Adler Planetarium image

Adler Planetarium

Tourist attraction Museum Planetarium

Interactive exhibits & high-tech sky shows entertain stargazers, lakefront views are a bonus. People often mention Chicago, great, kids, Adler, show, space, shows, planetarium, view, time,


Address

1300 S DuSable Lk Shr Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Website

www.adlerplanetarium.org

Contact

(312) 922-7827

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (2.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 4 to 10 PM
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Chicago (38) great (36) kids (35) Adler (34) show (33) space (33) shows (32) planetarium (31) view (29) time (29)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Richard W. 1 year ago on Google
    You have to stop by the Adler Planetarium if you ever decide to tour Chicago, Illinois. The facilities are beautiful on the inside and out. It the Adler Planetarium is one of the major attractions of Chicago. The view of the city is amazing inside the planetarium and at the top of the stair at the front entrance. There is a wonderful film that focuses on the cityscape that I highly recommend. If you have found this review helpful, like and share the review. Thanks and have a great day!
    28 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Vazir F. 1 year ago on Google
    The oldest planetarium in the western hemisphere but not necessarily the best. The whole experience is marred on reaching when you realize there's a city $25 parking for any spot. You can enter with either prepaid tickets or buy them at entry, but the signs are not always clear and thus time the staff wasn't either, so if you're buying at Adler, don't go up the steps to the dome, but instead the lower entrance to the right. Don't expect to spend more than an hour and half at most for the exhibit viewing because it's smaller than it looks and the prepayment website will keep crashing if you're trying to book a show that's full (instead of just letting you know). Showtimes vary, so plan ahead and either finish first or at the end of your visit so you aren't wasting time twiddling your thumbs.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sanjay G. 3 months ago on Google • 1016 reviews New
    The Adler prides itself in being the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, built-in 1930 on the shore of Lake Michigan, offering unrivaled insights into our solar system. Among others, its' permanent exhibits are- Solar System, Mission Moon, The Universe: A Walk Through Space and Time, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, and Astronomy in Culture Its facilities include the Doane Observatory, which has the largest telescope available to the public in the Chicago area, through which visitors can glimpse celestial objects trillions of miles away the Adler also has three full-size theaters – the 3D Universe Theater, the Definiti Space Theater and the Grainger Sky Theater – - in which it screens programs like "Destination Solar System," "Planet Nine" and "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure." Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium -are all on the Museum campus and at a walkable distance between Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan view from here - it’s amazing...!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Theresa H. 5 months ago on Google • 757 reviews
    If you come please add a show. The planetarium itself is limited. However the historical collection of sundials, telescopes, astrolabes was good. The cafe is in a beautiful space that is sunny with a fantastic view of the lake. Food was very good. Staff were super nice and they are happy to take pictures of you. The gift shop was very good.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Atishay J. 1 year ago on Google
    A Huge huge huge place! You really need an entire day to study, appreciate and experience this place. It's a piece of art and beauty but would have been helpful for a better orientation for someone to do an effective self guided tour Do not miss the shows. They are phenomenal
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nicholas P. 1 month ago on Google • 720 reviews New
    I used to walk past this all the time when going to the museum campus. I decided to come here since we had tickets to see one of the sky shows. I do agree with some of the other reviewers, that this place needs a makeover so that some of the exhibits would look more modern. I was able to go through this museum a lot faster than the other major ones and that included the sky show. So, plan to spend about 2.5 hours or less here. They have a lot of articles for reading. The sky show was great to see and easily the highlight of the entire place. Admission is $19 for an adult. That’s without any sky shows. Not sure I would come back unless they do a massive renovation of the place.

