The Adler Planetarium's first new exhibition since 2019, Stargazers Hub, opened Saturday, July 29. Stargazers have long used special tools to spot details in the sky. The same sky that captivated our ancestors continues to inspire new generations of explorers. People across time and all over the world have shared the act of toolmaking to strengthen their connection to the cosmos and gaze up at the stars. In the Adler Planetarium's new exhibit, Stargazers Hub, you’ll see how people made, used, and shared tools for observing the sky with a multisensory journey through time.
Curated by Dr. Katie Boyce-Jacino, the new exhibition, which takes up a large section of the Adler’s lower-level exhibition space, includes a look at many rare astronomical objects, including one of the oldest known telescopes in existence. The original 1930 terrazzo tile floor has been uncovered for the first
time in decades and includes an elaborate compass rose inset into the tile. It is the first time anyone has seen this beautiful element of America’s first planetarium. Snap a selfie at the wall of mirrors, feel the shape of a mirror, and peer through a field of lenses at a hands-on observation station. Take a look at a variety of astrolabes, sundials, telescopes, and other tools used throughout the centuries to explore the mysteries of the sky we all share.
“This space allows guests to get up close and personal with some of the many tools we’ve used to look up at the sky. It’s also a chance for the museum to bring out some of our rarest and most mysterious artifacts—ones that we’ve never shown to the public before,” said Dr. Katie Boyce-Jacino, who joined the Adler this year as Curator and Director of Collections. “My personal favorite is an astrological dial that may (or may not) be able to tell your future.”
This mysterious device was probably used by a professional astrologer to compare birth charts and special events. But we’re not really sure! This is the first time this delicate instrument has ever been put on display!
Stargazers Hub is included in all Adler admission packages. Tickets are available now, and must be purchased online, in advance of your visit. For more information about the exhibition, click here.
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