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Adler Planetarium

1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Opened in 1930 as the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, the Adler anchors the lakefront tip of Museum Campus with dome theaters, hands-on space exhibits, and historic telescopes and instruments. Sky shows plunge you into the cosmos, while galleries cover everything from the Apollo era to the search for exoplanets. Step outside afterward: the terrace along Lake Michigan frames the single most photographed view of the Chicago skyline.

  • #planetarium
  • #space
  • #museum campus
  • #skyline
  • #lakefront

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Adler Planetarium, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Shedd Aquarium

    $25–$50

    Belugas, dolphins, and 32,000 aquatic animals on the Museum Campus lakefront.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Field Museum

    $25–$50

    Meet SUE the T. rex and roam ancient Egypt in one of the world's great natural history museums.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Buckingham Fountain

    Free

    Grant Park's grand 1927 fountain fires its center jet skyward every hour, with music-and-lights shows after dusk.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Eat & Drink
    Date Night

    Chicago Oyster House

    $50+

    South Loop seafood and steak restaurant near McCormick Place known for fresh oysters and prime steaks.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Museums
    Iconic

    The Art Institute of Chicago

    $25–$50

    Home of American Gothic and a world-famous Impressionist collection, guarded by two bronze lions.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Money Museum

    Free

    Free exhibit on money and the U.S. economy inside the Chicago Fed's Loop headquarters.

    1.6 mi awayMore like this