 – The Adler Planetarium gets a new, better projector.
- 1973 – A new underground part of the museum opens.
- 1977 – The Doane Observatory opens for public viewing.
- 1999 – The Sky Pavilion opens. This new part has more exhibit galleries and a new theater.
- 2010 – The historic Sky Theater gets a big upgrade. It becomes the Grainger Sky Theater.
- 2013 – Michelle B. Larson, Ph.D., becomes the Adler's first female president.
- 2015 – The Doane Observatory gets a major upgrade.
Exploring Space and Science
The Adler Planetarium has teams that study space and the history of astronomy. They share their research with scientists and the public.
Adler astronomers are experts in many areas. They study things like planetary geology (how planets are made), star formation (how stars are born), and gamma-rays.
The museum also takes care of its amazing collections. Since it opened, the collection has grown to about 8,000 objects. These include old tools, books, and photos. The Adler has the largest collection of historic scientific instruments in the Western Hemisphere.
The Space Visualization Laboratory (SVL) opened in 2007. It helps people explore the universe using cool computer tools.
The Adler is also home to The Zooniverse. This is a project where people from all over the world can help scientists. Over a million online volunteers have helped discover planets and map Mars!
Far Horizons is the Adler's high-altitude balloon program. People can design and launch experiments high into the sky. This program lets students and the community get involved in real science and engineering.
Doane Observatory
The Doane Observatory opened in 1977. It has the largest telescope available to the public in Chicago. Its 20-inch mirror can gather over 5,000 times more light than your eye! This lets you see amazing things like the Moon, planets, stars, and even distant galaxies.
In 2013, the Doane Observatory had a big renovation. It was finished in 2015. They added an indoor classroom and made it easier for everyone to visit. They also upgraded the telescope and technology.
Amazing Theaters
The Adler Planetarium has three domed theaters. The biggest one is the Grainger Sky Theater. Its dome is 21 meters (about 69 feet) wide! These theaters use advanced projection systems to show you incredible views of the universe.
Fun Programs
- Adler After Dark: This is an evening event for adults (21+). It's been called the "Best After Hours Event" and "Best Date Night" in Chicago. Guests can explore the museum, enjoy themed programs, and see sky shows.
- Astro Overnights: Families can spend a night at the Adler! You get to explore the museum, watch a sky show, and learn about space.
- Hack Days: The Adler hosts these events to bring together people who like to create. Software developers, designers, and artists work together to solve problems.
- Summer Camps: Kids aged 5–14 can build rockets, launch high-altitude balloons, and explore space. These camps offer hands-on fun and learning.
See also
In Spanish: Planetario Adler para niños
- List of museums and cultural institutions in Chicago
- List of planetariums
- Museum Campus
- Spiral Galaxy (sculpture)
- List of astronomical observatories
