Accessibility

Whether you visit us on Chicago’s Museum Campus or engage with one of our programs out in the community, we recognize the diverse needs and abilities of our guests and are committed to providing an engaging environment for each and every one.

For assistance planning your visit, specific questions, or feedback, please contact guestservices@adlerplanetarium.org.

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Parking & Transportation

Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available in the Chicago Park District‘s lot adjacent to the Adler Planetarium closest to the Accessible Entrance of the building. There are several reserved accessible parking spaces in this lot that are first come first served.

Passenger Drop-Off

The passenger drop-off area is located in the U-shaped turnaround in the front of the building.

Public Transportation

CTA: The Chicago Transit Authority employs a range of features and services to provide transit that is accessible to people with disabilities. 100% of vehicles (both buses and railcars) are accessible. The CTA train stop closest to the Adler is Roosevelt, which is also 100% accessible, and this stop services Red, Orange, and Green lines. This train stop offers connections to the #146 bus located at State and Roosevelt Road. For routes, schedules, and fares please visit the CTA website or call (312) 836-7000.

RTA: The RTA Trip Planner allows travelers to plan trips in the Chicago region using public transit (CTA, Metra, and Pace buses and trains) that include driving, biking, and walking directions. For regional travel information, please visit the RTA Trip Planner or call (312) 836-7000.

Pace Bus: Pace Suburban Bus may offer prearranged paratransit services in your area. Learn more by calling +1 (800) 606-1282 (TTY 708-339-4062) or viewing Chicago ADA Service information.

Metra Train: Visit the Metra website or call (312) 322-6900 for schedule information, fares and other related travel information.

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Building Access

Accessible Entrance

The Adler Planetarium’s Accessible Entrance is located next to the Telescope Terrace, which is located to the right of the main entrance when facing the museum. The entrance is equipped with automated push-button entry doors.

Elevators

Elevators are located throughout the museum and provide access to all floors. Please see the map for elevator locations.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are located on the mid-level in both the north and south areas of the building. There is a single-occupancy restroom on the mid-level south area, just inside the Leffmann Education Center.

Theaters

Each of our three theaters has designated seating for guests using wheelchairs and their companions.

Mobility Devices

Mobility devices are permitted in all public areas of the Museum. Manually-operated wheelchairs are available free of charge at both box offices on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Advance reservations are not available.

Service Animals

Service animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are welcome in all public areas of the Museum in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In rare instances, the Adler may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health or safety restrictions, or where service animals may be in danger.

Please refer to the museum map for the location of accessibility features as referenced above.

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Additional Resources

Assisted Listening Devices

The Adler provides assisted listening devices free of charge for guests that may need support hearing shows and presentations in all three theaters on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Guests can learn more and check out the system at either box office. 

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning of narration at select dome shows is available for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing via their personal mobile devices. To access captioning, visit adlercaps.org. Assistance with this service is available at the box offices or in the theaters.

Food Allergies and Special Dietary Needs

The Cosmic Cafe provides a variety of freshly prepared options, including an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please note that the Cafe does not have an allergen-free kitchen. Guests with special dietary needs or who suffer from sensitive or life-threatening food allergies are welcome to bring pre-prepared foods to the museum. For allergen information or questions regarding menu items, please contact our Food For Thought team at FFT@adlerplanetarium.org.