Programs & Events

Special Events

Adler After Dark

Enjoy cocktails against the award-winning view of the Chicago skyline seen only from the Adler. Enjoy Adler's exhibitions or experience one of our immersive sky shows. Each month, Adler After Dark themes change to offer you a new and exciting experience.  Must be 21+ to attend.

Visit the Adler After Dark page to purchase your tickets.

Thursday, June 20, 6:30 to 10:30 pm

Astronomy Lecture

Join us for our Astronomy Lecture, The Sounds of the Future, presented by Dr. Fred Raab, on Friday, May 24 at 7 pm. Learn about LIGO, which is part of an evolving worldwide network of the largest and most sensitive surveying instruments on Earth that should be listening to the birth cries of black holes by the end of this decade.

Learn more about our Astronomy Lecture and how to purchase your tickets.

Observing Through the Ages

Join us as we use tools of the present and the past to learn more about the wonders of our universe during our Observing Through the Ages celebration on Wednesday, June 5 at 6 pm. Explore the special programs, lectures, theater shows, and telescoping viewing. 

This is a FREE event ($5 extra for shows). 

Learn more about our Observing Through the Ages celebration.

Daily Programs

Beyond the Dome Tour

Go Beyond the Dome with Adler staff in a personal tour of the Adler’s exhibitions and its all-digital Definiti Space Theater.  You will learn about an actual space invader, look through a Galilean telescope, and witness spectacular simulations—not available in any show.

Every day: 2:15 pm

Non-members: $3
Members: Free

Adler Activity Carts

Our activity carts encourage you to use your sense of exploration and your keen observations to discover something new. Facilitated by trained staff and volunteers, these hands-on experiences provide Adler guests with the opportunity to investigate a variety of space science topics. 

Please check the daily activity signs for times and locations.

Free with general admission

Telescope Observing

View the Sun safely using Adler’s telescopes. To guarantee flexibility during your visit, our telescopes are accessible on a first come first-served basis, weather permitting. 

Mondays and Thursdays: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Free with general admission

Open Lab

During SVL Open Lab hours, you can look behind the scenes at the technology and processes used to construct space visualizations, play with new technology, and learn how scientists use data to create images.

Monday – Friday: 12 pm to 1 pm

Free with general admission

Astronomy Conversations

Have you always wanted to meet the people behind the science at the Adler? SVL's Astronomy Conversations, you can exchange ideas with Adler space science and technology experts and learn more about ongoing Adler projects.

Monday – Friday: 2 pm to 3 pm

Free with general admission

KICP Saturdays

Scientists from the Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics at the University of Chicago, talk to guests in the SVL about their dynamic research taking place at the South Pole, deep in mines, and on Chilean mountain peaks.

Saturday: 1 pm to 3 pm

Free with general admission