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.
Calling all K-12 educators! We’re pleased to announce that we will once again host our popular educator professional development workshops during Summer 2026. Participants in this event will tour the observatory, connect with regional like-minded educators, learn how to facilitate and receive materials for a hands-on activity, and attend a lunch-and-learn session that explores techniques…
We’re so excited to welcome you all for our 2026 Open House season! This year, there will be a couple of changes to this popular event. Our Open Houses will still include open exploration of the observatory, a scavenger hunt with prizes, engaging demos and hands-on activities, a chance to see the world’s largest refracting…
We are excited to announce that we are hiring an education specialist to support our growing education and outreach offerings at Yerkes! 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. One of the major goals of…
We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 undergraduate summer internship at Yerkes Observatory! We encourage all eligible students to apply after reading the information and program FAQ below. By participating in this internship, students will: Applications for the internship closed on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5pm CT. Applicants should expect to hear back from us…
Exploring the Night Sky with the Great Refractor tour tickets for Spring 2026 are available now on our ticketing website! We are thrilled to announce that tours will now take place three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. With only a small number of tickets available for each tour, this exclusive evening illuminates…