The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is housed within the Nickerson Mansion, a historic residence completed in 1883 in Chicago's Near North Side. Often referred to as the 'Marble Palace' during its heyday, the building serves as a premier example of Gilded Age architecture and interior design, featuring elaborate woodwork, stained glass, and marble finishes.
The museum focuses on the fine and decorative arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its permanent collection includes significant works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, as well as period-appropriate furniture and art objects that reflect the opulent lifestyle of Chicago's elite during the city's rapid industrial expansion.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Marble, Mahogany, Stained glass, Brick
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via elevator
- Date(s)
- 1879-1883
- Condition
- Restored and active museum
- Original Function
- Private residence
- Key Figures
- Samuel M. Nickerson, Richard H. Driehaus, Burling and Whitehouse
Construction and Early Years
1879-1883The mansion was commissioned by Samuel M. Nickerson, a wealthy banker and president of the First National Bank of Chicago. Designed by the architectural firm Burling and Whitehouse, the home was intended to showcase the family's status and taste, utilizing the finest materials available at the time.
Institutional Use
1900-2003Following the Nickerson family's departure, the building served various institutional roles, including housing the American College of Surgeons. During this period, the interior underwent modifications to accommodate office use, though much of the original architectural detail remained intact.
Restoration and Museum Opening
2003-2008In 2003, philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus purchased the mansion to prevent its demolition. A comprehensive five-year restoration project was undertaken to return the interiors to their original 19th-century splendor, leading to the museum's public opening in 2008.
Cultural Significance
The Driehaus Museum is a vital repository for Gilded Age history in the Midwest. It provides a rare, immersive look at the domestic environment of the American industrial elite, contrasting the extreme wealth of the era with the broader social and economic shifts occurring in Chicago at the turn of the century.
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions often center on the balance between historic preservation and the functional requirements of a modern museum, particularly regarding the display of decorative arts within a space that is itself a primary artifact.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door. Guided tours are available and recommended for a deeper understanding of the mansion's history.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience for viewing the intricate interior details. The museum often hosts seasonal exhibitions that provide additional context to the permanent collection.
Photography
Personal photography is permitted for non-commercial use without flash or tripods. Professional or commercial photography requires prior authorization.
Nearby POIs
10 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Nickerson Mansion: A Gilded Age Treasure — Richard H. Driehaus Museum. Driehaus Museum Press (2010)View
- [2]Chicago Architecture: A Guide to the City — John Hill. Chicago Review Press (2017)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Marble, Mahogany, Stained glass, Brick
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via elevator