Reviews of The Richard H. Driehaus Museum (Tourist Attraction)

Rob Cardeiro

Very cool house museum. We did the audio tour and it was perfect. We could go through the house at our own pace. Absolutely beautiful!

Marius

Impressive house museum with a lot of art pieces

Nancy Plate

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.

Brittany Albers

Interesting home. The exhibit (World's Fair) was very very small. Less than 10 items. I would say if you are interested in seeing the actual house it's worth it, but be wary paying admission if you are really only interested in the exhibit.

Cedrita D.

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 I'm 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 isn't as "grand" in my opinion. However, it is worth seeing.

Richard Yates

Great house. Mandi was an excellent tour guide. So unique.

Thomas Feranec

Fabulous, excellent tour, go see this place!

David De Rosa

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.

DR

I was thinking it'd 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 tour's highlights of the house's architectural details, and loved the Gilded Age portraiture on display. If you're not into stuff like John Singer Sargent though, not sure if you'll have a great time.

Arthur Carvajal

A beautiful, fascinating example of Chicago's Gilded Age. Ask for a tour with Jeanne S. She's an excellent docent!

Michael Chapman

So much awe. Lots of wonder. Honestly, most people don't REALLY get it. They say wow, or nice, or I don't 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. It's hard to vision this house how it'd 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. I'm very lucky to have experienced how intensely it resonated with me.

Jim Crall

Fabulous glimpse of the gilded age ... Nice interplay with the Shonibare exhibit.

Paul Lanci

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.

Ilhan uzel

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

Ana Avd

I love to visit this museum. Recently I took a tour through historical McCormickville neighborhood guided by Sally Sexton Kalmbach. I did not realize there were any hidden obscure unknown spots left right in the heart of River North. It turned out there is still something knew and worth exploring. Studio building and its history told by Sally are especially fascinating to me!

Jon Hall

Fantastic restored Gilded Age mansion. A terrific display of craftsmanship.

S.P. Dudley

An amazing example of the gilded age. The tour was informative and revealed why and how such opulence came about.

Alan Babiliński

This was an interesting site to visit. The staff at the museum were very helpful, attentive, and enthusiastic to be at work. The museum is not huge, however, it was enough to take about an hour to go through. For most, I think I would recommend the guided tour.

Lee Mac

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.

Jack C

Really interesting historic mansion. Go for the guided tour

Greg Welch

A beautiful old home from the Gilded Age. This often overlooked gem is definitely worth the price of admission.

William Arndt

Amazing peek back in time at Chicago's early emergence during the explosion of the industrial revolution.

World Citizen

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.

Dylan Zwick

Loved the museum and exhibit

Kevin Burke

Amazing that this building has survived all these years. A historical architectural marker of s time when the display of opulence was unbounded. With s modern day eye, the original owner could have used someone with an eye towards "do we really need moorish and Chinese in the same small room". Well worth the money. Our arrival time did not allow for the guided tour but I imagine there are a lot more details to be gleaned in selecting that option. One beef, they added an "a" to Frederick Law Olmsted's name on one of their display signs .

adam gallagher

absolutely worth the price of admission. the mansion itself is worth the visit, and the collection on display is equally amazing. not sure but i believe it's closed on Mondays.

Ian Zywica

Completely worth your time. A beautiful museum.

Sharyn Sobel

Fantastic restoration. Unbelievable opulence. A must see.

Joy marvel

Nice very much amazing

Mark S.

Magnificent!

Jim Bell

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.

Mary McGillicuddy

Great tour of the "marble palace". Very interesting to learn so much in this amazingly well-preserved & historic home.

Diana Crawford

Nice building and a look at the gilded age.

Malcolm Rosborough

Excellent place for turn of the century history of Chicago. Staff very helpfull. Location great , easy walkfrom main part of city

Elizabeth P.

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!

Marilyn Lumpp

Really beautiful inside and out!! Great tour very informative

w t

Fascinating architecture, dense detail, history living in front of your eyes. Loved this museum. We found it by accident filling out activities for our last day in town. To think we might have missed this!!

Dwight VanTol

Wander the rooms and dream about being part of the 1%

Esme R

Beautiful mansion. Great story behind museum.

LaRaye Rodriguez

A heavily decorated late 1800s/ early 1900s mansion near the red line L stop Chicago. Senior admission is $15. General admission $20. $5 for the conducted tour. Lots of history. At present there is a portrait display which includes a Sargent Singer which was a nice surprise.

Jenny Stanley

Such a rich history and everyone that worked there was so helpful and informative.

carlos borges

Astonishingly beautiful house in the middle of Chicago. It's a must visit if your in the city. Incredible glass tiles and glass ceilings everywhere. Don't miss the venerable in the men's toilette.

