Experience this reimagined and reawakened international landmark! This 1.5 hour tour involves astronomy, architecture, restoration, and human stories of the cosmic castle in the arboretum.
It requires climbing staircases and visiting small spaces thus is not wheelchair accessible. $46 for adults. Ages 10-18 are $24. Kids 9 and under are $7. This is our classic tour of the new and old Yerkes.
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For the adventurous who don't mind climbing winding staircases, ducking pipes, and exploring small spaces where astronomers work, this behind-the-scenes tour is your ticket!
This is not for kids under 15 or for anyone concerned with physical demands. Not wheelchair accessible. 1hr 45mins. $79 for adults. Kids ages 14-18 are $49. Friday mornings only.
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With only 12 tickets available, this exclusive 2-hour experience illuminates the inner-workings of Yerkes after dark. During the tour, our Telescope Team will take you on a journey through the night sky with the largest refracting telescope in the world if skies are clear.
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This family-friendly evening is hosted by Dean Regas, the acclaimed astronomer, educator, author, expert in observational astronomy, and national popularizer of astronomy. For ten years, Dean was the co-host of the PBS program Star Gazers. Don't miss the chance to see him at Yerkes on Thursday, July 24th at 6pm!
Capacity sponsorship for this program is provided by Ann M. Drake and the Kikkoman Foods Foundation.
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Beekeeeper Pete (the legend!) from Bee All About It and the Brookfield Zoo makes it super fun to learn about bees and the five hives in the Yerkes apiary on Sunday, August 3rd at 3pm! This family-friendly talk and active demo includes romping through our pollinator meadow and visiting the colorful hives in our arboretum.
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We're elated to have Dr. Katie Mack at Yerkes on Thursday, August 14th at 6pm! A brilliant writer and speaker, Katie will discuss the conclusion of the universe and her influential book The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking) in this enticingly-titled talk from a great mind at the forefront of science communication.
Capacity sponsorship for this program is provided by Ann M. Drake and the Kikkoman Foods Foundation.
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Join us at Yerkes Observatory for an Open House! We'll have telescopes on the South Lawn, presentations, food, and educational activities for you and your family.
• Friday, August 15, 7:30pm-9:30pm – Perseids Meteor Shower Open House
• Saturday, October 4, 6pm-8pm – Community and International Observe the Moon Night
Jeanne Gang is one of the most influential architects of our time. Drawing insight from ecological systems, she creates striking places that connect people with each other, their communities, and the environment. Join us on Thursday, July 17th at 4pm as she discusses her design approach and the work of her architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang--including their designs of a transformative addition to New York's American Museum of Natural History, and Chicago's 101-story St Regis Tower.
She'll then be joined by Ann Drake, the founder of the Women's Leadership Center at Williams Bay for an in-depth conversation about Studio Gang's design of the Center's new campus and buildings. Located a stone's throw from the Observatory, the WLC is under construction and expected to open in 2026. The conversation will be facilitated by Yerkes Future Foundation Director Dennis Kois.
Capacity sponsorship for this program is provided by Ann M. Drake and the Kikkoman Foods Foundation.