History & Heritage

Step into a place where scientific breakthroughs, architecture, and human stories have shaped more than a century of discovery.

Step Into the Story

At Yerkes, history unfolds around you. You move through it room by room, detail by detail.

Walk Through Time

Move through spaces that date back to 1897, when Yerkes first opened and helped shape a new way of studying the universe.

See the Details

Look closely at the architecture, materials, and craftsmanship that reflect the ambition behind the original design.

Meet the People Behind It

For decades, Yerkes was home to some of the most influential figures in astronomy, including Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman, and Carl Sagan.

Built to Last

Many original features remain in place today, offering a clear view into how the observatory was designed, used, and cared for over time.

Tours & Events

Go Behind the Scenes

Tours at Yerkes go beyond astronomy. They bring together architecture, history, and the stories that shaped the observatory.

SOLD OUT – Open Houses

Our Open Houses are sold out for 2026. Check back for more info in 2027! Hands-on discovery for all ages. Interactive demonstrations, themed evenings, and joyful exploration across science, nature, history, and the arts.

Director’s Hidden Spaces

Wind through staircases, corridors, and tucked-away rooms rarely open to the public. A behind-the-scenes look at the observatory few get to see.

Space & Spaces Tour

Stand beneath the world’s largest refracting telescope. Explore sweeping architecture and the human stories that shaped modern astronomy.

Frostlights

Yerkes transforms into a winter galaxy of light and sound inside the architectural masterpiece dome housing the world’s largest lens telescope.

Restoration

Preserving What Matters

After more than 125 years of history, the observatory is undergoing a long-term restoration to preserve both the building and the grounds. This work is happening piece by piece, from repairing historic masonry to updating interior spaces for future use.

History in Motion

Follow the Story of Yerkes

The story of Yerkes stretches across generations of scientists, discoveries, and milestones. Explore the moments that transformed an ambitious vision into one of astronomy’s most influential observatories.