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The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
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Ma
Review №1

Loved the Eternal Light exhibit. The staff is very friendly. The home is exquisite. Love Tiffany. The wall coverings throughout are intricate and amazing. I cannot believe I have not been here sooner.

Br
Review №2

Incredible home, mind blowing craftsmanship, and a chance to experience how the ultra-elite lived at the turn of the 19th century Chicago. Intriguing art exhibition as well.

An
Review №3

We made arrangements for a tour online from our hotel. It was easy and turned out to be a great way to spend a cold morning. This home is a rarely experienced slice of Americana. What a wonderful and beautiful gift to the city that this is so well preserved. A big plus is that after the tour we were free to return to the rooms at our own leisure. Another positive afdition, photographs are allowed. The guides were friendly and informative. We moved along at a decent pace but there was always time for questions. So many details were explained. There is an elevator and some rooms have seating.

Fe
Review №4

Exquisite look into the past. Phenomenal Craftsmanship. Worth the trip.

Ja
Review №5

An incredible well maintained museum to tour if you want a glimpse of affluent life in a different era. The design, level of detail and craftsmanship are breathtaking. Every room had its distinct purpose.

Ke
Review №6

Great slice of the gilded age in Chicago. Beautiful details. Worth the admission, ($25 with tour) and the guided tour was informative and well delivered. The Tiffany exhibit was in when we visited. Beautiful venue for the exhibit. If you love Chicago, highly recommend.

An
Review №7

Exceptional historical mansion and good highlights tour (heavily recommended if you visit, its 25$ all included).Moreover, the Tiffany studios exhibition was astounding (September 2019) and the Shonibare mannequins were interesting too.Great stuff at the shop, pricey as you would expect.

gi
Review №8

It was so amazing, they were having a tiffany glass exhibit at the same time so I received double the exhibit. I am a history buff that has been completely absorbed in the guilded age for the past 3 years so to see it in all its glory through the house was amazing.

Jo
Review №9

If you’re into history, art, or architecture this is a great find. Heck even if you’re not your mind is sure to be captivated while touring this museum and former residence. Be sure to check out the details in each room including the wood floors and fireplace mantels. Each are unique and inspired by exotic locations across the world. Bring your student ID for a great deal. They have rotating exhibits year round that don’t disappoint and keep us going back time after time.

Wo
Review №10

Magnificent house interior well worth the time to visit. The level of details and finishes is stunning. A nice break from the downtown shopping area. Entry price a bit steep at $20 but this is not your usual museum either - all is superbly kept.

ca
Review №11

Astonishingly beautiful house in the middle of Chicago. Its a must visit if your in the city. Incredible glass tiles and glass ceilings everywhere. Dont miss the venerable in the mens toilette.

Jo
Review №12

Exquisite quality of craftsmanship. A bit overdone, less is more. Class and money are not always related...Do suggest a visit.

Ga
Review №13

Great example of Art Nouveau, unmatched in the US. Only museum houses in Barcelona, Spain and Riga, Latvia are as good examples. So good!

Pa
Review №14

This is one of the best kept museum secrets of Chicago. Get a feel what the super rich lived like in the guilded age of America. Simply amazing. Take the guided tour. It is a must to get a sense of the history that is preserved on this place.

Ja
Review №15

This is a beautifully restored house in a posh neighborhood of Chicago. You can walk around with a paid admission, but I would recommend the guided tour. It is a deal at $5 and you learn a ton from the docent. There are also rotating exhibits on throughout the museum. This was my first time here but it wont be my last!

Ja
Review №16

This place has some amazing facts... check it out

ma
Review №17

Amazing!! The docents and volunteers are very helpful and knowledgeable. They even gave us pointers for other points of interest to visit

Is
Review №18

Fantastic building, furnishings, tile, tiffany and period lighting. Current exposition of tiffany stained glass is outstanding!

