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.
With only 12 tickets available for each tour, this exclusive evening illuminates the inner-workings of Yerkes Observatory after dark. Curated by our Telescope Team, each tour features a viewing of the cosmos with the largest refracting telescope in the world if skies are clear. If skies are not clear, we’ll delve into Yerkes vaults with…
Join us for our Solar Eclipse Open House! We’ll have a livestream of the total eclipse, *safe solar observing outside if the weather is clear, family activities, presentations, and more for your family to enjoy. Want to learn more about solar eclipses before the event? Check out our solar eclipse page here! The Open House…
Join us for Open Houses this year! Each event is rain or shine and includes a variety of activities for you and your family. Every open house has a theme, so please see the list below. This does not include the use of the telescopes in the building. Reservations are required. Tickets for this event cost $5 per child…
Calling all K-12 educators! We’re pleased to announce that Yerkes will be hosting a series of professional development workshops during summer 2024. 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 receive materials for…
Join us for Yerkes Messier Marathon Open House! We’ll have telescopes on the South Lawn, presentations, food, and educational activities for you and your family. March 9th from 6:00pm-8:00pm, rain or shine. This does not include the use of the telescopes in the building. Reservations are required. Tickets for this event cost $5 per child and $10 for adults…