Collections

The Adler is home to one of the largest and most significant collections of historic scientific instruments in the world. The Adler’s collections also include rare books, manuscripts, archival materials, models, and photographs.
Online Catalog
The Adler’s online collections catalog allows anyone and everyone to search our digitized collection of objects, books, historical photographs, and archival materials, at the touch of their fingertips or click of a button.
Search our CatalogAt the Adler
Items from the Adler’s collections can be found throughout the museum in our exhibition spaces, including Mission Moon, Astronomy in Culture, and Telescopes: Through the Looking Glass. Items are also featured at Adler After Dark and Members’ Night events at our Collections Corner where you can chat with our collections staff in person!
Plan Your VisitSocial Media
Collections items are regularly featured on the Adler’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. To catch the latest posts, be sure to follow us online!
On Google Arts and Culture
The Adler Planetarium’s partnership with Google Arts and Culture provides an online exhibition space where tens of thousands of visitors (worldwide!) have already gained access to the stories that make the Adler a place of discovery and wonder.
Check it outOther Resources
For research appointments, download and fill out the Research Request Form below and submit to astrohistory@adlerplanetarium.org.
Download Research Request FormFor rights and reproductions requests, please email astrohistory@adlerplanetarium.org.