Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium will treat 85 sundials threatened by metal oxidation of silver, brass, and steel surfaces and by physical instabilities. These objects, largely made by European artisans from the 16th through 19th centuries, are distributed over six types: garden and portable horizontal dials, string-gnomon dials, compass dials, Augsburg-type dials, cube dials, and diptych and triptych dials. The conservation treatment to clean surfaces and stabilize physical conditions will be augmented by high-resolution digital conservation photography and the production of detailed treatment reports. Public programs and a three-episode video series distributed via the planetarium’s website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel will focus on sundial conservation and will feature footage of treatment in action. Outreach to professionals will take place via conference presentations, the planetarium’s website, and a scholarly collections catalog.