Jo
Review №19

Driehaus Museum - Get Ready to Be AstonishedThe Driehaus Museum is a hidden gem. The twenty-five thousand square foot, gilded-age home of Samuel Mayo Nickerson was built after the great Chicago fire of 1871. It is decorated in the Aesthetic Style - which was a design movement advocating more is more. The eclectic ornamentation throughout the house is almost overwhelming, but in a good way. We paid $20 for admission and $5 more for a docent tour - definitely worth the money. We came to Chicago to experience its art and architecture. This was, without a doubt, a highlight of our trip.

El
Review №20

This museum was like stepping back in time in downtown Chicago. It was well worth the cost of admission. I especially liked the 1893 Worlds Fair collection.

Em
Review №21

An interesting museum with a lovely collection of Tiffany glass. There are guided tours, but I chose to wander around on my own. Each room you go in has stunning features, and the more you look, the more you see. Its a beautiful house.

De
Review №22

Tremendous work of restoration. 18th century living for the rich portrayed in every room and piece of furniture.

Li
Review №23

The ONLY, and I mean, ONLY reason why I gave Nightlife a 4 instead of a 5 star is because I went late and half the museum was closed by the time I got there, so I cannot write a full review. I stayed mainly at the aquarium, and even that was AMAZING! And only for the low price of $10 to get in. Genuinely exquisite!

Jo
Review №24

Very cool place. If your interested in historical architecture this is a really neat place to see. It also has lots of Driehauss personal collection throughout. The guided tour was nice and the girl was very passionate and knowledgeable about the history at the museum.

Ma
Review №25

I really liked this place. I felt like I was stepping back in time. I could almost see Mr Nickerson coming home and opening the doors to his home. It was spooky in some ways for me, but I liked it and I would recommend it to anyone visiting Chicago, worth a visit!

To
Review №26

Outstanding experience. Fine example of Belle Epoch architecture. Amazing insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy of the 1880s A must see.

Ji
Review №27

A beautiful and austentacious house full of Tiffany Lamps and glass. Beautiful paneling , floors, furniture. It was the best of the best, an American castle. The artwork is a glimpse of a past time. The personality of the players is well portrayed. A little known nugget that is worth your time. A nice little gift shop on the top floor. The volunteers are very helpful. Nice Afternoon.

Am
Review №28

This is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Chicago. The portraits, the sculptures, even the fireplace looks magnificent. Its a shame that this museum is severely underrated and not many people (including Chicagoans) know about it.

He
Review №29

A most interesting introduction to the Guilded Age. Added bonus were the Tiffany stained glass windows on display. Highly recommend a visit.

Su
Review №30

If you enjoy taking a trip back in time and discovering beautiful design and details then I can highly recommend the museum! The staff are very helpful and friendly, although we never took a tour they were still willing to answer questions and show us around some secret places wed never have discovered alone! Everywhere you look there is a feast of details to be discovered! Reserve a few hours to amble slowly and enjoy the journey.

Ia
Review №31

Completely worth your time. A beautiful museum.

Oo
Review №32

Beautifully restored Mansion in the heart of downtown Chicago! Highly recommend the guided tour.

Wa
Review №33

Amazing historical museum in the heart of Chicago. You really get a feel for what life was like for the lives of wealthy Chigaoans in the late 1800s gilded age.

He
Review №34

It took me longer to go through here than the Institute of Modern Art! Absolutely stunning!

La
Review №35

Loved it. If you are a fan of the Gilded Age or just want to be seriously impressed by fine crafts...This visit is a must. A nice walk around the Magnificent Mile neighborhood.

Su
Review №36

This place is off the charts opulent, fabulous! Over the top restoration! Outstanding display of antiques in there period setting. Strongly recommend visiting this place!!

Mo
Review №37

Great small museum with beautiful architecture and paintings. However it was pretty expensive just for the small size and limited pieces versus attending the institute of arts. In addition, the heat was incredible - I didnt know you could get hot during the winter run Chicago. We were sweating even after we coat checked our itemsOverall, I would recommend to anyone visiting Chicago. Its a great hidden away gem

Su
Review №38

This is an amazing, little known museum near the Gold Coast. You can see the entire museum in 60-90 minutes. The little peak into life for the rich in the Gilded Age is worth the price of admission, but there are also rotating exhibitions. The Tiffany glass is stupendous.

