Rick Strusiner Associates Architects

The Adler Planetarium is a must-visit spot for astronomy enthusiasts and those interested in space exploration. Founded by philanthropist Max Adler in 1930, it was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere and remains the oldest. The planetarium boasts three full-size theaters, including the Sky Theater planetarium, where visitors can enjoy various shows and presentations about the night sky. The Sky Theater projector can recreate every aspect and movement of the night sky, giving visitors an incredibly realistic experience. The Definiti Space Theater, an addition made in 1999, comes equipped with a digital full-dome video environment for an immersive experience. Visitors can also enjoy sculptures outside the planetarium, such as the "Man Enters the Cosmos" sundial and a statue of renowned astronomer Nicholas Copernicus. The lobby's dedication plaque is also a work of art, depicting the gods and goddesses that represent each planet, except for Pluto, which had yet to be discovered at the time of the plaque's creation.

The Illinois Railway Museum is where you can learn about the history of railway transportation and its impact on the country. The Museum houses over 400 pieces of original equipment from when railroad transportation was essential for industrial purposes and everyday life in America. These pieces of equipment include horsecars, steam locomotives, and passenger cars. The Museum also exhibits and operates restored rolling stock and equipment on a demonstration rail line. Moreover, it collects, preserves, and maintains a reference library of publications, technical information, and other materials related to railroads, railways, and transportation for research and other purposes.