Dark Matter Day
When: Sunday, November 2, 2025
Time: 11:00 am–3:00 pm
What is dark matter? Why do we think it exists? Why is it so hard to detect?
Join us for Dark Matter Day on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 11:00 am–3:00 pm, and talk to astrophysicists about one of nature’s biggest mysteries–dark matter! You’ll find interactive activities and demonstrations around the museum along with mini-talks in the Space Visualization Lab.
Perfect for all ages!
When you purchase a Museum Entry +1 ticket, you will get the chance to add on a one-day-only, dark matter-themed planetarium show at 12:00 pm, The Dark Matter Mystery. The show takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics. You will see why we know that dark matter exists, and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer.
Meet visiting scientists across the museum from:
- Fermilab
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Northwestern University
- University of Chicago
This event is open to all museum visitors with paid museum entry. To see a dome show, you must purchase an Museum Entry +1 or +2 ticket or add on a show at the box office. We recommend reserving your show tickets in advance of your visit to ensure capacity, as our shows do sell out.
The Dark Matter Mystery Dome Show
Time: November 2, 12:00 pm
Location: Space Theater
We know today that approximately a quarter of the universe is filled with a mysterious glue: dark matter. We know that it is out there. But we have no idea what it is made out of.
The Dark Matter Mystery takes you on the biggest quest of contemporary astrophysics. You will see why we know that dark matter exists, and how this search is one of the most challenging and exciting searches science has to offer. Join the scientists on their hunt for dark matter with experiments in space and deep underground.
Will they be able to solve the dark matter mystery?
To see this show during your visit, select either our Museum Entry +1 or Museum Entry +2 ticket packages.
Learn More About Dark Matter
Dark matter. What is it? Why can’t we see it? And how is it related to dark energy and the Big Bang?
Every day, we (the astronomers at the Adler Planetarium) get asked curious questions about the universe. When a fan recently emailed us asking for an overview of the Big Bang, dark matter, and dark energy, our astronomer Dr. Geza Gyuk did what he does best—explained those extremely complex topics in a way that blew our minds and left us screaming follow-up questions for days.
Thanks To Our Partners
Dark Matter Day has been celebrated for the past decade by organizations around the world sharing the mysteries of Dark Matter through interactive demonstrations. This program is brought to you in collaboration with FermiLab, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, and Illinois Institute of Technology.
