DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLANETARIUM — CHAMBERLAIN 267 



ment for that city. The dedication plaque has an inscription that 

 might have defined the purpose of the new enterprise : 



THE ASTRONOMICAL MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM OF CHICAGO 

 GIFT OF MAX ADLER 



To further the progress of science 

 To guide an understanding of the majesty of the heavens 

 To emphasize that under the great celestial firmament there is order, inde- 

 pendence and unity 

 1930 



Mr. Adler, in his dedication address, further amplified: 



Chicago has been striving to create, and in large measure has succeeded in 

 creating, facilities for its citizens of today to live a life richer and more full 

 of meaning than was available for the citizens of yesterday . . . 



The popular conception of the universe is too meager ; the planets and the 

 stars are too far removed from general knowledge. In our reflections, we dwell 

 too little upon the concept that the world -and all human endeavor within it are 

 governed by established order and too infrequently upon the truth that under 

 the heavens everything is interrelated, even as each of us to the other . . . 



The planetarium has been the subject of praise by scientists and educators. 

 One of them has characterized it as "a schoolroom under the vault of heaven" 

 and as "a drama with the celestial bodies as actors." . . . 



It is my hope that the youth of our city, and indeed of other cities, may 

 through this dramatization find new interests and fresh inspiration and also 

 that with the aid of the Planetarium and Astronomical Museum, science may 

 be advanced (Fox, 1932) . 



Thus the stage was set. The planetarium in the United States 

 was more than just an exhibit; it was to be an institution with several 

 masters to serve: education, science, pleasure, and the realm of the 

 spirit. 



The building was designed to implement the purposes as outlined 

 by Mr. Adler. The largest single space is allotted to the planetarium 

 chamber on the second floor, and surrounding it are exhibit areas, 

 offices, a library, and an entrance foyer. The lower level contains a 

 lecture hall, shops and work space, machinery rooms, rest rooms, and 

 additional exhibit areas. 



The attendance during the first year was 731,108 — certainly evidence 

 of the attractiveness of the new institution. During the Chicago 

 World's Fair, when the building was within the fair grounds, at- 

 tendance reached an all-time high of 925,156. Administratively, the 

 organization has been under the cognizance of the Chicago Park Dis- 

 trict. In practice, it has been an entity within itself, quite inde- 

 pendent from the District, especially where educational and scientific 

 policy are concerned. It has had the further advantage of advice and 

 assistance from the Adler Planetarium Trust, a group of interested 

 laymen headed by Robert S. Adler, son of the donor. 



