Adler Planetarium history

The building of the Adler Planetarium was designed by the architect Ernest A. Grunsfeld, Jr.. The project garnered him the 1931 gold medal of the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

* 1933 Book: Adler Planetarium and Astronomical Museum, An Account of the Optical Planetarium and a Brief Guide to the Museum By Philip Fox

Their efforts were successful when, in 1937, the Buhl Foundation agreed to construct a planetarium and science institute for Pittsburgh.

The Buhl Planetarium and Institute of Popular Science opened in 1939.

F. Wagner Schlesinger became Adler’s Director in 1945.

Albert V. Schatzel served as Acting Director until 1960, followed by Robert I. Johnson.

1964 The Astro-Science Workshop was launched as an accelerated science course for gifted high school students.

The Adler was operated by the Chicago Park District until 1968, when it incorporated as a nonprofit institution with its own board of directors.

These new facilities opened to the public on May 12, 1973.

1974 In January, The Adler’s first taped planetarium show, Comet Tales, premiered in the Sky Theater.

1977 The Doane Observatory opened as Chicago’s first high-powered public telescope.

1980 The Adler’s 50th anniversary celebration brought attendance to its highest point since the Century of Progress World’s Fair.

1986 The Adler launched its Chicago’s Brightest Star campaign.

Menke, David H. "Phillip Fox and the Adler Planetarium." The Planetarian 1987 Januzry.

By 1990, the Adler had raised $7.1 million for construction, new exhibitions, and an educational endowment.

Paul Knappenberger arrived as president in 1991, determined to move the Adler to the forefront of public education in astronomy.

1996 The Adler announced the Universe is Expanding campaign to fund a 60,000 square-foot addition, a complete renovation of the original building, and creation of new exhibition galleries.

1997 Ground was broken on the expansion project.

Scanlon passed-away on 1999 November 27, at the age of 96 years.

2001 The Center for Space Science Education opened at the Adler with the help of NASA and the State of Illinois.

In September, the Celestial Ball surpassed the $1 million mark in gross revenues, a ten-fold increase since the Womens Board was invited to host the event in 2002.

2005 On May 12, 2005, the Adler kicked off its 75th anniversary with a renewed commitment to academic achievement, public education, community partnerships, and museum visibility.

2007 The Boeing Company announced a $5 million commitment to help construct a new exhibition for the museum’s youngest visitors.

McCormick, John and Jill Zuckman. "McCain, Obama clash." Chicago Tribune On-Line 2008 Oct.

2009 The Grainger Foundation announced a $5 million commitment to help restore the Adler’s historic Sky Theater, the first planetarium theater in the western hemisphere.

2010 Planet Explorers–the Adler’s first major exhibition for young children (ages 3-8)–opened in the newly-named Boeing Exploration Center.

Johnson, Steve. "Countdown to 'wow'." Chicago Tribune 2011 June 21.

2012 In March, Adler President Paul H. Knappenberger Jr. announced he would retire at the end of the year, after 21 years of service to the institution.

2013 In January, Michelle B. Larson, PhD, became the Adler’s ninth leader and first female president and chief executive officer.

2014 In May, Destination Solar System debuted as the new marquee show in the Grainger Sky Theater.

2015 In April, the Adler celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Apollo 13 mission and re-opened Mission Moon, an interactive exhibition that tells the story of America’s first steps to the Moon, featuring artifacts from Captain Jim Lovell’s personal collection.

2016 In May, the Adler debuted a new sky show, Planet Nine, which the Chicago Tribune called, “the Adler’s best sky show yet.”

2017 The Adler’s Year of the Eclipse kicked off with the opening of a new temporary exhibition, Chasing Eclipses, in March.

Other highlights of 2018 included the launch of Letters to Lovell—a letter-writing campaign asking the public to share stories of how Captain Lovell has inspired them.

2019 The Adler celebrated the 50th anniversary of humankind’s first steps on the Moon throughout the year.