  • 4/5 Katie S. 1 year ago on Google
    We were very excited to visit and it was a nice museum. Some displays could use some upkeep, as things were broken or out of order. Overall we were pleased with our experience. My three kids all had fun. Please be advised that you cannot change your show time, and you must arrive early for it. Once they close the doors you cannot enter. Unfortunately we were stuck by a train and missed our first show. Parking was kind of crazy. All of the attractions in close proximity means you spend about 15-20 mins just trying to get to the parking lot which costs $25 by the way. The view of the city skyline is also beautiful.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John Foley (John Foley P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the most unique wedding venues that I've ever been to. Visiting Adler Planetarium is awesome on its own, but to attend a wedding here? Truly out of this world! (Pun intended). I love photographing weddings here. I definitely recommend setting aside at least one hour for portraits to really take advantage of all the creative opportunities. Also, having the first dance under the moon... just spectacular.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa C. 5 months ago on Google • 238 reviews
    Very pleasant experience. Not quite what I imagined but had a pleasant time exploring and learning about the moon and the different missions landing in the moon. Great experience. The skyline view was pretty cool but it was raining so wasn't the best. They offer military discount
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria H. 2 years ago on Google
    We came with kids between 18 months - 9 years old and we all had such an awesome time! We parked right next to it (included a picture of prices), and walked right up to it. As soon as you enter there is a kids area that is awesome - we easily could've spent 2 hours there. Then we did a show, walked around the museum, saw another show and did the gift store. We were there from about 10-4. It wasn't crowded (we went during spring break too), and it was a good experience!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Koli x. 1 year ago on Google
    The worst museum in the world probably for an adult. This is an ONLY KIDS museum. Also, I finished the entire museum in about an hour and wanted to watch my show sooner so I can leave earlier but they did not allow it. The guy at ticketing said “we’re sold out from the 11:30am show. And we don’t swap tickets but you can buy new tickets” ….. I couldn’t use the restroom because there were school trips going on and one of the teachers from the school kicked me out of the restroom and said “can Miss something finish her class and then you can use it.” TERRIBLE TERRIBLE MUSEUM, the WORST, NEGATIVE STARS
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ryan Jones (. 1 month ago on Google • 125 reviews New
    It's a nice planetarium! If you are interested in space and the solar system, you definitely will enjoy your time here! It is a little bit smaller than expected though so you'll probably want to catch a few of the shows they offer here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jorge J. 4 years ago on Google
    The breathtaking view of the city of Chicago from the Adler Planetarium and the Astronomy Museum was the first planetarium in the western hemisphere. What appeared in the image is not just a beautiful background of the city, the wonderful sculpture that can be seen at the entrance of the observatory is titled The MAN ENTERS THE COSMOS is a bronze sculpture made by Henry Moore. It is definitely an incredible space to spend the day admiring the view and all that the planetarium has to offer from shows, wonderful exhibits loaded with quite interesting and fascinating information.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrew D. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a fun planetarium, but it was more focused on children and space exploration that I expected. I anticipated more information about stars. It was very planet and space travel focused...not a bad thing at all. Just not what I expected. The solar system movie was cute, but definitely aimed at small children. Seats are comfortable, so parents take this chance to get some sleep. The woman doing the show did a great job. If you have children interested in space at all, you should take them here! The staff were very friendly and helpful as well.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Fahd Nait A. 2 years ago on Google
    Tried the Imagine the Moon show. The museum is under renovation! Tickets can be purchased online only! Plenty of parking. Bus 146 takes you there directly. (Review as of 21/08/2021)
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ayat & Aairah’s Magical Toy Stories For K. 2 years ago on Google
    A learning place for kids, who wish to have some insight view regarding space. This place not only show you different space equipments, but also take you back to history, how it all started. It has also got collections from past(related to space research), like old telescopes. Adler Planetarium has small theatres for shows which give you detail knowledge of topics related to space. Also, it has small room where kids can do experiments. For those young ones who get bored, they have a small play area next to their in house store. A fun filled place, with vast knowledge, for those who are space lover.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 John L. 1 year ago on Google
    We enjoyed our time at the planetarium, and the two shows being included in the cost of our City Pass was nice. We wanted to see two shows that essentially ran at the same time, and then again two hours later. We ended up seeing a different one for our second show so we didn’t have to wait. Definitely had some interesting exhibits and information.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a cool place! It’s not the best place to bring toddlers, but there’s even stuff for little ones to see and do! There’s so much to see and learn at the Adler, so if you’re really into space, make sure you schedule enough time to fully appreciate all this place has to offer!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr. B. 7 months ago on Google
    I always love visiting the Adler, the immersive trip to the stars is always a crowd favorite. The outside view of the Chicago skyline in one of the best views in the city. Lots to do, take a stroll along the Lakefront paths. I recommend anyone visiting Chicago to definitely come see all the museums Chicago has to offer. 🔭 🎑 ✨
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Spike 1 month ago on Google • 68 reviews New
