Adler Planetarium
Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Education, Museums [Edit]
Neighborhood: Near Southside1300 S Lake Shore Dr
(between Columbus Dr & Mcfretridge Dr)
Chicago, IL 60605 (312) 922-7827
- Good for Kids: Yes
129 reviews
Neighborhood: Near North Side
"Had the buffet around 1pm and it was the best Indian food I've had - buffet or otherwise. They bring tandoor chicken -sizzling- to your…" read more »
44 Reviews for Adler Planetarium
I always find the Adler Planetarium interesting, but I haven't been exploring there since I was in elementary school on field trips. Recently though, I went for a dinner and it was so nice. The view is amazing. Also, I sat through a sky show that was mildly interesting, but overall it's a nice place to chill.
Many thanks to Astronomer Joe for treating us to the Adler, the Doane Observatory, and for being an all-around gentleman.
"I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs and gleams..." Antoine de Saint-Exupry, The Little Prince.
The Sky Watchers of Africa show santizes present day Africa, but barring that it's so interesting because it does explain in reasonably understandable terms (maybe not so for kids) how caravans navigated their way across the Sahara, at night, using stars as their guide.
Although I was only inside the Adler's theater, the show did a fabulous job of transporting me in time and place; I was struck by the infinity of the Saharan sky, and could hardly fathom the stars, the peace, and the serenity that Saharan astronomers must have felt thousands of years ago, when the only practical way to traverse this massive other world was mostly by night.
Thanks again, Joe.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (2)
Cool (5)
I visited the planetarium this evening for an event, and although the primary focus was on the food and drinks, I enjoyed walking around and peeking at the exhibits. It seems that I discover all of the museums in Chicago via non-museum-related events, but I was so impressed that I want to come back and see what it's like in its "natural" setting.
As far as event venues go, Adler is beautiful. The view of the lake and the city, especially at night, is a beautiful backdrop. The dome was transformed (for this particular event) into a swanky bar area - almost like an antechamber to the main event area. There was plenty of space for a large group, and I was amazed by how easily the event coordinators were able to bring in stages, lounge chairs, tables, and food stations, and fit them in the space without obstructing the flow of people.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (3)
I think I've found one of the best places in all of Chicago to hold a meeting. Coffee is on. Sit as long as you want. Lot's of tables. It's an upbeat and colorful atmosphere. And of course---It offers the most beautiful, unobstructed panoramic view from ground level in all of this wonderful city by the lake.
That's right. It's the Adler's Galileo's Cafe. Perfect.
The few catches? Oh. They use carbon paper for credit cards, so you may want to keep that in mind.
And. This may be an option only when school is fully in session and it is not museum field trip day.
I went to Adler Planetarium because I got a free ticket from the Graduate School for a mixer there. Bad sign number 1: I asked the front desk ticket people if my "group" had arrived yet, and they asked me if I was with the Boyscouts group. Clearly, we're in our 20s and not exactly in the ideal age range for the planetarium.
However, the view of the skyline was really awesome from the museum campus area, and it was easy to get there by bus.
I think I probably would have enjoyed this place if I was 10 years younger. There were some cool exhibits, but a lot of the "regular" stuff there felt dusty and in disrepair. Since Pluto has been demoted, I noticed that there were some inconsistencies in the exhibits (some still considered Pluto a planet). A lot of stuff definitely wasn't working.
We also got a ticket to watch a show about black holes. It was...really boring. I'm not sure I learned anything from it either.
Random notes: The cafe has pretty good food. The gift shop was kind of lacking.
If you're going to head out to this area, skip out on the Planetarium unless you're really interested in this kind of stuff. I wish we had gotten tickets to Shedd instead...
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
You can do this museum in about an hour. The nicest part is if you can have lunch there- the cafeteria overlooks the lake with grand views... and the prices aren't ridiculous. I spent $27 on two lousy sandwiches and two sodas at a museum in DC... this place had reasonable prices and the exact order as above came to less than $20 which is a bargain especially with the view.
Really neat place! And a great deal on Far-Out Fridays (first Friday of every month)
We watched 2 different shows (Night Sky Live is awesome) and had the chance to see Saturn through the huge telescope out back. Some of the exhibits can be boring or hard to understand for children though. I did see that they had little tables set up with crafts and activities for kids, so that might make it more fun. And they had 2 different shows that were more directed toward children.
