Adler Planetarium lays off 120 employees

The Adler Planetarium, celebrating its 90th anniversary this week, announced that it has laid off 120 part-time and full-time employees as the organization seeks to survive in “the post-pandemic future.”

“Based on the recovery plans set forth by the Illinois governor and Chicago mayor’s offices, which responsibly recognize the serious nature of this pandemic, it is clear we will not be in a position to reopen our physical facility for quite some time,” Adler spokeswoman Jennifer Howell said in a statement Thursday. “Therefore, we are looking at ways to position the museum to viably serve the public and deliver our mission in a virtual environment for the time being.”

Howell said the layoffs have been distributed “organization-wide” and in “all departments.”

“The Adler’s remaining staff will focus on transforming and scaling the museum’s unique offerings to serve constituents and communities through digital engagement while determining how to safely reopen to the public when we are able,” Howell said.

Laid-off employees with continue to be be paid through the end of July, she said.