Adler Planetarium
- Architect
- Ernest Grunsfeld, Jr
- Year
- 1930
- City
- Chicago, IL
The Adler Planetarium opened May 12, 1930, as the first planetarium built in the United States. It was founded by Chicago businessman Max Adler and designed by architect Ernest A. Grunsfeld Jr., who won the Chicago AIA chapter's gold medal in 1931 for the design. Sited on the tip of Northerly Island on Lake Michigan, it anchors the Museum Campus alongside the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History.
the building
Museum Campus lakefront site. The planetarium sits on the northeastern tip of Northerly Island, giving it an unobstructed lakefront setting shared with the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum as part of Chicago's Museum Campus.
Doane Observatory and collections. The Adler operates the Doane Observatory, a research-active public observatory, alongside three theaters and a collection that includes the Gemini 12 space capsule and antique scientific instruments.
the architect
Ernest A. Grunsfeld Jr. designed the Adler Planetarium, earning the Chicago AIA chapter's 1931 gold medal for the design.
significance
Operated by the Chicago Park District, the Adler was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
nearby
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Wholesale Furniture Exposition Building
- William W. Kimball House
- John J. Glessner House
- Crane Company Building