Beautiful views of the city from outside Adler!
Perhaps this is a disservice to the Adler Planetarium, but I basing this review primarily on the aesthetic value of their exhibits.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, I'd had too much caffeine prior to arriving, and I was too buzzed to stay at one exhibit long enough to learn anything. But goddamn, those displays were BEAUTIFUL! Planet Earth ain't too shabby, but the cosmos...I'm sorry, even some of the most majestic terrestrial sights can't hold a candle to the Pleiades.
I kept thinking about how much my nieces would adore the Planetarium. The eldest is ten and really into math and science (for now, anyway--I hope her interest can be maintained throughout her adolescence), and the youngest is impatient and easily bored (hmmmm, I wonder from which relative she picked up that attribute?), but even she would be transfixed by the exhibits. It's such a cool, kid-friendly place surrounded by other cool, kid-friendly museums--God, I can't wait until my family finally gets off their asses and comes to visit.
The museum is a breeze to get through--it's set up in a logical sequence with pathways wide enough for even an army of strollers.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
I was so so excited to go to this planetarium this past weekend and I was NOT disappointed. I was surprised at the size of the museum and the amount and quality of the exhibits. We had general admission, however, there were plenty of videos and things playing along the way that I don't think we missed out on some of the other shows that cost extra.
We spent a good 2 to 2 and a half hours here and that was only because it was near closing time. Needless to say: I now want to be an astronaut when I grow up.
This place always seemed kind of cool when I was a kid, but I never fully embraced it until a couple years ago.
I know, I know, Sonic Vision has nothing to do with outer space or planets or stars, but that doesn't stop it from being a blast. If you had the pleasure of checking out Sonic Vision, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's a pretty unique experience that one could only describe as a "trip without the drugs". Instead of turning my cash over to shady people for what may or may not be bunk, I just dropped a marginal amount of cash on a museum and got blown for forty-five minutes. Good deal, good deal.
One of the best planetariums around. Enjoy the interactive programs. This is a must see when you hit the Field Museum and the Aquarium.
I enjoyed visiting the Planetarium. It is geared more at kids, and maybe I'm a kid at heart, but I still enjoyed it and it didn't bother me that I had to stoop to go into some of the exhibits or that I had to wait in line with kids to have my turn. Though I do have to say, there were some kids (and I blame the parents) that would not leave! I don't care if I'm older than you, if people are waiting you need to finish your turn and move on to the next exhibit!
Parts of the museum are a little dated. There was one area that asked, "Why isn't Pluto included?" The answer wasn't that Pluto was no longer a planet, it was because the museum opened right after (or was it right before?) Pluto became a planet, so they didn't include it. Though, to their credit, there was a little interactive machine in a different area that explained why Pluto was no longer a planet.
I also saw 2 of their shows: TimeSpace and Egyptian Nights. TimeSpace sounded really interesting, but it was just okay. I was a little hesitant about Egyptian Nights, but I thought it was great. Plus, the theater only had about 50 people in it, so it wasn't crowded at all.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
The Adler was the shiznit when I was growing up - I loved seeing constellations and dioramas, even though pictures of supernovas kind of freaked me out. It's a must-see for science geeks and space junkies. The planetarium completes the Museum Campus triad (Field, Shedd, Adler) on the lakefront and I like how the Adler is on its own little promontory, making it more removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Unfortunately, I never have enough time to fully explore the Planetarium. I can't seem to get there more than an hour and a half before it closes! Why do museums all close so early on Saturdays? I say they should be open until 8pm on Saturdays.
Anyway, I think it's kind of funny that so many people comes here and all the exhibits are about these crazy huge scary things in the universe that are so hard to wrap your brain around. It's like everyone is sharing this collective freak out experience. There's weird vibes in there. That's probably why there are so many buttons and whistles for the kiddies.
I really enjoyed the Black Hole show that's going on now. It's kind of like a horror movie; I couldn't believe kids were watching it. I wondered if there were Christians in the theater that got mad about the part in the movie where they talk about the beginning of the universe and the Big Bang theory. (the science movie had evolutionary undertones! evil!) I felt I left with a bigger brainful than I bargained for. All I could think about the rest of the day was, why does the universe exist?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
After getting my money's worth out of a Shedd Aquarium membership by going again and again, I figured I should get a membership to Adler.
