Richard H. Driehaus Museum
Richard H. Driehaus Museum
4.5
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum explores the art, architecture, and design of the late 19th century to the present. Its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions are presented in an immersive experience within the restored Nickerson Mansion, completed in 1883.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Near North Side
How to get there
- Chicago • 4 min walk
- Grand • 4 min walk
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Restaurants
3,258 within 5 kms
Attractions
589 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Itinerant_FoodiesGreensboro, North Carolina632 contributionsExcellent tour--do the guided tourI had reserved a time slot for entry into the museum ahead of time but apparently hadn't purchased a tour. When we arrived, we purchased the tour adder ($5/person) since we had purposely arrived just before the tour started. We'd highly recommend a tour guide. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the house and family which helped add a significant amount of interest to the tour. The information placards are very helpful and add even more detail but a guided tour is highly recommended. The history is fascinating, especially since several families/groups have owned and occupied the building and the tie-in between Sullivan and photographer Richard Nickel adds another dimension to the history.Visited March 2023Written 17 March 2023
- Robin BPhoenix, Arizona1,412 contributionsBeautiful Tiffany itemsThis museum is housed in a beautiful home. They have tours throughout the day. I was disappointed that we missed a tour (you can’t sign up in advance), but I downloaded the app and that gave an adequate description of each room and the items in each room. In retrospect, I was glad we could move at our own pace instead of being chained to a tour group. We spent about an hour; you could easily spend 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Restrooms on site and they have a very nice gift shop on the second floor.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts668 contributionsExcellent guided tour of restored Gilded Age mansionI got an excellent guided tour of a restored Gilded Age mansion at the Richard Driehaus Museum. The first floor contains restored rooms that showed how the wealthy Nickerson and other families lived at that time, with an eye for displaying the latest fashions in architecture & decorative arts. The upper two floors were once the family & guest bedrooms; these are now used for temporary exhibits. I got to see the Hector Guimard exhibition of this now-famous French Art Nouveau architect who's best know for his design of the Paris Metro stations. It was interesting to see how Guimard's Art Nouveau ideas influenced the Nickerson mansion's rooms.Visited July 2023Written 16 July 2023
- The_Coach55Ruislip, United Kingdom938 contributionsOrnate HouseRichard H Driehaus museum is located in the River North area of Chicago. We took the number 3 bus up South Michigan Avenue to get there from the South Loop. The building was constructed in the late 19th century and was the home of the wealthy Nickerson family in the Gilded Age. There were many beautiful fixtures and fittings on display and some wonderful furniture. Also on show on the ground floor were some nice paintings but unfortunately no information was visible as to who the artists were. At the time of our visit, there was an exhibition of the work of French designer and architect Hector Guimard, famous for Art Nouveau, particularly on the Paris metro. I enjoyed his work which was reminiscent of that of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Admission fee was $20 per person.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 August 2023
- DRBHersheyPAPalmyra, Pennsylvania9 contributionsThe home is a piece of art!A beautiful home that has been beautifully restored. The home is a piece of art! Guided tour was worth the money! I would not have understood and appreciated the home and articles in the home beyond their beauty if not for the tour guide explaining the history behind the home and furnishings. The black and white historical photos in each room depicting what it looked like in its day were so helpful bridging the gap between today and yester-years. A treasure to step back in time to the gilded age.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 September 2023
- Alita45 contributionsA "must see" when you are in Chicago!Such a fabulous museum. I have toured house museums all over the US and this is one of the finest as it is exquisitely restored. The docent was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and so patient with our questions. I highly recommend this museum for a glimpse of the Gilded Age.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 October 2023
- PeglegEdMinneapolis, Minnesota199 contributionsGreat museum. The temporary art deco exhibit was superb.Very interesting look back at the gilded age. The house was restored and is in excellent condition. When we visited, they had a temporary art deco exhibit on the upper floors that was quite good. I would've enjoyed the house without the exhibit, but the exhibit was the highlight for me.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,470 reviews
Excellent
1,139
Very good
287
Average
36
Poor
8
Terrible
0
PeglegEd
Minneapolis, MN199 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Very interesting look back at the gilded age. The house was restored and is in excellent condition. When we visited, they had a temporary art deco exhibit on the upper floors that was quite good. I would've enjoyed the house without the exhibit, but the exhibit was the highlight for me.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan E
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Wonderful Gilded age mansion with a beautiful collection of decorative arts. Fabulous experience and highly recommended.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alita
45 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Such a fabulous museum. I have toured house museums all over the US and this is one of the finest as it is exquisitely restored. The docent was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and so patient with our questions. I highly recommend this museum for a glimpse of the Gilded Age.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DRBHersheyPA
Palmyra, PA9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
A beautiful home that has been beautifully restored. The home is a piece of art!