Ma
Review №39

If you love glimpses into old Chicago, the Driehaus is a must. The woodwork is amazing. The stained glass is to die for. The marble staircases transport one to a bygone era. Although few of the original furnishing remain, the replacements still give one a strong sense of the craftsmanship and opulence available to the wealthiest members of the Chicago elite. Take a guided tour to maximize the experience. One visit will not be enough.

El
Review №40

Incredible! The best museum experience we had in Chicago. Flawlessly restored home with a powerful history and exceptional staff.

Br
Review №41

Beautiful house, well worth visiting.

Mi
Review №42

The Driehaus Museum may not rival San Simeon or Biltmore in size, but in exuberance, flamboyance, richness, and quality it is second to none. Your tour starts with a bang - a three story entrance hall in which almost every surface, including the ceiling, in sheathed in one of seventeen colors and varieties of marble and onyx. Much of the original furniture is in place and many of the rooms feature unique Tiffany glass fixtures. The most remarkable is a table lamp with a base that incorporates eight nautilus shells.Everything is in superb condition - you would think the builders and decorators had just finished their work. Docents are very friendly and knowledgeable.If you have any interest in grand houses or the decorative arts, you must set aside about an hour to visit here. Oh - the rest rooms, housed in two of the original bathrooms, are probably the most beautiful in Chicago.

Wi
Review №43

Immaculately restored gilded age mansion filled with old world craftmenship. .

Am
Review №44

I have an abiding fascination with old, extravagant houses, so this place was great for me. The admission price ($20) felt a bit high though. I read every word of every sign, and stared at every bit of every thing for far longer than my companions could tolerate and had to catch up with them later, and still only managed to spend an hour and a half or so. We went because they were having a showing of artifacts from the Great Exhibition, and I loved everything they had, but it was also on a smaller scale than I had hoped. Still, everything that was there was great. I loved the colors and craziness of the art exhibits set against the stoic grandness of the architecture.

J7
Review №45

Impresive, direferent, an activity yo do Chile in Chicago

Pa
Review №46

A beautiful house that has been restored to much of its gilded age glory. Worth a morning visit for sure. Half price tickets for teachers!

Ka
Review №47

Amzingly restored home. Impressive. The Tiffany displays were incredible. Nice way to spend an hour or two in an exquisite environment.

Y
Review №48

Beautiful house. It is a small museum, but every single detail of the house, stained glass, tile, woodwork, etc. is magnificent. Definitely worth the visit.

Jo
Review №49

Exuberant Victorian home, great collection of art and Tiffany glass.

Da
Review №50

A must see if you are interested in History.

Va
Review №51

Interesting pieces and good story. Excellent guide.

Ju
Review №52

We took the tour. The docent was very knowledgeable. The building is beautiful. The decorations are beautiful. This is my second time there. I look forward to my next time.

Li
Review №53

Always amazing. Beautiful mansion and a wonderful collection of antiques and Tiffany glass.

Be
Review №54

From top to bottom, the Dreihus is a great step back in Chicago history!

Il
Review №55

Nice small collection where I had higher expectations. Not comparable to Frick collection in NYC or Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia though.

Fl
Review №56

Fantastic example of a mansion from the gilded age in Chicago. Authentic in all details. Its like stepping back in time to the 1890s.

Le
Review №57

Go see it! Beautiful history

He
Review №58

I got them transfer me to Lisa. She has helped me to resolve my problems very quick. Thank you.

Ch
Review №59

Probably the most beautiful townhouse I have ever seen. Restoration work is flawless.

Ma
Review №60

A very pleasant surprise. Did not know what to expect. I saw the Sacred Stained Glass Windows of Louis Comfort Tiffany - beautiful mosaics.

Ch
Review №61

This is a beautifully restored house in a posh neighborhood of Chicago. You can walk around with a paid admission, but I would recommend the guided tour. It is a deal and you learn a ton from the docent. There are also rotating exhibits throughout the museum.

