Adler Planetarium

The mission of the Adler Planetarium (Adler) is to inspire exploration and understanding of the universe. The Adler houses three theaters, nine exhibits, a lab where visitors can observe scientists working, and a collection of more than 8,000 unique artifacts. The Adler’s Doane Observatory contains the largest aperture telescope available to the public in Chicago. More than 500,000 patrons visit the Adler each year. This award provides renewed general operating support to the Adler Planetarium.

The Adler Planetarium supports the exploration and understanding of the universe with the particular aim of improving scientific education and literacy. It houses three theaters that feature sky shows, permanent exhibitions on topics like planet exploration, a lab where visitors can see scientists working, scholarly research, and a collection of 8,000 objects, books, works on paper, archival collections, paintings, and photographs. More than 500,000 people visit each year, including more than 70,000 students and teachers on school field trips. This grant will support ongoing exhibition work, visitor engagement efforts, and outreach programming as well as the general operations of the Museum.

In support of general operations (over five years).

In support of general operations (over five years).

In support of developing a long-range strategic plan and testing concepts on how your organization can be positioned to serve a larger audience in the future (over three years).