Explore Adler Planetarium in Chicago and Step into Outer Space
When I think of Chicago, I don’t think of outer space. But when I learned the Adler Planetarium housed the Gemini 12 space capsule, the museum was quickly added to my “Things to do in Chicago” list. I could’ve spent about three hours exploring everything the Adler Planetarium has, but my time on this visit was pretty limited.
However, if you plan to visit Chicago, I recommend adding the Adler Planetarium to your itinerary. Here’s a rundown on what you’ll find during your visit.
Tickets and Directions to Adler Planetarium
All tickets must be purchased online in advance of your visit. Depending on how much time you have to spend at the museum, you can pick your ticket type. Here’s a rundown on the ticket options, listing adult and children (ages 3-11) prices:
- Star Pass – Annual pass for unlimited visits and Sky Shows for a full year. ($65 individuals; $180 family)
- Museum Entry + 2 Pass – Single-day entry to the planetarium, plus your choice of any two Sky Shows ($35 adults; $24 children)
- Museum Entry + 1 Pass – Single-day entry to the planetarium, plus your choice of one Sky Show ($28 adults; $17 children)
- Museum Entry Pass – Single-day entry to the planetarium ($19 for adults; $8 children)
- Chicago CityPASS – Access to five top attractions in Chicago, including the Adler Planetarium’s Museum Entry +2 Pass ($114 adults; $93 children)
The Adler Planetarium is located near three other popular Chicago attractions – Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum. The easiest way to access any of these sites is via UBER/Lyft – that way you don’t have to worry about parking and you can be dropped off at the entrance.
Public transportation is another great option, with bus and train stops near the Adler Planetarium.
Parking is available nearby, but you’re looking at a daily parking rate of $25. Find the best options for your visit from the Alder Planetarium website.
The Mercury, Gemini and Apollo Space Program
Besides enjoying planetariums and space museums, there was one main reason I wanted to visit Adler Planetarium. They have one of the Gemini capsules from the early space program. The Gemini 12 capsule, flown by Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin, is a popular artifact at the planetarium. It’s where we began our visit, because I had to make sure I saw this capsule. After all, I’ve got a small-scale model of a Gemini capsule autographed by Aldrin and Lovell. But what’s more, I’ve met Lovell – so it’s amazing to see the capsule he flew in from all those years ago.
The exhibit area dedicated to the early space program is amazing. They have some artifacts from Jim Lovell himself, including the letter he received from NASA when he was denied access to the Mercury Program. Well, he stuck with it and was brought back for the Gemini and Apollo programs.
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In addition to the Gemini 12 capsule, they also have an interactive exhibit area where you can test your problem-solving skills. Can you power up the Apollo 13 Command Module without using too much electricity? Do you go with the parachutes? Communication? Guidance? Stabilizers?
Although this exhibit area is only a small piece of what the Adler Planetarium has to offer, I recommend starting here and taking your time to learn about the history.
Learn about the Planets in our Solar System
Can you name all of the planets in our solar system? As you wander through the next exhibit area, read about each of the planets orbiting our sun. The exhibits share lots of facts about the planets’ surface, atmosphere, core and more. You can even look up above you to see models of the planets if that will help you visualize it.
As you read about Mars, you can also check out replicas of some of the rovers exploring the surface of the Red Planet. This includes Ingenuity – the helicopter that’s part of the Perserverance rover.
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You may find a line at one interactive exhibit. You can see how impact craters are made in the dusty surface of the moon (which I know is not a planet). Wait for the timer to reach zero, then push the red FIRE button. Air will shoot from above and leave a crater in the heavy dust. It happens quickly, so be ready.
Another popular exhibit is the opportunity to command an orbiter over the Martian surface. If it’s a busy day at the museum, you may have to wait in line for this one as well. But it looked like fun – though I didn’t get a chance to give it a try.
Catch a Documentary or Show in the Theaters
There are two separate dome theaters at the Adler Planetarium, which means you’ll have several options and showtimes to choose from. You can add one or two shows to your tickets when you book them online. If you are using your Chicago CityPASS, you’ll pick your show times when you check in at the planetarium.
NOTE: If you’re planning to watch one or even two shows, you’ll want to dedicate 3-4 hours to your planetarium visit.
Although the show lineup may change, here’s a rundown on the ones that were available as of the writing of this article:
- Destination Solar System
- Imagine the Moon
- One World, One Sky
- Planet Nine
- Skywatch Live
Each of the shows are about 20-30 minutes. Find a complete description of the shows on their website.
Other Exhibits at the Adler Planetarium
You could easily spend a few hours at the Adler Planetarium. After visiting all the areas I’ve talked about above, here are a few others you’ll want to explore as you continue learning about our discoveries in outer space.
Chicago’s Night Sky (Lower Level)
With all the city lights of Chicago, it’s not very easy to see the stars overhead. The Adler Planetarium gives you the opportunity learn about the stars in the sky with an entire exhibit area on the topic. In fact, you can create your own constellation by connecting the dots (stars) on a touchscreen and then seeing how it would look in the night sky. My constellations name… Carltonaut. There’s also the Atwood Sphere, but it wasn’t currently in operations during my visit – but there’s a photo of it above.
Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass (Lower Level)
Have you ever wondered where telescopes were developed? Or maybe even how they evolved from small spyglass things pirates used to telescopes the size of a school bus orbiting our planet? This exhibit area will answer all your questions and walk you through the history of this important stargazing tool.
The Universe: A Walk Through Time and Space (Lower Level)
Our universe is massive. There’s so much we still don’t know about it. But this exhibit area walks you through what we have learned and the theories about its origins.
Planet Explorers
If you’ve got toddlers with you, this is the area you want to explore. There are so many playful, hands-on exhibit areas, including a playground of sorts. You (or your child) can drive a remote controlled rover, equipped with a video camera. You can also pump up and launch a 2-liter bottle rocket to see how high you can launch it. There’s lots of room for your kids to run around and explore.
The Space Shop
Before wrapping up your visit, make a stop in the Space Shop. You can buy some great souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats and educational activity kits so you can continue the learning back home.
The Details
Address: 1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605
How long to spend: A minimum of two hours. If you plan to catch some of the documentaries or shows (a.k.a. Sky Shows), plan on 3-4 hours for your visit.
Cost: Basic entry is $19 for adults and $8 for children. Other ticket options include Sky Shows. You can also purchase a Chicago CityPASS if you plan to explore other hot spots in Chicago.
Hours: Friday-Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 4-10 p.m.; Closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays so school groups can visit the Adler Planetarium (Oct-May). Check their website for hours specific to your visit timeframe.
Website: https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/
Phone: (312) 922-7827
DISCLOSURE: I received one complimentary museum admission and one Sky Show access to the Adler Planterium for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.
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