Adler Planetarium Cosmology Gallery Exhibit Design

Adler Planetarium sought to create a cosmology gallery that translates complex scientific theories into an engaging, accessible experience for visitors of all ages. The exhibit needed to convey the scale and history of the universe within a limited physical footprint, while clearly differentiating the gallery from the surrounding museum environment. The gallery also had to support interactive learning, digital media, and evolving educational content.

GFT designed an immersive exhibit that transforms a compact space into a clear, intuitive, and interactive narrative of the history of the universe. Using spatial compression and expansion, lighting, sound, and integrated digital media, the design helps visitors understand abstract concepts such as scale, time, and cosmic evolution. Visitors begin in a narrow, low-light entryway that represents the universe’s origins, and then progress through a sequence of spaces that gradually open and unfold.

Throughout the gallery, interactive exhibit stations and multimedia displays translate complex scientific research into accessible, hands-on learning experiences. Architectural elements, including curved walls, suspended forms, and integrated projections, reinforce the educational narrative while guiding visitor flow. The result is a cohesive, adaptable environment that supports exploration, encourages curiosity, and connects scientific discovery to human experience.