    It's very dated and needs a major overhaul. It is small and nothing much to see but bunch of astronomy antiques. The exhibits are short and uninspiring. The articles are lengthy and boring. Since they can not include dinosaurs, they should incorporate pop cultures of star trek and star wars. They literally had 1 picture of the mars rovers near the staircase. The exhibits need to be interactive and incorporate more modern technology to inspire kids and adults. It needs star maps, zodiac, and more diverse culture of astrology such as the Mayans, Chinese, and the Persians. They should have future astrology exhibits. I understand they have limited space but they should have at least some telescopes to watch the skies. Overall, kids will find this great place to hang out, adults not so much.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ruth R. 7 months ago on Google • 35 reviews
    It’s wonderful that there is a FREE entry for Illinois residents, certain days of the week. You do have to book your tickets on their website before arriving. Unfortunately the parking on the FREE day was ridiculously expensive, 55dlls. The public parking 🅿️ via pay booths were closed off so you didn’t have any option but to pay the expensive parking fee. We ended up parking our car in the city and walking back to Adler Planetarium. So my advice to you if you really want to save money, take public transportation. I highly recommend the walk to get there. It has beautiful views of the city as well as the lake. Plenty of grass and trees to sit and relax and enjoy the water, or there are sitting areas as well. The Planetarium itself was amazing!. I loved the architecture of the building. The top floor has a glass sealing, showing a wonderful view of the blue sky and the lake. A lot of fun interactive activities to do with your friends or family as well as for kids. Very interesting displays and over all a fun experience. The place was very clean and staff were very friendly and helpful. The view from the top steps of the Planetarium is beautiful, a full background of the city. Definitely a great spot to watch fireworks. I enjoyed the experience.✨👌🏽
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kyle 1 year ago on Google
    this is a great spot to go when around the city but it does get old after a while. this is a great fun activity for kids, they could spend hours there. its cool to see all of the exhibits and the amazing view of the city.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nivi S. 1 year ago on Google
    Have been to this place two times , my kid loved this place. They have great shows on solar system , moon , ninth planet , so many . All shows are great , worth watching. They have nice fun activities for kids like making constellations, selfie in space , walking in space , etc . Also they have food court with good menu . Would definitely recommend this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Monika K. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is cool and educational... But to be honest, if you don't have a genuine passion for space, it gets boring pretty quickly. If you go, I would HIGHLY recommend getting tickets for a sky show. Cool stuff in the gift shop. Food was decent.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 10 months ago on Google
    This did not disappoint. They have free nights every Wednesdays so take advantage of that. Many great shows very clean inside and out. So many great exhibit to see we had a great time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dru S. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place to spend a few hrs to a whole day. Lots of shows to see and enjoy the night sky. Learn about our night sky!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalia 7 months ago on Google
    Such a fun experience! Book your tickets ahead of time for the planetarium; you can always purchase the show tickets there to see what's available. Parking lot is convenient but costs $40.. Definitely see at least 1 show because the tour around the whole place will only take about 1 hr without kids. We had a great time since we're interested in astronomy, but others may feel underwhelmed. There should definitely be more attractions available to spend more time there.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D K. 4 months ago on Google • 59 reviews
    Great little museum. We were here before and wanted to see what it was like after the renovations. We entered at the wrong place, and one employee (can't remember his name, unfortunately) escorted us to the elevator and through the building to the ticket counter, so we wouldn't have to go out in the cold. They were offering telescope views of the sun outside but we were too cold to attend. The museum is geared more toward children and teens, but we still enjoyed it as adults, and there are still things to learn that we didn't know. The collections of items like sundials, Apollo 13 gear, and telescopes are interesting. There is a neat little gift shop, and they have a sky show, which we didn't attend this time. I attended last time, and it was worth the price just to be in a theater where you lay back and watch a domed screen. It really feels like you're in space. I THINK there is a place to eat, but I can't remember, maybe other reviews say? It takes about an hour to get through the museum, and it's worth the $20. (With sky show $28). A small thing that isn't museum-related is that because of where the planetarium is located, you get a great view of the Chicago skyline from the entrance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bre 2 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    Nice planetarium!! I really loved all the artifacts from previous space missions as well as interesting nuggets of info and interactive materials about our planets, asteroids and solar system. But please tack on a show if you decide to go, the base ticket experience is rather small and, although worth the price, I definitely feel it could've used a little extra punch. If/when given the chance to return I'm definitely going to get a ticket to experience something in the theater as I feel this would probably satisfy the gap. Also strangely enough I feel like there is a lack of merchandise in the gift shop I was interested in. Could definitely use more magnets and pins! Overall, a nice visit, but wishing for a bit more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Christina W. 1 month ago on Google • 89 reviews New
    Went early on a Monday morning, basically had the place to ourselves for the first hour. Citypass included two free shows, they are 30 minutes long, and shows can be targeted toward the younger demographic. We spent 3 hours there and didn't thoroughly pick through all the info graphics, but we made it through everything. Plan half a days time for your visit if you don't want to feel rushed and want to catch a show or two. Some exhibits have some visible wear and tear but that happens.

