Comments on: Against the Infantilization of the Natural History Museum https://www.isegoria.net/2012/05/against-the-infantilization-of-the-natural-history-museum/ From the ancient Greek for equality in freedom of speech; an eclectic mix of thoughts, large and small Fri, 01 May 2026 09:53:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 By: Frank Lurz https://www.isegoria.net/2012/05/against-the-infantilization-of-the-natural-history-museum/comment-page-1/#comment-2488557 Frank Lurz Sat, 13 Aug 2016 00:24:56 +0000 http://www.isegoria.net/?p=29038#comment-2488557 The devolution of the Adler Planetarium is a heartbreaking tragedy! That place was once a magnificent temple of learning open to everyone. At the age of twelve I learned about celestial navigation, precession of planetary axes, optics, atmospheric refraction, planetary motion and so much more. The Adler once served the needs of anyone, of any age, who had an interest surpassing the satisfaction derived from seeing galaxies colliding, planets being blown to bits or astronauts being eaten by dinosaurs. Today, a kid captivated by the mysteries of the universe must first buy a ticket, just to get in. And for what? Simply to be entertained by the sort of pap found appealing by an empty-headed dunce! Like Marshall Field, Andrew Carnegie, Paul Mellon, John D. Rockefeller and so many other philanthropists of his moral stature, Max Adler had a noble vision. Today’s directors of the Adler Planetarium now pursue a far more noble vision — money — at the expense of their own raison d’être!

]]> By: Former Adler Planetarium Fan https://www.isegoria.net/2012/05/against-the-infantilization-of-the-natural-history-museum/comment-page-1/#comment-515875 Former Adler Planetarium Fan Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:25:24 +0000 http://www.isegoria.net/?p=29038#comment-515875 The Adler Planetarium in Chicago during my youth was filled with understated displays of ancient brass astronomical instruments, large and very clear backlit photographic plates and a dome show scored with Debussy and Bach.

But now, Chuck E. Cheese is a perfect analog.

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