Guided tour was worth the money! I would not have understood and appreciated the home and articles in the home beyond their beauty if not for the tour guide explaining the history behind the home and furnishings.
The black and white historical photos in each room depicting what it looked like in its day were so helpful bridging the gap between today and yester-years.
A treasure to step back in time to the gilded age.
Guided tour was worth the money! I would not have understood and appreciated the home and articles in the home beyond their beauty if not for the tour guide explaining the history behind the home and furnishings.
The black and white historical photos in each room depicting what it looked like in its day were so helpful bridging the gap between today and yester-years.
A treasure to step back in time to the gilded age.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,782 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I was floored by this museum (and I see a lot of museums and historical homes). This is probably one of the best, if not the best, historical homes I've seen. I spent over two hours here and took the tour, and still saw something new in each room every time I passed through.
This home is an ornate example of the height of the gilded age. When I checked in, the docent asked me not to "pet" the walls. I thought that was an interesting word to use. After touring each room multiple times, it makes sense.
Each room's walls are adorned in various textures and textiles. They juxtapose--cloth, tiles, ornate carved wood, and more. It's an intricate, sensuous, decadent salmagundi!
Multiple fireplaces, a skylight, sculptures, carvings cherubs, sculptures, vases, a smorgasbord of rare Tiffany glass, lamps, and chandeliers.
The first floor is mainly set up as the original home. The second and third floor also have elements of the original home, though they are mostly focused on special exhibits and the gift shop. When I visited, the focus was on art nouveau architect, Hector Guimard. I learned a lot, found it interesting, and found his work beautiful and intriguing.
You can choose to peruse the museum on your own, for 20 dollars, but the tour is worthwhile at 25 dollars. I arrived early and spent over an hour wandering independently, then took the tour--and as I mentioned, I was still seeing new things every pass through a room. It was also helpful that I had taken the majority of my photos before the tour, so I could really focus.
I'm against hoarding wealth, but I did thoroughly enjoy this trek through the gilded age.
This home is an ornate example of the height of the gilded age. When I checked in, the docent asked me not to "pet" the walls. I thought that was an interesting word to use. After touring each room multiple times, it makes sense.
Each room's walls are adorned in various textures and textiles. They juxtapose--cloth, tiles, ornate carved wood, and more. It's an intricate, sensuous, decadent salmagundi!
Multiple fireplaces, a skylight, sculptures, carvings cherubs, sculptures, vases, a smorgasbord of rare Tiffany glass, lamps, and chandeliers.
The first floor is mainly set up as the original home. The second and third floor also have elements of the original home, though they are mostly focused on special exhibits and the gift shop. When I visited, the focus was on art nouveau architect, Hector Guimard. I learned a lot, found it interesting, and found his work beautiful and intriguing.
You can choose to peruse the museum on your own, for 20 dollars, but the tour is worthwhile at 25 dollars. I arrived early and spent over an hour wandering independently, then took the tour--and as I mentioned, I was still seeing new things every pass through a room. It was also helpful that I had taken the majority of my photos before the tour, so I could really focus.