  • 4/5 L H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit on a cold day! It is recommended to get tickets to at least couple of the shows if you are planing to spend the day there. They do have some exhibits, but you get through it pretty quick. We saw Imagine the Moon and Destination Solar System, absolutely love the experience, especially Destination Solar System, the host of the show was very enthusiastic and fun to follow from the beginning to the end, strongly recommended if you are having a day out with the kids. Also the waterfront view is amazing from the cafe. Overall a great experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Wayshawn K. 3 years ago on Google
    Love about astronomy, so was able to learn a lot here about signs and stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MDM E. 3 years ago on Google
    We've worked at Adler Planetarium many times throughout the years and it's become one of our favorite spaces. Not only is the venue staff friendly and a pleasure to work with, they are dedicated to success in events and weddings. Matt Kelley and Kyle Sater are a pleasure to work with and always put professionalism first. We hope to continue working with Adler for many years to come!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken D. 4 years ago on Google
    Being retired military, entrance to the Planetarium was inexpensive as the museum entrance fee is waived for up to five guests for Active Military and Veteran’s. We only paid for the show we saw “Destination Solar System”. It was in the domed Grainger Theater and better suited for children. The close-up video of the planets Mars, Jupiter and Saturn were pretty neat though. We expected to visit all the planets during the show, but only did the middle four plus the asteroid belt. Doesn’t the Solar System contain eight or nine? Oh well… The museum itself was very good. There were displays of old telescopes, a moon rock, a Gemini Capsule and a section on the moon landing. We were able to stand on the moon in front of the Lunar Lander and by the flag to get a picture. One of the favorite displays was a 360 degree wrap around the wall mural of the Milky Way Galaxy. Less than twenty-five percent is in the photo below. Now that is impressive as it is full of stars with some of the dots actually being other galaxies in the distance. The grounds of the Adler Planetarium are set out into Lake Michigan. It is quite a remarkable view out onto the lake and more so back towards Chicago itself. We walked here via Lake Shore Trail. Take a stroll here before or after your visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick K. 5 years ago on Google
    Very fun and general admission tickets offer a nice museum for pretty cheap. Highly recommend. My rocket went further than my sister's which made my girlfriend and I pretty happy. There was a great view of the skyline too. The skyline is pretty cool. I wish Detroit had a planetarium. I think I'm going to visit the Detroit Science Center pretty soon I think that'd be fun. What more could you ask for?
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 4 years ago on Google
    Adler Planetarium is a great day visit for a snowy, cold day in Chicago. You can easily spend a whole day inside because there is a variety of shows and exhibits. The best deal is to purchase tickets, 2 shows, and a trip in the historic Atwood Sphere (originally built in 1913). The shows and the guides were great. The exhibits are very interesting and full of fascinating information. If you're looking for a family outing that's interactive, informative, and interesting for all ages, this is a definite must-do!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Walker Van D. 4 years ago on Google
    The Adler Planetarium is a beautiful public museum dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics. It is located on the northeast tip of Northerly Island, and offers one of the best possible views of the entire Chicago skyline. Adler offers a wide variety of events throughout the year. My personal favorite is “Adler After Dark”, a monthly event with a different theme each month (for example, Across the Universe was a great event with a Beatles theme).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dolores D. 2 years ago on Google
    I didn’t go inside but I was outside. You get a great view of the city. Even wedding photos where taken here. You get to see the water real close too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Augster O. 2 years ago on Google
    This place would be great if you didn’t know anything about space. Like little kids. It is a fantastic place for them. As an adult, I didn’t learn much. It is certainly dumbed down for the kids. Which is great for them. There are a lot of really cool things for kids here. The Chicago constellation show was about the best part. Really cool to see all the stars one should be seeing, but never will in the city due to light pollution. Definitely bring your kids here. The younger the better. For adults thinking of going, do something better with your time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liam B. 2 years ago on Google
    Anyone who rates this wonderful planetarium any lower than 5 stars really does not realize what they have access to. This place is state of the art and is absolutely beyond fascinating. Having grown up in Chicago and have now moved away, I realize that we should be much more grateful for what we have in our beautiful city. From the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, to the Adler Planetarium, we really do have it better than anyone in the world. Do not take it for granted. Complaining about cafeteria food is the least of your worries, trust me. Enjoy it while you can.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T H. 1 year ago on Google
    Good for adults and older kids. They have a explorer area for younger kids but after an hour or so there's not much else to explore. It's great but small. We did the Planetarium in the morning and then the rest of the day at the Field Museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rohit S. 1 year ago on Google
    A fun place to learn about space, stars, our solar system and astronomy in general. It was more catered towards kids but, still quite enjoyable for adults as well. Do make sure to attend the shows as well. They are quite informative. Also, you get great views of the city's skyline
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bobby B. 1 year ago on Google
    Geared for kids but some neat information, especially the shows. Bought tickets on my phone outside and went right in.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 zer0stxtic 10 months ago on Google
    How can you not love everything space related. They also have an amazing star viewing and other cool event's. A must see if you are visiting Chicago or if you are just a fan of the unknown.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick V. 9 months ago on Google
    Visitors should note that planetarium shows are not all at the big dome. There are one or two smaller theaters, which is where we ended up. Not a problem as it was a fun show for the kids but keep note if you wanted to experience the bigger theater. Before/after watching show, there are many interesting displays to explore especially for outer space fans. A big bonus is that just outside the museum is a great view of the Chicago skyline. Plus a lakeside stroll is always nice. Of course, be ready for the usual exorbitant Chicago parking rates if you want to park close.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jian L. 11 months ago on Google
    + Good coverage of different topics + Dome theater. + Most exhibitions has clear timeline and demonstrates progression. + Bonus: breathtaking view from the cafe - Map was a bit confusing and difficult to follow ~ It doesn’t go into great depths for most topics, which makes it kids friendly but might be a bit underwhelming if you are already a huge fan of astronomy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Soumyadeep C. 9 months ago on Google
    Really enjoyed the ambience around the planetarium. It has a great view of the chicago skyline.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Riya S. 1 month ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    Illinois residents have free entry on Wednesdays, so I highly recommend getting your tickets online (all you really need is your address) and you can get your free tickets and visit! It's a really beautiful place, super educational and fun for kids of all ages! Especially great for building kids' interest in the Sciences early on! I still have amazing childhood memories of visiting and coming back as an adult was such a sweet and memorable throwback!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ervs G. 3 months ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    Really good attraction for kids, staff are super friendly. The city passes does not include the shows and will need to be purchased separately. Cafe is good when some family members are waiting for kids to finish the exploration.