Sammy Chao

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

Elizabeth Joseph

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

Mf Fitzek

Absolute must to see examples o the "good times ", you can't build like this anymore

Amelia Jane Castle

Such an interesting look at the past.

J Weiss

The museum is great for the dec arts lover. The restoration brings all the finishes back to fresh and vibrant as they would have been originally. The bedrooms and sitting rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor are exhibition space but most of the main floor rooms are furnished in period style with tiffany and other pieces from the driehaus collection. Cool side note the exterior was cleaned with laser the first in the country to be cleaned this way in its entirety.

Robert Bangasser

Great old mansion. Marble everywhere. Located just off Michigan Ave

Jonathan Albers

Interesting museum and beautiful house. Don't expect more than 30-45 minutes of things to see.

Y Faulkner

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.

Joy De Vivre De vive

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

pauline Lanjewin

Great place! Tour guides were very polite

Warren Apel

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.

Sara Ivory

This little hidden gem is featuring modern art in a truly unique Gilded Age setting that explores thought provoking themes of cultural appropriation, wealth and power. Make sure to get someone to show you all the great details that make the place so special so you don't miss out!

Marie Kiekintveld

Recommend to pay extra for the tour. We did not.

Noel Houghton

What a little gem! If you enjoy the American Gilded Age art and architecture, you will adore this wonderful restored mansion house. With exhibits that change throughout the year, there is always something fabulous to see. The restoration is magnificent. The guides are professional and knowledgeable. Stay as long as you like. Gift shop is really fun as well, with little treasures and a sizable book selection that focuses on the Gilded Age.

Gregg Mulry

One of the most impressive homes you will ever see, not to mention the fabulous Tiffany glas collection. Very friendly staff.

Yvette Rios

Wonderful place the hosts was really nice ilove it .I would go again very elegant place and a lot of history.

Floyd Aylin

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

Sharon Elliott-Fox

Lovely house with many interesting features. Since I am old and tire easily I wished for places to sit during the tour. Staff was accommodating and let me use an elevator.

Joanna Keaton

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.

edward schrey

Tour was great what a house that had to be to live in

Shield Gamer

Historical place nice to visit

Carmen Jayne

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

Brandon Joseph

A lot of the old furniture is gone. The pay to tour is a bit much for little amount of things to see in the house. I came with the intentions to see a historic site, to see how the house looked when the occupants were living there. Nope, instead you get a few poor art prices, a nice sculpture, and bare empty space.

Rachael Macko

A must see for anyone in Chicago. If you live here you must see it as well it's a wonderful Chicago historic place with super antiques. Also see what they are incorporating, like the history of chairs, the la trec posters and more.

Sandy Melzer

Fantastic historical museum showing life in the gilded age.

Mass Fractal

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.

Dev Maharaj

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

Mana Masoudi

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!

Walter Patterson

If you only had time for 1 museum visit In Chicago then make it this one. It perfectly evokes the “gilded age” of Chicagoan society, when a family’s wealth was ostentatiously displayed in the furnishings and decor of the home. Stunning detail in the carved wainscoting and ceiling ornamentation. Exquisite furnishings such as tables, lamps, fireplaces - all by master craftsmen and representing the very best of that age. Part of the museum is taken up with an interesting history of chair design.

Christina Stormson

Beautifully restored home. The craftsmanship of building you never see anywhere these days. Just incredible, a must see.

Susanna Heinonen

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 we'd 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.

Andie Wixom

We loved this place so much! They gilded age at it finest.

Patricia Willers

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!

Ray Forgianni

Beautiful preserved Industrial mansion with special art & history exhibits. Exhibits may not be huge but pieces are usually significant. On street parking is often available. Each room was an example of an architectural style at their time.

Mohannad Safadi

A jewel hidden in the middle of Chicago. It is a nice pause form the busy city life as you get to explore the history of Chicago. The mansion is very well kept, and is beautiful. The staff are super nice and are more than happy to answer your questions. So make sure to ask away!

Florence Riffe

Today was my 4th visit. The Driehaus just gets better and better! Love the house, love the exhibits, love the docents.

Jaime V

Beautiful museum!

Heidi Kelly Jo

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

Samuel Waggoner

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.

Dennis

An unexpected museum. We never knew this museum was hidden away but we are glad we stopped in. They offer a self tour and guided tour. We opted for the self tour and roamed around. It was a fascinating step back in time. The architecture and preservation was incredible. There is a lot to see and so much to learn in one visit. Definitely recommend a stop in if you're out of town but especially if you live in the city.

