Planetary Machines: Views of the Universe

The great age of planetary machines—mechanical devices to show the movements of bodies in the Solar System—was from about 1700 to about 1900. The Adler Planetarium has many of them in its collection, and has borrowed a few more. Ranging from Grand Orreries to delicate pocket-sized models, from richly colored engravings of room-sized machinery to softly glowing mechanized lantern slides, the planetary machines featured in this exhibit will fascinate children and adults alike.