  • 5/5 Lauren Ashley S. 2 months ago on Google • 19 reviews New
    The Adler Planetarium serves as a truly remarkable wedding venue from a photographer's perspective. Its asymmetrical room offers a unique and enchanting setting for ceremonies and receptions, blending modern sophistication with celestial charm. What truly sets it apart is the mesmerizing view of the Chicago skyline, especially at sunset when the city lights come to life, providing a stunning backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. The professional and accommodating staff ensure that events run seamlessly, which is crucial for photographers. Overall, the Adler Planetarium consistently delivers breathtaking images and cherished memories, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a wedding venue that combines elegance, celestial beauty, and an unbeatable skyline view. I would absolutely love the opportunity to shoot there again. IG: LaurenAshleyStudios

  • 5/5 S F. 3 years ago on Google
    If you go to Chicago you MUST go here. It was awesome-sauce especially for someone who loves anything celestial. We were in the area for a friend's wedding and did tourist things while in the area. We visited several museums and of course food places that were iconic for the area, like classic Chicago dog vendors! They have a ton to see and do here and we honestly spent more time here than we anticipated as we usually move through these kinds of places rather quickly as we go to them quite regularly. This held our fascination for a long time! Check out each area and really take your time reading the info cause they really do have great facts and such. Overall: A++ A super fun planetarium with great facts / info and lots to do. I would recommend this place to any age group!

  • 5/5 elliot v. 3 years ago on Google
    This is one of those museums that you will be doing a lot of reading. But overall its a wonderful museum with lots of stuff and great resources.