Beverley Holeman

A beautiful mansion that gives you a glimpse of the art and architecture of the early 1900's of the aristocratic people.

J777 999

Impresive, direferent, an activity yo do Chile in Chicago

Christopher Finlay

The Wiener schnitzel was great. The vibe was light and fun. Be back for sure.

david nix

A complete surprise -- astounding design and craftsmanship. (Of course it's outrageous that a private party could afford a palace like this when brilliantly skilled artisans could barely get by.)

Michael Klatt

Such a beautiful old mansion. Very impressive.

Beatrice Bautista

Awesome Can't wait to go back so beautiful!

E. F.

The highlight of our trip! We happened upon this place and we were quickly welcomed in. The staff was as friendly as they were knowledgeable. We also took the tour and definitely don't miss out on that. We had many of our questions answered and it left a lasting mark on the rest of our visit. Lovely!

John Venem

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

Louise Gruenberg

Must see for anyone who enjoys historic homes. Go to admire the leaded glass dome, the intricate wood mouldings, the textured ceramic tiles, sculptures, paintings and art objets. The special exhibits are always worth seeing. Tours are an additional $5 per person over general admission, which is $20. Slightly lower student and senior rates. Metered parking on-street or there are several nearby parking garages. The museum is a short walk from the Red line Chicago Avenue stop.

Aman Gudluri

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

David Schwartz

A must see once building which gives you an insight to wealthy chicagoans of old. Exhibits are regukar, but the value may in becoming a member for the activities of cultural chicago

Antonio Iaffaldano

Exceptional historical mansion and good highlights tour (heavily recommended if you visit, it's 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.

Melanie L Hobby

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

Nick Lichirie

Tiffany glass lamps were wonderful. The colors exhibited in the glass were worth the side trip

Amy Tropp

This home was built like a fireproof vault, shortly after the Chicago fire. It is located in an area where most of the homes were razed to make room for high rises. The stewards of this home clearly cherished its value, and it appears to have been exceptionally well-maintained. They did recently invest in achemical or laser process to clean the soot off the once blackened exterior. The interior woods, tiles, and granite are exquisite. Additionally, there is an extensive Tiffany collection. If you love history, wealth, and treasured art, this is a must see.

Linda Cooper

Gilded Age mansion in the he as rt of the city. Wonderful special exhibits.

Mr.Black Stig

Awesome piece by of history!, I loved it!.

J Schmale

Very interesting and beautiful home, with beautiful staircase and story about each room...the library was my favorite! They include original pictures of how the interiors looked at one time.

Ray Bolanos

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.

Augie Ray

Beautiful, historic home with rotating exhibits. Not expansive, but a lovely experience that's a world away from nearby Michigan Avenue.

Tricia Hans

Amazing

Matt Leigh

Really awesome house with a lot of interesting interior design.

John Kempner

Some of the most facinating architectural details.

Danielle Graziana

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

Mike Ponticelli

Easily in my top three favorite museums of Chicago.

Marysa Semprebon

This museum could be so much more than it is. The house is beautiful, and worth seeing! The stories and history behind it are wonderful. We paid extra for the tour with a guide, and that's where it really fell flat (although it could have just been our guide). While the tour of the first floor had some interesting tidbits about the design and function of the rooms, the second floor has little to no furniture in it, and instead is full of art and posters (which is not what we went to see). Our guide spent way too much time talking about each poster and artist while we would have preferred to hear more about the house. The things he did say about the house that were interesting were all printed on small sign stands, so save the extra money and give yourself the tour!

David Herszenson

Lovely old home with beautifully decorated interior.

Cheng-Wei Wu

The admission fee $70 isn't cheap in my opinion. An hour or two should can go through all three floors Museum. Not for little kids.

Mandy Kirby

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

Richard Winter

What a beautiful surprise in central Chicago. Amazing home from the Gilded Age in perfect condition. I've lived in Chicago for 15 years and wish I had discovered this earlier.

Jason Hill

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 won't be my last!

Clayton Perrey

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

John Ehlke

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

daniel jordan

Very impressed with the state of this home/mansion originally built in 1879-1883.

Adrian van Breda

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!

Kamalani

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.

Julieta Campos

Great exhibits

Holly Shea

The interior of the house was amazing!

Victoria Durham

MUST DO! Guide was knowledgeable, personable and great! Very interesting story and amazing period decor !

michael fitzek

Amazing, "hidden" jewel right in River North!

Y W

Good place to visit! Reasonable entrance fee and rich collections of antiques.

