Driehaus Museum - Image 1

Chicago,United States of America

Driehaus Museum

MuseumOpenGilded AgeBelle Époque

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

1879-1883

The 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

1900-2003

Following 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

2003-2008

In 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.

Preservation Notes

Visitors are requested not to touch the furniture, woodwork, or decorative objects. Large bags and coats must be checked at the cloakroom to protect the historic interiors.

Nearby POIs

10 shown

Sources & Further Reading

  1. [1]
    The Nickerson Mansion: A Gilded Age Treasure — Richard H. Driehaus Museum. Driehaus Museum Press (2010)View
  2. [2]
    Chicago Architecture: A Guide to the City — John Hill. Chicago Review Press (2017)