Accessibility
The Adler Planetarium recognizes the diverse needs and abilities of our guests and is committed to providing an engaging environment for each and every one.
Below is an overview of the resources and services that are available. For assistance planning your visit, specific questions, or feedback, please contact guestservices@adlerplanetarium.org or (312) 922-7827.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is available in the Chicago Park District‘s lot adjacent to the Adler Planetarium or in the parking garage at Soldier Field. Metered street parking is also available but is limited.
The standard rate for the Chicago Park District’s lot is $25 per car, but rates change frequently due to activities like football games, concerts, and other special events. All parking on the Museum Campus is owned by the Chicago Park District and managed by Standard Parking. For the most current parking information, visit the Soldier Field Parking website.
There are several reserved accessible parking spaces in the Chicago Park District’s lot adjacent to the Adler. This lot is closest to the Accessible Entrance.
The passenger drop-off area is located in the U-shaped turnaround in the front of the building.
CTA: The Chicago Transit Authority employs a range of features and services to provide transit that is accessible to people with disabilities. 100% of vehicles (both buses and railcars) are accessible. The CTA stop closest to the Adler is Roosevelt, which is also 100% accessible.
For routes, schedules, and fares please visit the CTA website or call (312) 836-7000.
RTA: The RTA Trip Planner allows travelers to plan trips in the Chicago region using public transit (CTA, Metra, and Pace buses and trains) that include driving, biking, and walking directions.
For regional travel information, please visit the RTA Trip Planner or call (312) 836-7000.
#146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express/Museum Campus arrives at the Adler Planetarium 5:55 am–10:40 pm weekdays, 6:00 am–10:40 pm Saturday, and 6:00 am–10:40 pm Sunday and departs 7:00 am–11:35 pm weekdays, 6:50 am–11:40 pm Saturday, and 6:50 am–11:35 pm Sunday.
#130 Museum Campus runs mid-May through Labor Day, arrives at the Adler Planetarium 9:30 am–5:25 pm weekdays, 9:30 am–5:30 pm Saturday, and 9:30 am–5:30 pm Sunday, and departs 9:55 am–6:05 pm weekdays, 9:55 am–6:00 pm Saturday, 9:55 am–6:00 pm Sunday.
The closest CTA Train stop is the Roosevelt CTA stop servicing Red, Orange and Green lines. This stop offers connections to the #146 bus located at State and Roosevelt Road.
Pace Suburban Bus may offer prearranged paratransit services in your area. Learn more by calling +1 (800) 606-1282 (TTY 708-339-4062) or viewing Chicago ADA Service information.
Visit the Metra website or call (312) 322-6900 for schedule information, fares and other related travel information.
Building Access
The Adler Planetarium’s Accessible Entrance is located in the Leffmann Education Center, which is located to the right of the main entrance when facing the museum . The entrance is equipped with automated (push-button entry) doors.
Elevators are located throughout the museum and provide access to all floors.
Accessible restrooms are located on the mid-level in both the north and south areas of the building. There is a single-occupancy restroom on the mid-level south area, just inside the Leffmann Education Center.
Each of our three theaters has designated seating for guests using wheelchairs and their companions.
Mobility devices are permitted in all public areas of the Museum. Manually-operated wheelchairs are available free of charge at both box offices on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Advance reservations are not available.
Service animals trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability are welcome in all public areas of the Museum in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In rare instances, the Adler may prohibit the use of service animals in certain locations due to health or safety restrictions, or where service animals may be in danger.
Other Resources
The Adler provides assisted listening devices free of charge for guests that may need support hearing shows and presentations in all three theaters on a first-come, first-served basis with photo identification. Guests can learn more and check out the system at either box office.
Closed captioning of narration at Adler sky shows (except for Skywatch Live!) is available for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing via their personal mobile devices. To access captioning, visit http://adlercaps.org. Assistance with this service is available at the box offices or in the theaters.
The Cosmic Cafe provides a variety of freshly prepared options, including an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Please note that the Cafe does not have an allergen-free kitchen. Guests with special dietary needs or who suffer from sensitive or life-threatening food allergies are welcome to bring pre-prepared foods to the Museum. For allergen information or questions regarding menu items, please contact our Food For Thought team at FFT@adlerplanetarium.org.