  • 5/5 Jiwwy �. 3 years ago on Google
    I love astronomy and this place taught me so many new things!

  • 5/5 Humna F. 4 years ago on Google
    The view of Chicago from their cafe is amazing. They have lots of informative movies on space. There are a lot of activities for little kids. It’s a good place for school field trips.

  • 4/5 Carlos Eduardo Coan J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Chicago's planetarium is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Chicago attraction is the oldest of its kind in the United States, having its foundation dating from 1933. The Planetarium Adler is located on the Museum Campus and, in 2015, reached a mark of more than 500,000 visitors. The great advantage of the Adler Planetarium is the dedication that its team maintains in creating interesting activities for the whole family. With a strong focus on astronomy and physics for children, visiting the Chicago planetarium will undoubtedly be, in addition to being extremely fun, a great lesson on the history of man's interaction with space and the discoveries of the countryside. (Original) O planetário de Chicago é um dos pontos turísticos da cidade que mais atraem pessoas de todo o mundo. Atração de Chicago é a mais antiga do gênero nos Estados Unidos, tendo sua fundação datada de 1933. O Planetarium Adler está localizado no Museum Campus e, em 2015, atingiu a uma marca de mais de 500.000 visitantes. A grande vantagem do Planetário Adler é a dedicação que sua equipe mantém em criar atividades interessantes para toda a família. Com grande foco em astronomia e física para crianças, visitar o planetário de Chicago sem dúvida irá ser, além de extremamente divertido, uma grande aula sobre a história da interação do homem com o espaço e as descobertas do campo.

  • 5/5 Alisha K. 3 years ago on Google
    Its amazing.

  • 5/5 Todd L. 3 years ago on Google
    Mt. Joy. Parking lot show. Excellent!!

  • 5/5 Yuliana K. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This is the best view of the down town of Chicago. Simply space. (Original) Отсюда самый лучший вид на дауньаун Чикаго. Просто космос.

  • 5/5 Lin J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful and rich (Original) 精彩豐富

  • 5/5 E M. 3 years ago on Google
    Highly recommend the shows. Good views of the skyline.

  • 5/5 ChefLaurent C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great On rainy day

  • 5/5 Panda 3 years ago on Google
    Adler astronomers possess rich and diverse expertise in many areas of astronomy as well as other closely related science fields. Their studies include planetary geology, star formation, gamma-rays, and telescope observing.

  • 5/5 Esha P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great skyline view

  • 5/5 Trev J. 3 years ago on Google
    Really fun planetarium and I am glad it doesn't talk much about the Big Bang Theory. Great history lessons and fun to explore.

  • 3/5 hisayuki s. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is a recommended popular tourist spot where you can deepen your understanding of space through various exhibitions and experience programs, including a planetarium equipped with the latest equipment. The beautiful Lake Michigan surrounds you and overlooks the Chicago skyline. (Original) 最新鋭の機器を備えたプラネタリウムをはじめ、様々な展示と体験プログラムにより宇宙への理解を深めることができる、おすすめの人気観光スポットです。周辺には綺麗なミシガン湖が広がり、シカゴのスカイラインを見渡すことができます。

  • 3/5 Herbert B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I was quite disappointed with the planetarium. Definitely suitable for children and slightly boring for adults. Driven by the many positive reviews I decided to go. The Gemini 12 exhibited in the atrium is certainly noteworthy. Even the computers of the first control rooms. The shows, on the other hand, are not oriented towards an adult audience. Very nice staff. The ticket is around $ 30. The skyline seen from here is simply wonderful. (Original) Sono rimasto abbastanza deluso dal planetario. Sicuramente indicato ad un pubblico di bambini e leggermente noioso per gli adulti. Spinto dalle tante recensioni positive mi sono deciso ad andare. Il Gemini 12 esposto nell’atrio è sicuramente degno di nota. Anche i computer delle prime sale di controllo. Gli spettacoli sono invece poco orientati ad un pubblico adulto. Personale molto simpatico. Il biglietto si aggira sui 30$. Lo skyline visto da qui é semplicemente meraviglioso.

  • 5/5 Liz N. 3 years ago on Google
    Just awesome

  • 5/5 Juan o. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place. Must visit (Original) Precioso lugar. Visita obligada.

  • 4/5 Isaac M. 3 years ago on Google
    A good museum. It just always feels like it's missing something.

