Exhibitions

Gravity Shapes the Universe is a three room exhibit that talks about gravity on Earth, in Space and in the extreme environment of a black hole.

The Adler has launched the most immersive, hands-on exhibition ever created for families at the museum. The exhibition Planet Explorers offers a great space adventure packed with excitement and fun. Each child becomes a space explorer and embarks on an awe-inspiring journey through the Universe to the mysterious Planet X.

Location: Upper Level (see map)
Appropriate for: Families with children ages 3-8

The Adler’s Galaxy Wall is the largest, most complete view of our galaxy — the Milky Way — ever made.

Location: Lower Level (see map)
Appropriate for: All ages

Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass presents the technology used to gather information about the Universe. Featuring some of the world's most important telescopes and one-of-a-kind hands-on interactives, the exhibition explores the extraordinary beauty and technology of these amazing instruments and the objects they enable us to discover.

Location: Lower Level (see map)
Appropriate for: All ages

Shoot for the Moon at the Adler! This permanent exhibition highlights the exciting stories of space exploration and America's bold plans to return to the Moon.

The exhibition begins with A Journey with Jim Lovell, featuring the fully-restored Gemini 12 spacecraft and the Lovell Collection of personal space artifacts. In Mission: Moon, young visitors discover the thrills and dangers of being an explorer and imagine their own futures in space.

Location: Upper Level (see map)
Appropriate for: All ages

Our Solar System is much more than a star and eight planets. Explore the many worlds — planets, moons, dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids — that orbit the Sun.  Drive a rover that's examining the surface of Mars or shoot projectiles into a soft surface to size up the craters they leave behind.

Location: Upper Level (see map)
Appropriate for: All ages

Learn about a time in history when people believed that the Earth was the center of the Universe. The exhibit features spectacular astrolabes, armillary spheres, and sundials to illustrate the medieval European and Middle Eastern conception of the Universe.

Location: Lower Level (see map)
Appropriate for: Ages 8 and up

The beauty of the starry night sky disappears more and more each year.  Check out what the night sky could be like if light pollution were reduced!

Location: Lower Level (see map)
Appropriate for: All ages

Open through January 1, 2012.

Cyberspace features computer-based interactive exhibitions, VisionStations providing realistic immersive experiences of the Universe, and up-to-date information on current astronomy.

Location: Lower Level (see map)
Appropriate for: Ages 8 and up

The Adler Planetarium is partnering with Midway International Airport to present From Earth to the Universe, a collection of astronomical images that will showcase dramatic views of our Universe.

Midway International Airport
O'Hare International Airport

Appropriate for: All ages

Explore some of our favorite exhibitions from the past.