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Meet us where the moon is within reach
There are two planetariums in Chicagoland; this is the one with free parking!
The Cernan Earth and Space Center features a modern, digital planetarium and exhibit hall on the campus of Triton College in River Grove.
Planetarium programs take audiences of all ages on exciting voyages of discovery. Astronomy and space exploration are the most popular topics, but programs also touch on other subjects, including biodiversity, geology, meteorology, paleontology, history, culture and many more.
In the exhibit space, visitors can see local hero Gene Cernan’s spacesuit from his Apollo 10 mission and related artifacts, examine prehistoric fossils and learn about different types of telescopes.
If you are interested in bright lights, loud music and less educational value, all generations can enjoy a cosmic light show, where laser imagery and giant visual effects perform to the music of Queen, Prince, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift and more!
The planetarium can also be booked for private events such as birthday parties, proposals, or just a night out with a group of friends. Think outside the box by thinking inside the dome!
On your way out, stop by the Star Store giftshop to browse a selection of unique merchandise for budding or avid Earth and space science enthusiasts or for yourself!
The Cernan Earth and Space Center is open year-round, but it's best to consult the online schedule at Triton.edu/Cernan for planetarium show times.
Public planetarium programs are typically Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. (Early Explorers) and 2:30 p.m. (General Audiences) and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. (General Audiences) and 8:30 p.m. (Cosmic Light Show). Extra programs are added during the summer and around some holidays.
The exhibits and Star Store giftshop are free and open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as Saturdays between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Visitors are always welcome and should grab a monthly sky calendar to get outside and find cool stuff in the real night sky.
Costs vary depending on the type of show.
Children 2-17: $3-$5
Adults 18-54: $3-$10
Seniors (55+): $3-$5
Students: $3-$5
Triton College students: Free
Most educational programs include a guided tour of the current night sky and maybe a few cosmic surprises! Educators are available for questions during and after each show.
The Cernan Earth and Space Center is located on the Triton College campus in River Grove. It is a 30-minute drive from downtown Chicago. Free parking is available on campus.
If using GPS, type in Cernan Earth and Space Center instead of Triton College.
For turn by turn directions, see the campus map here.