  • 5/5 Trevor W. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a fun place.

  • 4/5 Andrew R. 3 years ago on Google
    I have been here before

  • 4/5 Thrill of the M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to go with the kiddos and family when in Chicago. Load to learn. Always a good time.

  • 5/5 Wayne Allen S. 3 years ago on Google
    Informative

  • 4/5 Ittipat P. 3 years ago on Google
    Space enthusiasts will get a big bang (pun!) out of the Adler. There are public telescopes to view the stars, 3-D lectures to learn about supernovas, and the Planet Explorers exhibit where kids can 'launch' a rocket.

  • 4/5 Hankyung S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I think I went to the surrounding museum because of the Chicago card. But if you see that there aren't many photos, there's not much to see. (Original) 시카고 카드 있어서 주변 박물관 다갔던 것 같음 근데 사진이 별로 없는 것 보면 볼거리가 많지는 않은듯

  • 5/5 Hazel E. 3 years ago on Google
    We went there when we were on a field trip and it as really fun for the younger and older kids!

  • 5/5 ZZ Sanjay P. 3 years ago on Google
    A good place to visit with kids although a little expensive. The shows are good and informative. The Adler Planetarium is a public museum dedicated to the study of astronomy and astrophysics. It was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. It is located on the northeast tip of Northerly Island at the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. The Adler was the first planetarium in the United States and is part of Chicago's Museum Campus, which includes the John G. Shedd Aquarium and The Field Museum. The Adler's mission is to inspire exploration and understanding of the universe.

  • 5/5 Louis H. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing! Love learning about planet 9!

  • 5/5 Kyle S. 4 years ago on Google
    world-class city. world-class planetarium. world-class staff. ... see you there ;)

  • 5/5 Pedro G. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to learn about the Universe.. .

  • 5/5 Erik O. 4 years ago on Google
    I have been going here since I was a kid, and I appreciate it more and more every visit. The staff is engaging and friendly, and eager to help understand the exhibits. The accessible entrance is just off to the right of the main entrance. I will continue to patronize this find establishment for as long as I continue to live in the area! Thanks for another great family trip, Adler Planetarium!

  • 5/5 Casey C. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing

  • 5/5 Jack M. 4 years ago on Google
    Good, not great.

  • 4/5 K 4 years ago on Google
    It is a run-of-the-mill planetarium that does not stand out from other ones I have been to. You get to see 2 shows with your ticket, but I was pretty bored by them, and promptly fell asleep. The exhibits are also pretty much the same as other places, so I was unimpressed by it. If one is stressed for time, I would prioritize Shedd and Field over Adler. The other two are richer experiences.

  • 5/5 Christopher Sathish Swamy D. 4 years ago on Google
    We were pretty late to enter the Planetarium but enjoyed the time. Requires at least 3/4th of a day to cover most of the exhibits!

  • 5/5 Kristine 4 years ago on Google
    Really loved this planetarium, the others I have been to have been connected to science museums; kind of like an addition, not as a stand alone experience like this one is. You could easily spend hours here watching the presentations and going through the exhibit's themselves.

  • 4/5 William M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, amazing views.

  • 5/5 Sérgio G. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place

  • 5/5 zhenzhong c. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very suitable for taking pictures (Original) 非常适合拍照留念

  • 5/5 hojjat s. 2 years ago on Google
    The location offer accessibility and regular entrance. There is plenty of street parking. A Divy bike station is also next door just in case you would like to use the bike share. An amazing view of city of Chicago.

  • 5/5 Bailey 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing experience celebrating 25 years of Body-Solid at Adler Planetarium

  • 4/5 Lysa M. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty area and a good time! Make sure to check out their website to purchase tickets.

  • 5/5 Murtaza K. 2 years ago on Google
    This was my first official aquarium that I saw when I was in Chicago and it definitely didn't disappoint with its amazing architecture and collection of hundreds of different aquatic species it was a once in a lifetime experience to see a dolphin show and white shark last but not the least a baby whale that I would never forget. I would highly recommend to anyone to visit it once whenever you're in Chicago.

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 2 years ago on Google
    Small but nicely done. Their exhibit on the history of astronomy is probably the highlight.

  • 5/5 Jim P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the planetary museum of Chicago in the museum campus area. It is the smaller of the museums but there is a lot of neat exhibits inside. The building also has some classrooms for special events and training. Make sure to visit this when you are in the area. You can cover the entire space in one day.