Ar
Review №62

A beautiful, fascinating example of Chicagos Gilded Age. Ask for a tour with Jeanne S. Shes an excellent docent!

Ja
Review №63

Very small but a must see if youre in the area. The exhibits rotate but it was Tiffany heavy when we were there and very beautiful.

Ka
Review №64

Super impressive. If you havent been, you owe it to yourself to spend at least a couple hours immersed in early Chicago Gilded Age history.

Da
Review №65

Unfortunately Ive had a recent bad customer service experience with the museum that has soured me on them. If they were better about this, maybe Id give it 4 stars, but how helpful you are to your guests does matter to me.Pros:Museum is a decent one time visit. Nice stained glass windows, beautiful staircase. Neat setting given its a home which isnt common for museums. Parking is plenty around there.Cons:-Dont go there for Santa pictures. We thought itd be a quaint setting and you could reserve a time slot. We arrived 15mins early per the email confirmation (along with all the other families for that time slot) and they made us wait outside in the cold with small children. Resolution on digital images was 60kb (your phone delivers 5mb+). And when they say to email with questions and I did 4 times, I never once received a response.-Beyond the really poor Santa experience, coat check isnt secure (theres a person there but you can just walk up to the coat rack and take whatever).-Museum is only worth going to once.

Cl
Review №66

House is amazing. The process of restoration even more-so. The current exhibitions are a distraction that take away from the homes history. Certainly linger on your own - the tour does not enhance the experience. The home was in the center of a dynamic time in Chicagos coming of age - yet the events associated with the home were not offered; instead the exhibition is confusing in its relationship to the home and frankly, serve other socially popular agendas.

Sh
Review №67

Understated and overlooked gem!

Da
Review №68

Fantastic look into the extravagant mansions of the early 1900’s. We visited in December before Christmas and the property was decorated with beautiful holiday decorations. I recommend pairing this tour with a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s house in Garfield built at a similar time.

Th
Review №69

Amazing collection 1880s decorative arts

Ad
Review №70

Absolutely wonderful museum, with an absolute feast for the eyes! The tour is well worth doing, and then spend another hour or so walking through the house and see everything. The Tiffany glass is particularly wonderful. When I was there they had a poster exhibition, which was out of this world. I took more pictures here than anywhere else in Chicago. What a great treasure!

Da
Review №71

HISTORIC PLACE, GREAT OUTLOOK ON HISTORY FROM POINT OF THIS MANTION. amazing guided tours bring you back to Victorian era. A spot to come to and deep back into 1900...time machine

Yo
Review №72

Very interesting place to visit. You will find a part of Chicago history.

Ma
Review №73

Excellent restoration of an elegant late 19th century mansion. Truly a gilded age gem with an outstanding decorative arts collection. An opulent step back in time.

Ka
Review №74

Beautiful exhibit of Tiffany glass when we were there. Pay for the docent lead tour, it is worth the extra $5. Excellent history of the home, the architecture and craftsmanship, the people and the town.

Le
Review №75

Beautiful gilded age mansion with lots of Tiffany lamps and stained glass. Well worth a visit to see how the other half (or more accurately, the other .1%) lived.

De
Review №76

The era of the architecture was amazing along with the decor... it left me speechless seeing the quality of how everything was made during that time.

Ho
Review №77

The interior of the house was amazing!

ja
Review №78

What a great piece of Chicago History. Do yourself a favor and come see this place!

Ka
Review №79

Great concert for St Patrick’s Day featuring traditional Irish Aires with Paddy Homan and Friends. Beautiful old home now a museum with incredible hardwood floors. So worth the trip.

Je
Review №80

Highly recommend! This museum was beautiful. What a lovely place!

Si
Review №81

Interesting piece of history. An okay amount of historical decor and furnishings to reflect and depict the wealth of Richard H. Driehaus and the concepts held by the wealthy of that time period. The $20 for regular adult admission may bar many (including locals) from exploring this museum.

Br
Review №82

Went for the Tiffany exhibition . . . Beautiful buildings in the heart of Chicago.