Big mistake.
The exhibits are pretty much set up for children and offer little to the adult mind. The Starrider Theater show, "Black Holes," is absolute garbage. One surprise was the Night Sky Theater. The host was very informative, and seeing the night sky exactly as it would be on a very clear night in Chicago was a treat.
Also, Adler did have real astronomers on hand to answer questions. I appreciate that extra-mile foresight.
Still, with Shedd and the Field Museum down the street, Adler is really dwarved in offerings and value.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
While I was in Chicago, I had the privilege of attending a private evening event at the Adler Planetarium. While the party itself was a bit of a drag, I had a great time exploring the numerous space oriented exhibits.
The planetarium does an excellent job of presenting a wide variety of exhibits on a very focused subject matter. I particularly enjoyed the geothermal model that simulated how bubbling internal pressures can shape the surface of a planet or moon. I also had fun shooting mock meteors (paint balls) at a simulated moon surface to make craters and trying my hand at balancing gravitational forces in the solar system simulator.
One thing I loved about the Adler is that it mixed constructed interactives with actual artifacts. The Planetarium has a beautiful collection of astrolabes and other antique astronomical instruments. Much of the downstairs exhibit space is dedicated to the history of astronomy around the world.
The planetarium, which is situated out on a peninsula on Chicago's Museum Campus features breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline alike.
Tickets start at $10 for the general public, $8 for Chicago residents and $6 for kids 4-17.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
We intended to check out the Shedd Aquarium and due to the line stretched almost to the Field Museum, decided to walk along the lake front to the planetarium. It was 95 degrees and humid and our baby had enough. We went over to the wheelchair/stroller accessable exit and asked the security guard directions to the cafe. We didn't want to look around just get some water and a small snack.
Instead, we found the easy way in without paying! We ended up smack dab in the middle of the exhibit! If you have a kid, do it that way and you don't have to pay!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I was at a wedding here this weekend, it was amazing. I've always thought that the planetarium had the best view of the city, and I still think it can't be beat! We had a great view of the fireworks at Navy Pier as well.
The service at the reception was also great, very classy, prompt, etc., and the museum employees were helpful as well. If you have the money to spend and time to book in advance, I highly recommend a wedding reception or other big event here.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Well, I'm rather biased in favor of the Adler Planetarium, as I am a Telescope/Observatory Operator there.
I think that these reviews are an important tool to help make the Adler bigger and better to all visitors. Recently, we dedicated a new exhibit with Astronauts James Lovell and "Buzz" Aldrin. Lovell's personal effects of his space travels are displayed...including the Gemini XII space capsule. Quite a rare treat and it's part of the return to the Moon effort.
As mentioned earlier, we reserve the first Friday of each month for public telescopic observation sessions. All types of telescopic instruments are brought out to the South terrace, and views shared with the public. Starting at 6:00 pm till 10:00 pm, we also open the Doane Observatory with the largest telescope in Chicago...a 20" SCT.
Also, the Observatory is open on occasion for solar viewing on the weekends. A nice view of the solar promenances (flares), and sunspots can be viewed.
I do recommend that any negative experiences at the Adler be brought to the attention to the Office of the President. All information can be located at the Adler site.
I'm not in any high echelon position there, but I do my best to share the skies with all lovers of astronomy and space, and do my part to make your visit a pleasent experience.
For interactive and current data on astronomical and space events, please do visit the Chicago Astronomer for more information.
Respectfully,
Chicago Astronomer Joe
Administrator
www.chicagoastronomer.com
Telescope/Observatory Operator
Adler Planetarium & Museum
"We are all in the Gutter, but some of us are looking at the Stars"
Oscar Wilde 1852 - 1900
People thought this was:
Useful (25)
Funny (9)
Cool (22)
Hey! Some of my frineds said this museum isn't worth a visit...but I thought why not...so I went there by myself a couple weeks ago and it turned out better than I thought (see...it's good when you didn't expect something at high level : )
The exibitions are ok but kinda boring compare with Shedd and Field's.
