News

Want to Know What's Happening Here?

As Yerkes has become a space at the confluence of culture, art, and science, we have so much going on. From our speaker series to our roster of tours to our star parties, keep up to date by getting on our email list, following us on social media, and visiting us in person. We're forever evolving into a place of diverse programs for kids and adults alike. Writers, artists, sculptors, photographers, musicians, engineers, chemists, tech innovators, and astronomers are collaborating to understand how science inspires the arts and how the arts inspire cosmic discovery. We're eager to work together at this epicenter of BIG IDEAS. What was a dormant institution a couple years ago and a construction site under full restoration just last year is now a vibrant place filled with enthusiasm, focus, and new voices in conversation. Discover what’s happening in Cobb & Hale's three domes and the junction of Olmsted ellipses. More importantly, discover how you can tap into the energy.

2025 Perseids Meteor Shower Open House

Join us for our yearly Perseids Meteor Shower open house on Friday, August 15 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm! We’re thrilled to be joined by our friends at Lake County Astronomical Society and Adler Planetarium, who are volunteering their time to provide observing outside on our South Lawn if clear and hands-on activities inside the building….

Read More

2025 Summer Solstice Open House

Join us for our yearly Summer Solstice open house on Friday, June 20 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm! We’re thrilled to be joined by the Northwest Suburban Astronomers, who are volunteering their time to provide observing outside on our South Lawn if clear. We’ll also have exciting family activities that connect us to our Sun, engaging…

Read More
The Great Refractor telescope pointing at the night sky through the dome's shutter.

We are hiring!

We are excited to announce that we are hiring a new outreach assistant! This position offers a rare opportunity for the right candidate to make their mark on one of the iconic institutions and landscapes in the history of science. The goal of the Yerkes Future Foundation is to ensure Yerkes continues to advance astronomy…

Read More
Yerkes Observatory at night during an open house event

2025 Messier Marathon Open House

Join us for our yearly Messier Marathon open house on Saturday, March 22 from 7:30pm – 9:30pm! We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Milwaukee Astronomical Society, where they’ll provide an educational presentation about Messier objects and marathons, and observing outside if clear. We’ll also have exciting family activities, a virtual reality exploration of gravity,…

Read More

Founding Yerkes Board Chair Dianna Colman Hands Off Leadership

After six years as Board Chair of the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF), Dianna Colman stepped off the Yerkes Board of Directors last week as her second term as a Foundation trustee came to an end. Mrs. Colman, who was among the leaders of the effort to save, restore, and revitalize Yerkes Observatory that began when…

Read More