Mansion Museum in River North

Chicago is known for its museums. Tourists from all over the world come to see the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science & Industry and even the Museum of Contemporary Art. But for locals who've lived in the city for a while, rotating between the major museums can get monotonous.

Office or study at the Driehaus Museum

To break the routine and still get my cultural fix, I decided to check out the Driehaus Museum in River North. Several acquaintances told me about the museum; they liked its beautiful, authentic decor and the historical context it represents--the Gilded Age in Chicago in the late 19th century.

Parlor room at the front of the house

We went on a chilly Saturday afternoon and splurged on the guided tour, which is an extra $5 per person. (The standard  admission fee is $20 per person.) The tour added at least 60 minutes to the visit, but was well-worth the time and expense. Our tour guide, Mary, was very knowledgeable and obviously loved the museum. 

Dining room at the Driehaus Museum

The first floor of the house has the standard rooms of the late 19th century elite--a grand entrance, a parlor at the front of the house, a beautiful dining rooms and other sitting rooms scattered throughout the floor. My favorite room sits at the back of the house; it's a beautiful library, turned conservatory complete with a beautiful stained glass dome. 

Beautiful dome in the conservatory at the Driehaus Museum

The second floor of the house features the family's bedrooms and a beautiful balcony area that overlooks the foyer on the first floor. The third floor features a terrific party room that can be reserved for private events.

Japanese vases at the Driehaus Museum

The Driehaus Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10a-5p and Sunday noon-5p. It's also available for private tours and other private events. On the first and third Tuesday of every month, the museum offers a Twilight Tour. A walking tour of other Gilded Age-buildings in the neighborhood is offered on the

first and third Saturdays of the month beginning April 7th and ending November 17, 2012.