But I think this could be a good place to bring your date or even friends!
You can see a short movie about universe (I saw The Black Hole...which was quite good by the way) Then heading to cafe where you can impress and enjoy with spectacular view of Chicago city and lake Michigan!
Try to follow my plan and let me know how you like (or do not like) it :-)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Just wanted to point out that while this is a greatplace to visit for hearing folks; it's NOT ADA friendly. The staff here REFUSED to let a black light shine on a sign language interpreter's gloves to sign what was being said during a performance of school-aged kids... How frustrating for the class to show up, and just sit in an auditorium with no clue as to what was being said!
People thought this was:
Useful (12)
Cool (3)
Disclaimer: I am an employee at the Adler (computer nerd.)
To respond to Erin B's comments about ADA compliance:
Because our theaters are round, and projected up onto a dome, there isn't a good place to put up subtitles. It can also be very difficult to light interpreters; your frustration is understandable. (In order for people to see the stars and images up on the dome it needs to stay very dark in the theater.)
We have been working on a project since early 2005 to bring captioning to both of our theaters, using a product called iCaption. It is a system made by Sound Associates in New York; they have received numerous awards for helping to bring shows to deaf or hard of hearing patrons.
iCaption uses wireless handhelds (PDAs), synced with the show, and they are mounted in a special holder that can go on any seat in the theater. We have already demoed the system to a number of groups and just received funding to expand our system; right now we have eight devices in our prototype that can be used in either theater. But we've managed to stretch those, even for a group of 20.
As we plan each new exhibit and show, we are trying to keep the special needs of all of our patrons first and foremost. But as always, if you have a group with any special needs, PLEASE let our group services folks know when you call ahead.
Hope this is useful info!
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
I would think that with a high school education in Physics and Astronomy, I would have learned something at the Adler Planetarium, but unfortunately, like its neighbor, the Shedd Aquarium, it is primarily geared towards kids. And even then, only about a third of the exhibits are interactive, which is what kids really want anyway.
We decided to fork out the extra 9 bucks to get the "Galaxy Package" which included the $10 admission, an audio tour, and one ticket to a show of our choice. We opted to see "Journey Into Infinity," which, as a silly, stupid American--I thought would be one of those flashy, high tech IMAX movies that would have us soaring through the stars at breakneck pace. Instead, it was the old-fashioned starlit dome planetarium lecture by a guy whose finesse and speaking abilities put him next to mild-mannered, clumsy Professor Frink from the Simpsons. He lectured for 30 minutes about the constellations and the various lines that make up our maps of the universe, and with that, sent us on our way. No glitz. No high tech computer graphics. What is the world coming to?
Many of the exhibits on the bottom floor were dry and/or out-of-date. One exhibit even proudly stated that a particular project by NASA was slated to be completed in 2003. The audio tour--which was narrated via a heavy, circa-1980s cell phone looking device--managed to be both intellectually condescending AND boring.
Three stars because it even exists, which means all hope for humanity is not yet lost. And, while I'm sure lots of people have great experiences there, the highlight of my day was the Thai Chicken salad in the planetarium's cafeteria.
I've actually never been to the Adler Planetarium to check out the exhibits, but I have been to a party there at night. It was the same party that Elizabeth N attended and it was really a cool and beautiful place for a party. I have seen pictures from weddings here as well and it looks absolutely gorgeous! However, if you do attend a party here make sure you have called a cab to get you home (unless the party has arranged this ahead of time) because getting home was a very difficult task on a very cold Chicago night!
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Cool (1)
For adults this museum really isn't the best out of all the museums in Chicago. It is kid centered and some of the exhibits are a little outdated. I think the same Star show is still playing from when I was in grade school.
The exhibits in the lowest floor are interesting from a cultural stand point, but for one maybe two exhibits it isn't worth the admission fee.
I do have to say that the cafe there is great. It has one of the best views in Chicago.
If you're going to the planetarium, you really need to see the sky show. There's not much else at this museum. The highlight of the sky show (for me) was riding the escalator between theaters---all black with shimmery fiber optic "stars" in the smoky mirrored walls--before rims spun on SUVs, the Adler Planetarium was already "pimpin".