D W

One or f must see musium in Chicago. Very enjoy it.

chelsea gallagher

Could not get in, it's not free. It's 20$ for adults and an extra$5 for the guided tour. The charge for children as well. Looks very pretty though.

Sean McGinn

Quiet, clean , staff is very helpful. Would go again.

Kathy Riley

Lovely step back in time in a beautiful house owned by wealthy family.

Squadron S the minecrafter

It has great pieces from Chicago's guilded age

Emma Tumman

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. It's a beautiful house.

Kathryn Miles

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.

Lindsay Heller

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

Bob Bojorquez

This was probably the best tour we took while in Chicago. This is a truly amazing home. Great decor and home. Wonderful history. Amazing Tiffany Lamps and architecture. This tour should not be missed. Just of Michigan Ave. Great Staff...

Cheryl Krueger

A treasure near the Mag Mile, lovely holiday decorations we're a bonus!

Alan

Luxurious home, well restored and refurnished. Informative audioguide will benefit from more "side paths" to provide in depth detail for those interested in restoration techniques, furniture history, or how the house was built. Thanks are due Mr. Driehaus for opening the house to public view.

Michelle Marshall

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.

Beth Taylor

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

Darío Palacín Melchor

A must see if you are interested in History.

Mike McNally

Almost overwhelming in its ornateness and opulence, the house is a monument to excess. Yet the qualities of all the decorative arts on display transcend that. It's worth seeing as a subject for contemplating social justice (however you feel about it) and also if you have interest, as a collector (or wannabe collector) or historian of beaux arts gilded age design and craft. Extremely knowledgeable tour guide, in our case at least.

Victoria Anderson

Very cool museum. Took us only 20 minutes to get through the entire house. Absolutely beautiful on the inside and the guides were very friendly

Amanda Charbonneau

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.

K Bergeron

I loved this place but found one fault. I came with a small tour. Apparently, our group did not pay for a docent tour of the house, which I did not know. I asked a couple of questions and received stern faced answers. I walked too near a docent led tour and was scolded. A smarter group would have offered our group an upcharge to have a docent even though our group leader declined since time may not have permitted. The way our tour was set up, we met at Dries House for an introduction, went on a walking tour of the neighborhood, then returned to tour the mansion. Lunch was scheduled before the tour of the mansion. I returned with a closed box and was twice scolded for the presence of food. The box was never opened; I was merely carrying because we had no access to our bus to store it. It turns out, I could leave it in coat check. But it took an unkind exchange to get that information. I didn't care to be chewed out and treated rudely.

Terence Mangan

Beautiful, interesting, well curated. 4 stars is not a criticism. A peaceful Oasis in a busy City.

Jim Hajek

Outstanding in every way and not to be missed.

Leah Bollman

Go see it! Beautiful history

Jory Simmons

Beautiful space!! Nice exhibits!

John Berger

Driehaus Museum - Get Ready to Be Astonished The 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.

Paul Pierce

Opulence. Nice 19th century portrait display too.

Michael Lewyn

Not much famous art but somewhat interesting as an example of Gilded Age design.

Katherine Young

It was really cool to hear about all the history of the facility as we as seeing the Stain Glass Windows and hear it's history.

Donald Mitchell

Perhaps the most beautiful, historically significant way to spend a few hours in Chicago. The Museum is actually a restored mansion from the late 19th century that houses an extensive collection of decorative arts. Tours and audio guides are available. Each of the three floors are staffed by knowledgeable guides. The gift shop itself is worth an extended visit. A fee is required for entrance, so be sure to allow enough time to become thoroughly immersed in this place from another time.

Cheryl Berger

I first visited this museum during the Downton Abbey exhibit. It is a beautiful space definition worth visiting and lots of special events and exhibits on an ongoing basis.

Simpson Chung

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.

A & A Benson

Interesting decor and fun facts. I would recommend it to ages 13 and up.

Sy Guzman

Tours are offered daily & are informative. The museum is clear of dust, thank you! Staff is welcoming and will give you directions or suggestions about the immediate area if you're trying to go see/do/eat someplace after visiting the museum.

Charlotte Smith

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.

Pamela Perry

We had a wonderful time touring this amazing building. Such beautiful rooms filled with wondrous furnishings one can only be in awe of. Enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. Audrey at the admission desk was so friendly, great representation of the place.

Mark The Computer Guy

The history of Chicago is so unique as is the people. What a treat to see the wealthy perspective of that time period!

Monica Kocel

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 didn't know you could get hot during the winter run Chicago. We were sweating even after we coat checked our items Overall, I would recommend to anyone visiting Chicago. It's a great hidden away gem