Adler Planetarium and Museum of Astronomy in Chicago (Chicago, USA) – expositions, opening hours, address, phone numbers, official website.
Even if you are completely far from science, and in the night sky you can reliably recognize only the Moon, it is still worth paying attention to the Chicago Adler Planetarium. At least in order to see what they are – modern high-tech museums dedicated to space. The Adler Planetarium appears to its guests in several guises: it is a fascinating museum, a real scientific institution, a space theater, and a restaurant with original futuristic interiors. The monumental building of the planetarium is spread over 11 thousand square meters. m, next to this colossus you feel like a grain of sand in outer space. And the history of the creation of this giant began in 1928, when the enthusiast Max Adler, who retired from business, decided to give his native city something really worthwhile. Two years later, he made his dream come true, and in 1930. the first American planetarium opened its doors to visitors. In addition to the construction itself, the philanthropist sponsored the purchase of numerous astronomical, navigational and clock instruments, the collected collection is still considered one of the richest in the world.
The Adler Planetarium appears to its guests in several guises: it is a fascinating museum, a real scientific institution, a space theater, and a restaurant with original futuristic interiors.
The 1960s became decisive in the history of the space museum. In pursuit of the task of expanding its scientific and educational mission, the planetarium was not only enlarged territorially, but also acquired cutting-edge technology. In particular, a Zeiss Mark VI projector was purchased for him. In 1973, the underground part of the planetarium was built, and for a quarter of a century, visitors got inside through the underground entrance with the original glass structure. The external appearance of the Grunsfeld building has been preserved to this day, but one could only dream of seeing such spectacular performances and high-tech “stuffing” 85 years ago.
According to mcat-test-centers, the Chicago Planetarium was the first not only in the United States, but throughout the Western Hemisphere.
At the Adler Planetarium
The pavilions and halls of the planetarium are located on two levels. The centerpiece is the Grainger Sky Theatre, the oldest celestial theatre, which uses the latest digital projectors. The permanent exhibition Our Solar System, dedicated to the solar system, is housed in the Sky Pavilion. Its main task is to tell about celestial bodies endlessly circling our Sun. Here you will learn about the planets, their satellites, minor planets (such as Ceres and Vesta), and with the help of interactive attractions, children can create their own crater on Mars and imagine a meteorite falling to Earth. In the Mission Moon pavilion, the eternal satellite of the Earth — the Moon, as well as the history of travel to it, comes to the fore. The main exhibit is the recreated ship of the Gemini 12 mission and related artifacts.
The permanent exhibitions located on the lower level cover a wide range of topics related to astronomy and celestial observation techniques. There are also space theaters here, where fascinating space-themed performances and spectacular 3D shows broadcast by a modern digital system take place all day long. Unique performances seem to take viewers into outer space with comets flying by. The guests witness the birth of supernovas and galaxies in our Universe, see the result of the absorption of black holes.
By the way, behind the main building there is a scientific observatory with a full-fledged telescope, where lectures for astronomy enthusiasts are organized in the deep evenings with the possibility of observing celestial bodies.
Since 1987, the Adler Planetarium has been considered a national historical landmark.
After visiting the museum itself, do not deny yourself the pleasure of taking a walk around its surroundings. The sculpture “Man goes into space” is installed nearby, which allows you to measure time by the Sun. The path leading from the Planetarium to the Shedd Aquarium has been called the “Road of Solidarity” since 1998 in honor of the movement of Lech Walesa, on which you can see the monuments of the great Poles: Havlicek, Kosciuszko and Copernicus (a copy of the statue of Thorvaldsen). By the way, the views of Lake Michigan here are simply excellent, it is no coincidence that the park near the planetarium is popular among newlyweds who come in search of romantic scenery for wedding photos.
Useful information
Address: Chicago, S Lake Shore Dr, 1300, Museum Campus.
Phone: +1 (312) 922-78-27.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 – 16:00, Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 – 16:30.
Entrance: 19 USD, for children from three to 11 years old: 8 USD.
How to get there: buses number 130 and 146 leave for the museum campus, and the Metra Rail line with the Museum Campus / 11th Street stop is very close.
Website.
The prices on the page are for June 2021.
