FAQ

Membership Questions

• How may I purchase an Adler Planetarium membership?
  Adler Planetarium memberships can be purchased three different ways: on-site at one of the museum’s two box offices, over the phone by calling the members’ hotline at (312) 322 0332, or online.
• How much of my membership is tax-deductible?
  The Adler encourages members to consult with an attorney to determine fully accurate tax information. As a general rule, the tax deductible portion is:
  All but $20 of an Individual membership is tax deductible
  All but $30 of a Family membership is tax deductible
  All but $50 of a Family Plus membership is tax deductible
  Memberships at $250 level and above are fully tax deductible
  
• What is the difference between BASIC and ANNUAL FUND memberships?
  Annual Fund members receive all the benefits of basic membership, plus additional benefits according to level of support. Annual Fund members support thrilling new exhibitions, sky shows, research and education programs that inspire tomorrow's explorers.  Visit our annual fund page for more information.
  The Alan B. Shepard Society is the museum's premier philanthropy circle for donors of $1,000 or more. Visit the The Alan B. Shepard Society page for more information, or join today.
• Do Adler members get discounted parking privileges?
  The Chicago Park District owns all parking on Museum Campus. Because the Chicago Park District sets parking rates and monitors the lots, the Adler is not able to offer discounted parking rates.
• How many guests may I bring?
  Each Individual and Student/Senior membership is valid for the cardholder and one guest for a total of two (2) admissions. Each Family membership is valid for two adults and up to four (4) children in one household under 18 years, for a total of six (6) admissions. Family Plus memberships receive free admission and sky shows for two adults and up to six children for under 18 years, eight (8) admissions in total. Additional admissions and sky shows may be purchased at the box office.
  
• Will the Adler sell my contact information?
  The Adler does not sell contact information, but occasionally makes our members' mailing addresses available to local cultural organizations and scientific publications for one–time use. We do not share phone numbers or email addresses. Our partners do not share mailing information with catalog distributors or other charities.
  
  Please contact the Adler members' hotline at (312) 322 0332 or email supportadler@adlerplanetarium.org to request that your name be removed from these mailing lists.

Important Notice about Parking

Due to the changing concert schedule on Northerly Island and at Soldier Field, the Adler Planetarium cannot guarantee available parking. Please note Museum Campus parking is owned by the Chicago Park District and managed by Standard Parking. Call the members' hotline at (312) 322 0332 for updated information about upcoming events. Public transportation maps and schedules to the Adler are available at www.rtachicago.com.

Members’ Hotline

For further information about the Adler Planetarium membership program, please contact the members’ hotline at (312) 322 0332 or email supportadler@adlerplanetarium.org.

Volunteer Questions

• What do I need to know about astronomy?
  Knowledge of astronomy is not mandatory! Adler volunteers have a wide range of experiences, knowledge and interest. A common thread among our volunteers is a curiosity for science and the mysteries of space. There are a variety of positions for many levels of expertise and interest designed to accommodate your schedule and all volunteers participate in training and orientation.
• What do I get as a volunteer?
  More detailed information about volunteer benefits is available online.
• What are the requirements?
• Commit to volunteering for at least one year.
• Volunteer on a regular weekly or bi-weekly schedule for most positions, and at least 15 hours a year as a special event volunteer.
• For the majority of positions, volunteers need to be at least 17 years old.
• Complete orientation, training, and all forms.
• All volunteers must undergo a criminal background check.
• How do I apply to become a volunteer?
  Learn more on our volunteer page.
• Can I volunteer for a one-day event?
  Yes! Some of the Adler's events, such as Astronomy Day and Adler After Dark are conducive to a one-time commitment. Please contact the volunteer manager at volunteer@adlerplanetarium.org for more information.
• Can I telecommute / volunteer from home?
• Most positions require you to be at the Adler to complete volunteer tasks. For those volunteers with advanced micro-engineering or computer design backgrounds, please look at our Far Horizons Assistant position.