In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the telescope, the Adler Planetarium opened a new exhibition, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass, on May 22, 2009. The most comprehensive exhibition of its kind to date, Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass presents the technology used to gather information about the Universe. From Galileo’s first observations in the 17th century to the leading-edge technology employed by the Hubble Space Telescope and to the adaptive optics used in the telescopes of today and tomorrow, the exhibition shows how these amazing instruments have changed our concepts of the Universe and of our place in it.

Featuring some of the world’s most important telescopes and one-of-a-kind hands-on interactives, the exhibition will explore the extraordinary beauty and technology of these amazing instruments and the objects they enable us to discover. As science changes every day and the Universe evolves, telescopes continue to provide new views that improve our understanding of the marvelous cosmos in which we live.

3-D Vision: Imaging the Universe examines state-of-the-art scientific visualizations – from close up on the surface of Mars, to the Big Bang, to the formation of galaxies with hundreds of billions of stars.

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure is an original planetarium show based on the popular children’s show Sesame Street.

IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System

Join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy in IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System.

3D Universe: A Symphony

The Adler is proud to present this inspiring musical tour of the universe as one of our special contributions to the International Year of Astronomy, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first use of a telescope to explore the skies.

Cosmic Collisions

Narrated by award-winning actor, director, and producer Robert Redford, Cosmic Collisions launches visitors on an awe-inspiring trip through space and time-well beyond the calm face of the night sky-to explore the hypersonic impacts that drive the continuing evolution of the Universe.

Skywatchers of Africa

Skywatchers of Africa is a fascinating exploration of Africa and the cultural uses of the sky that developed over thousands of years

Take an in-depth journey through the cosmos with Night Sky Live!, presented in the historic Sky Theater.

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About the Adler Planetarium

Take advantage of the Adler’s free on-site telescopes for a breath-taking view of Chicago’s world-famous skyline. Recently named one of USA Today’s “Ten Great Places to Study Skylines of the World,” the Adler Planetarium telescopes are available to museum visitors during regular museum hours (weather permitting). On the first Friday of every month, get a glimpse of the night sky through Chicago’s largest public telescope, the Doane Telescope, during the Adler’s monthly Far Out Friday event. Check www.adlerplanetarium.org for more details.

Location and Travel Information

The Adler Planetarium is located at 1300 South Lake Shore Drive on the shores of Lake Michigan on Chicago’s beautiful Museum Campus. Exit Lake Shore Drive at 18th Drive, continue north on Museum Campus Drive. Then veer right onto Solidarity Drive. Cash-only parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Adler.

Adler Planetarium - 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

Regular Schedule Monday – Friday Saturday and Sunday Adler After Dark (Third Thursdays)

Hours 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.† 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.† 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.