Adler Reveals Plans for Space Shuttle Display

The Adler Planetarium hopes to add a space shuttle to its list of attractions

Adler Planetarium amped up its bid to be the home of a retired space shuttle orbiter.

The museum released a sketch on Thursday of the glass pavilion and learning center it would build if it's picked to house the shuttle.

There's no word yet on the expense or size of the pavilion, but according to the rendering, the shuttle would be suspended and seen from various vantage points inside and outside the museum.

In one direction, the shuttle would look out over Lake Michigan, and in the other direction, it would face the skyline, said Adler President Paul H. Knappenberger Jr. in a news release.

The Adler is one of 21 institutions across the country in the running to house the retired shuttle. NASA will announce the shuttle's permanent destination on April 12, the 30th anniversary of the first shuttle flight.

Knappenberger credits Adler's 80-year history and its relationship with astronauts, technicians and engineers who served in the shuttle program as reasons Chicago should win.

"Chicago is simply the best place for the shuttle," Knappenberger said.

Contact Us