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 Educator Professional Development Workshops

Calling all K-12 educators! We’re pleased to announce that Yerkes will once again be hosting a series of educator professional development workshops during Summer 2025. Join us at the observatory for a half-day workshop focused on incorporating NGSS-inspired activities into your curriculum. Participants in this event will tour the observatory, learn how to facilitate and…

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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…

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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,…

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Save the Date: 2025 Open House Schedule

We’re so excited to welcome you all for our 2025 Open House season! This year, we’ll be hosting four open houses. Each event is rain or shine and includes a variety of activities for you and your family, with unique speakers and themes. Make sure to save the dates below!  As we get closer to…

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Exploring the Night Sky Tour Dates for Spring 2025

Exploring the Night Sky with the Great Refractor tour tickets for Spring 2025 are available now on our ticketing website! With only 12 tickets available for each tour, this exclusive evening illuminates the inner-workings of Yerkes Observatory after dark. Curated by our Astronomy Team, each tour features a viewing of the cosmos with the largest…

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