The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is housed in the Nickerson Mansion, a historic residence completed in 1883 in Chicago's Near North Side. Often referred to as the 'Marble Palace,' the building is a premier example of Gilded Age architecture, featuring an opulent interior characterized by intricate woodwork, stained glass, and marble finishes. It was originally commissioned by Samuel M. Nickerson, a wealthy banker and industrialist, to showcase his extensive art collection.
Today, the museum serves as a center for the study and appreciation of late 19th and early 20th-century decorative arts. The collection includes significant works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, as well as period-appropriate furniture and fine arts that reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the era. The mansion itself underwent an extensive restoration process before opening to the public in 2008, preserving its original architectural integrity.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Marble, Mahogany, Stained glass, Limestone
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via elevator
- Date(s)
- 1879-1883
- Condition
- Restored and active as a museum
- Original Function
- Private Residence
- Key Figures
- Samuel M. Nickerson, Richard H. Driehaus, Burling & Whitehouse
Construction and Early Years
1879-1883The mansion was designed by the architectural firm Burling & Whitehouse for Samuel M. Nickerson. It was constructed during a period of rapid growth in Chicago following the Great Fire of 1871, serving as a symbol of the city's burgeoning industrial wealth.
Institutional Use
1900-2002Following the Nickerson family's departure, the building served various institutional roles, including as the American College of Surgeons. These years saw significant interior modifications to accommodate office and meeting spaces, though the core architectural features remained largely intact.
Restoration and Museum Opening
2003-2008Philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus purchased the property in 2003 and initiated a comprehensive restoration project. The goal was to return the mansion to its original 19th-century grandeur, leading to its public opening as a museum in 2008.
Cultural Significance
The Driehaus Museum is a vital repository for the material culture of the American Gilded Age. It provides a rare, immersive look at the domestic life and aesthetic values of Chicago's elite during the late 19th century. By preserving the Nickerson Mansion, the museum maintains a tangible link to the architectural history of Chicago's 'Millionaire's Row.'
Interpretive Notes
Scholarly debates and areas of uncertainty
Discussions regarding the museum often center on the balance between historical preservation and the requirements of modern museum curation. Scholars occasionally debate the extent to which the restored interiors reflect the original 1883 state versus the subsequent layers of occupancy.
Visiting Information
Entry Rules
Open Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased 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 are generally quieter. 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 photography requires prior authorization.
Nearby POIs
10 shownSources & Further Reading
- [1]The Nickerson Mansion: A Chicago Landmark — Rolf Achilles. Driehaus Museum Press (2010)
- [2]Chicago's Gilded Age Architecture — John Zukowsky. Art Institute of Chicago (2005)
Key Facts
- Materials
- Marble, Mahogany, Stained glass, Limestone
- Civilization
- American
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible via elevator