Na
Review №83

Incredible museum, the guided tour well worth the additional fee. I was stunned by all the elaborate detail inside the house, so much more than you can imagine just by observing the outside.

Ra
Review №84

Beautiful house. Really enjoyed our time there.

Ca
Review №85

This old Chicago mansion was really interesting to explore. Huge beautiful interior with exhibits from the owners art collection in each room. Three floors to roam, or take the self guided tour. May not be interesting for younger kids, and I dont remember seeing an elevator.

La
Review №86

Cool house and great stained glass exhibition when i was there

An
Review №87

Beautifully restored mansion from the Gilded Age. Welcoming professional staff. Excellent audio tour.

Mo
Review №88

Beautiful home, beautifully restored. Well worth a visit!

El
Review №89

Architects/Artists/Historians rejoice! This place is absolutely stunning. One of a kind. I am serious when I say DO THE GUIDED TOUR, it’s so worth it and you’ll learn a lot! Carl was our tour guide and he really knew his stuff! My husband and I will be back for certain!

DR
Review №90

I was thinking itd be more like the Molly Brown House in Denver but grander, so I admit it was a little underwhelming. However, the story of how Driehaus came in and gave so much to the restoration to preserve a sense of the time and the effort clearly given to the task is astounding. Loved the art, loved the tours highlights of the houses architectural details, and loved the Gilded Age portraiture on display. If youre not into stuff like John Singer Sargent though, not sure if youll have a great time.

Me
Review №91

I wish more original detail was present. They cut out a lot of the actual historical accoutrements for an art installation.I do appreciate the photography of the art installation, but the statues took away the immersion of the historical experience.Worth a trip once

Sa
Review №92

For me, this museum had been an overlooked treasure until recently. Ive driven past it for years and was unaware that it was a trip back in time to the opulent Gilded Age. Its filled with beautifully preserved architecture, Tiffany Lamps and art. Definitely worth a visit.

Da
Review №93

It preserves an aspect of Gilded Age culture in Chicago.

Mi
Review №94

So much awe. Lots of wonder. Honestly, most people dont REALLY get it. They say wow, or nice, or I dont have this at home ... Chuckles.Walk in. Just look. Let your senses feel almost a different world. This place was a family home, people bustled through it with important lives, the realty is an extension of their souls, if not the people that owned it, then the people who cared for it, leaving to the people that care for it now.Its hard to vision this house how itd have been used, seeing it a museum now - invent your world to imagine yourself there. So many nooks. Amazing layout.This place is very special. Im very lucky to have experienced how intensely it resonated with me.

Sa
Review №95

This house has an amazing array of artwork, furniture, floor and wall coverings. They are mostly original, and from the Gilded Age. The house and contents are beautifully restored and presented. They illustrate the lifestyle of the wealthy of that time. There is also a special exhibition of the work of Yinka Shonibare which was very interesting and thought provoking.

St
Review №96

Incredible museum filled with great art. Currently showing tons of Tiffany glassworks.

Ce
Review №97

Cute place. I visited this location on a whim, I was walking pass and saw people in line. I noticed signage indicating it was free so I waited in line and Im happy I did. I believe it was a part of an architecture tour of buildings throughout the city for the weekend. It was pleasant, architecture isnt as grand in my opinion. However, it is worth seeing.

Ra
Review №98

The detail in the Woodwork in this place is amazing. Lots of great craftsmanship on display on every square inch of the museum if you happen to pay attention to that kind of stuff.

Cl
Review №99

Beautifully restored mansion. Loved the Tiffany glass exhibit.

Be
Review №100

Beautiful mansion turned museum.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
  • Site:http://www.driehausmuseum.org/
  • Phone:+1 312-482-8933
Categories
  • Art museum
  • Museum
  • Historical landmark
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:Closed
  • Thursday:10am–3pm
  • Friday:11am–5pm
  • Saturday:11am–3pm
  • Sunday:Closed
Highlights
  • Active military discounts:Yes
  • Live performances:Yes
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible lift:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Toilets:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
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