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I must say that the best thing in my opinion at the Adler Planetarium is the view. They have the most incredible view of the city. It's farther away from the city than the other museums and it's out on it's own which gives it such an amazing view! And yes of course, the exhibits themselves are very interesting. It's not my favorite museum and I don't go here very often, but I went to a party there at night and it's gorgeous!
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (2)
I am pretty tough on Chicago cultural institutions but I heart the Adler. I love the shows and it's one of the quietest museums on the campus-- doesn't insult its patrons with cheap thrills. Check out a show and learn something about the universe (realize you're not the center?). Really nice place to relax and absorb.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
I went to a holiday party here and thought it was a really cool atmosphere. I've known a few people to get married here and don't think it's romantic enough for a wedding, but definitely cool for a corporate party. The only problem with this place is that there aren't many cabs around so we were stuck in the freezing cold waiting for a cab when the party ended!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
The Adler Planetarium is a really cool place. However this is one place where I feel like you see one thing, and you've seen them all. I can't spend too much time in here but I love going every once in a while. The best part in my opinion is the view of the city. You can see for miles.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Located on beautiful grounds which offers a breathtaking view of the city. They have special films and sky shows as well as alot of educational displays and slides. They have a computer learning station as well. Alot of grade schools come on field trips here, so I reccomend getting here early in the day.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
This place is a blast if you have any interest in the stars, planets or solar system. There are fun exhibits and folksy old astronomy artifacts like a dome you can sit in which re-creates Chicago's night sky circa a long time ago. Also, there is the large shows in the main sky theatre. Overall you cannot go wrong here. It may not scream "excitement" to you, but you'll leave feeling enriched and surprised.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Take children here. The exhibits - especially the room with all of the sky constellations - really feeds the imagination. Adler is one of the few places I can visit in Chicago and feel insulated from humanity. Otherworldly!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The Adler Planetarium is trying to stay relevant in these times of blockbuster museum exhibits. Frankly this museum is not on my must-see list, but if you have the time you will enjoy a visit here. The special show under its central dome is still going strong, and the exhibits are interesting and a bit hipper than the old days. Walk east of the main building and enjoy the views from there, almost as heavenly as the sightings of heavenly bodies above with any telescope. Wander south and you will hit a small beachfront known only to locals.
A fun place to go stargazing - they also have these interactive computers and this cyberspace exhibit where you can take a tour of the International Space Station; travel through the Milky way in their theatre, too!
It's a really nice planetarium. They have good exhibits and I think a lot of kids in Middle school or High school would enjoy this. The new computer programs they have are very interactive and educational as well.
Well I don't know what everyone else is talking about, i LOVE the planetarium. I even asked my boyfriend to take me there on my birthday. Definitely see a show. And see the historical scientific tools section. I thought it was great. And you can go into a really old planetarium thing, which is basically just a large tin ball with holes poked in it. You ride a little cart in there and just sit for a few minutes. Since you can't see the stars in the city, see what they would look like if we weren't such slobs.
I love planetariums, but this one leaves me a little cold. I do like the special exhibits and reminising about having my college course here. Generally it is okay when you are taking your tourist friends around here. However, the spot near the planetarium looking back at the Skyline is BREATHTAKING!
I really like this museum and think it has a lot to offer. Both kids and adults can learn a lot from their interactive museums. And though their shows might not be that technologically advanced, they are still a lot of fun to watch. Definitely a place to check out. And its location and beautiful view definitely bump it up to five stars!
What I enjoy most about this facility is the history and the theater located inside. It's a kick to see some of those sky shows. And you cannot beat the most amazing view of the city and all the other museums and architecture around here. Public transportation stops at the door.
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Best Place to Throw a…
Break out the confetti and throw a bday, work… -
Chicagoland Nostalgia
Places I miss from the Windy City and the… -
Culture Vultures
A select list of some of my favorite museums,… -
Museums
Museum reviews by someone who is going in debt up… -
Favorite Places To Be A…
I'm not advocating anything, I'm just leading by… -
Culture Vultures
A select list of some of my favorite museums,…
Hot and New
- The Pain Stop Massage Therapy
16 reviews
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
- Venus
88 reviews
Neighborhood: Near West Side
- Perennial