One more place to enjoy near Chicago in Illinois
Step into the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, nestled in a beautifully restored mansion that dates back to 1883. This museum offers fascinating exhibitions that showcase the captivating world of architecture, art, and design spanning from the 19th century all the way to the present. Explore the rich history and creativity of these fields as you wander through the museum’s halls.
The museum is housed in the grand Nickerson Mansion, known as “the Marble Palace” due to its extensive use of marble in the entrance hall. It was founded by a philanthropist in 2003 and has since been renamed after them. Inside, you will find a reception room adorned with intricate woodwork and various items from the museum’s permanent collection. One notable piece is a Tiffany Studios lamp from the early 1900s. Moving on to the front parlor, it showcases original Renaissance Revival furniture that belonged to the Nickerson Mansion. The dining room is a sight to behold with its elaborately carved oak and a silver punch bowl that was first exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The museum’s permanent collection also features highlights such as a gem-encrusted inkstand, a ceramic clock, multiple chandeliers, paintings, sculptures, and various decorative items.