  • 5/5 Bailee B. 2 years ago on Google
    SUCH A COOL PLACE! My only issue was walking to the planetarium the cold wind from the lake was hitting us so bad it felt like we were going to fly away 😂. So, I suggest getting a ride up to the door if you plan on coming here. Either way it was worth it.

  • 4/5 G. Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Breathtaking lake view of the city skyline! Lovely staff. The exhibitions are fun and informative, but some of the panels are a bit dated: we are two months into 2020 but several panels still talk about some spatial programs that already happened 2 or 3 years ago in the future tense. In any case, it's great for a half day trip, especially on the free days!

  • 4/5 Michael A. 2 years ago on Google
    I thought it had a pretty interesting display with lots of exhibits. It’s probably the best place you can go to get a good panoramic photo of the Chicago skyline too!

  • 3/5 Mario G. 2 years ago on Google
    This was my first time back since the pandemic started and the experience was pretty underwhelming. It was a smaller museum but the centerpiece of it (the dome) costed extra to go in. It is essentially an imax theater. The rest of the museum has a lot of information about space history and is a topic so broad that it is difficult to cover in such a small space. Up until this weekend, they had been closed for 2 years. I expected some renovations to be done over that time, but the place still looked old.

  • 4/5 Jacqueline H. 2 years ago on Google
    A gem in Los Angeles, CA. We have been taking our daughter since she was a little baby and she always finds something new to discover. As adults, we learn new things too. Best advice is to arrive right at opening to avoid the crowds. Start at the rain forest, after the butterflies, you go directly to the aquarium. All of the staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Tickets and food are pricey- but worth it.

  • 4/5 Debra R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place for older kids interested in science and for adults. Not much for younger children. The aquarium is pretty cool, and the planetarium shows are good. Luckily they had a nice little ice skating arena outside. That made my kids day. It is an extra charge. The museum isn't cheap. So be sure you're kids are interested in looking at things. Mine prefers "doing" things. For that I would suggest the Exploratorium.

  • 4/5 Nikkole S. 1 year ago on Google
    Schedule shows at least 3 hours ahead of time. They don't take late seating. You can walk (5mins) to Shedd Aquarium

  • 5/5 Pragathi R. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a huge huge place. Very nice exhibits. Good for kids to learn about lots of space stuff. The show was awesome a bit long but kids loved it so was worth it. Nice skyline view from the planetarium entrance. Nice little cafe for a light lunch. Loved the store lots of interesting stuffs for kids.

  • 5/5 Andreas �. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice Planetarium with a permanent exhibition. There are three theaters, space science exhibitions, including the Gemini 12 space capsule, and a collection of antique scientific instruments and print materials. A observatory is also in the complex. The shows took approx. 30 minutes. The views to the Chicago skyline is amazing. Visited April 2013

  • 5/5 Ganka N. 1 year ago on Google
    Went on the weekend and there wasn’t any long lines at the front desk . We got 2 free 30 minute movie passes with a city pass and enjoyed the whole day at the planetarium !

  • 5/5 Isabella M. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fun place to be!! The staff were incredibly kind and the show was super entertaining. My only complaint for the solar system show was a high pitched squeal every time there was a “space jump”.

  • 5/5 Lima B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to visit for all ages.

  • 5/5 Ashutosh P. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent shows and good place to learn about galaxy

  • 5/5 Afrah 1 year ago on Google
    loved that the planetarium suits any age

  • 4/5 Erik N. 11 months ago on Google
    The free shows are sold out before 7PM on Wednesday, no way to reserve in advance with Citypass. They also scan your Citypass (one use) prior to telling you the shows are actually sold out

  • 3/5 Dave K. 10 months ago on Google
    Smaller and less content than expected

  • 4/5 Ramona Z. 5 months ago on Google
    Interesting but it’s not a must see in the city. I would recommend it more for families with children. I would have expected more impressive facts. I attended the “imagine the moon” show and it was average. Overall nice.

  • 5/5 Fiona R. 7 months ago on Google
    I went for the free day for illinois residents and it was fun! me and my friend did not pay to enter the theaters but we spent about an hour walking through the exhibits. the constellation maker was a cool feature ! Afterwards we stopped at the little green gazebo and got chicago style dogs! really tasty, couldn’t find them on google to give them a good review.


Call (312) 922-7827 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair rental
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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