Chicago CityPass: Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute?

It was a rainy, no good, very blah weekend in Chicago.  Thanks to Choose Chicago, I had a Chicago CityPASS to explore the city.  The ChicagoCityPASS gives you access to five different attractions in Chicago.  Some of the CityPASS tickets require that you choose one of two options.  Since the observation decks at Willis Tower and the John Hancock Building would be stymied by cloud cover, I chose to explore an indoor venue.

 The Chicago CityPASS offers the following option on a single ticket:  access to the Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute of Chicago.  Here are three reasons why choosing the Adler Planetarium is a better fit for those looking for a quieter experience.

1) The Art Institute is one of the premiere art museums in the world. It has been consistently voted as one of the top three museums in the world by TripAdvisor. This makes it a great, but crowded place to visit. There are fewer people clamoring to get into the Adler Planetarium.

2) The Planetarium is located on museum campus in Chicago.  With just a 10 minute walk, one could visit the Shedd Aquarium or the Field Museum.  While the Art Institute is located on Michigan Avenue next to Millennium and Grant Parks, park strolling in a downpour is not my idea of fun.

3) There are currently six different shows available at the Adler Planetarium.  Here, one can sit under a dome shaped screen and feel lost in space. Not only is it a humbling experience, it also provides a brief respite from hours spent on one’s feet. The Chicago CityPASS provides access to not one, but two shows.  The domed Grainger and Definiti theatres may provide too much stimulation for some visitors. Luckily, the flat screened Johnson theatre and kids themed shows are a bit tamer.

A tip for entry: even if you see a long line looping out the doors and down the stairs, don’t be alarmed. Those with a Chicago CityPASS can bypass the general line via Fast Pass access. While there were no docents directing CityPass holders on my visit, I discovered this bonus.  Save yourself the trouble and find an employee to help you with your line navigation.

In summary, if you are looking for a little less stress, fewer people, and greater opportunities to rest your feet, the Adler Planetarium is your better bet with the Chicago CityPASS.