The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, located in the heart of Chicago, is a historic house museum that showcases the life and style of the Gilded Age. The museum is housed in the Samuel Mayo Nickerson Mansion, which was built in 1883 and is an iconic example of the luxurious residences of Chicago’s elite during the late 19th century. You can visit this wonderful museum at 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611.
The mansion was designed by the architecture firm Burling and Whitehouse, who were known for their elaborate and ornate designs. The building features a mix of styles, including Romanesque and Renaissance Revival, and is adorned with intricate stonework, carvings, and frescoes. The interior of the mansion is equally lavish, with marble floors, stained glass windows, and a grand staircase that leads to the second floor.
In 2003, the mansion was purchased by Richard H. Driehaus, a Chicago-based investment manager and philanthropist. Driehaus restored the mansion to its former glory and opened it to the public as a museum in 2008. The museum’s mission is to educate visitors about the cultural and aesthetic values of the Gilded Age and to inspire them to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of this era.
The museum’s collection includes over 25,000 objects, including furniture, decorative arts, and paintings, all of which date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the objects in the collection were created by renowned designers and artists of the time, such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, Herter Brothers, and Gustav Stickley.
One of the highlights of the museum’s collection is the Tiffany Dome, which is located in the central rotunda of the mansion. The dome is made up of over 30,000 individual pieces of glass and is one of the largest and most elaborate examples of Tiffany glass in the world. The dome was restored in 2008 and is now a centerpiece of the museum’s collection.
Another notable feature of the museum is the Ballroom, which is located on the second floor of the mansion. The Ballroom was designed by Burling and Whitehouse as a grand entertaining space and features a large fireplace, a minstrel’s gallery, and intricate plasterwork. Today, the Ballroom is used for special events and private functions.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. These exhibitions and programs explore various aspects of the Gilded Age, from the decorative arts to social issues and cultural trends.
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Gilded Age. The mansion’s opulent design and exquisite collection of objects offer a glimpse into a bygone era of American history, and the museum’s educational programs and exhibitions provide context and depth to the experience.
If you’re planning a visit to Chicago, be sure to include the Richard H. Driehaus Museum on your itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about the past, you’re sure to be captivated by the museum’s stunning architecture and rich collection of objects. Next article.
Driving Directions To Mayambo Dance Academy From This POI
Driving Directions To The Next POI