I'm against hoarding wealth, but I did thoroughly enjoy this trek through the gilded age.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yurika S
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I currently develop a new hobby of going to museums. This is a must-visit for fans of architecture, history, and interior design.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary B
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My niece and I had the most wonderful tour with Erik during the Hector Guimard exhibit recently!! Love this place to peruse and marvel, and with Erik’s expert knowledge and warmth, we were mesmerized by the many details in this stunning venue and exhibit😍😍 A Chicago gem for sure!💎
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK938 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Richard H Driehaus museum is located in the River North area of Chicago. We took the number 3 bus up South Michigan Avenue to get there from the South Loop.
The building was constructed in the late 19th century and was the home of the wealthy Nickerson family in the Gilded Age.
There were many beautiful fixtures and fittings on display and some wonderful furniture. Also on show on the ground floor were some nice paintings but unfortunately no information was visible as to who the artists were.
At the time of our visit, there was an exhibition of the work of French designer and architect Hector Guimard, famous for Art Nouveau, particularly on the Paris metro.
I enjoyed his work which was reminiscent of that of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Admission fee was $20 per person.
The building was constructed in the late 19th century and was the home of the wealthy Nickerson family in the Gilded Age.
There were many beautiful fixtures and fittings on display and some wonderful furniture. Also on show on the ground floor were some nice paintings but unfortunately no information was visible as to who the artists were.
At the time of our visit, there was an exhibition of the work of French designer and architect Hector Guimard, famous for Art Nouveau, particularly on the Paris metro.
I enjoyed his work which was reminiscent of that of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Admission fee was $20 per person.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA668 contributions
Jul 2023
I got an excellent guided tour of a restored Gilded Age mansion at the Richard Driehaus Museum. The first floor contains restored rooms that showed how the wealthy Nickerson and other families lived at that time, with an eye for displaying the latest fashions in architecture & decorative arts.
The upper two floors were once the family & guest bedrooms; these are now used for temporary exhibits. I got to see the Hector Guimard exhibition of this now-famous French Art Nouveau architect who's best know for his design of the Paris Metro stations. It was interesting to see how Guimard's Art Nouveau ideas influenced the Nickerson mansion's rooms.
The upper two floors were once the family & guest bedrooms; these are now used for temporary exhibits. I got to see the Hector Guimard exhibition of this now-famous French Art Nouveau architect who's best know for his design of the Paris Metro stations. It was interesting to see how Guimard's Art Nouveau ideas influenced the Nickerson mansion's rooms.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ehR9249GN
22 contributions
Jul 2023
Highly recommend showing up for the tour. Gives a lot of great context to this beautiful mansion/museum.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne S
1 contribution
Are there places to sit throughout the museum? One of my party needs to take frequent breaks from walking/standing.
Roxanne K
1 contribution
We will be there next week and I just saw that the second floor is closed. Should we wait till another time to visit the museum? I’m not sure how many stories the house is so I don’t want to be disappointed by missing out on an entire floor.
jensmath
Philadelphia2 contributions
Can you please tell me, for what purpose were the brass cups in the Nautilus shells around the bottom of the Tiffany lamp designed? Thank you.
larry155
California133 contributions
natulus shells are common in art. symboling fortune, resurrection, fertility. the combination of brass cups and shells I am not sure. If i think of something that makes sense I'll let you know. Great museum. sort I couldn't add more
Are we allowed to take prom pictures in the museum? It won’t be a big group, just two to three people
Any professional photography sessions must be arranged with our private events office.
Anna K.
Berkshires, MA16 contributions
Would someone who knows nothing about architecture learn a lot from this museum? Or is it mostly an example of good architecture that could be appreciated by architecture enthusiasts?
Sarah M
Darien, IL147 contributions
It’s somewhat about architecture but mostly is a great example of a “gilded age home” where everything was opulent. On the main floor, each room is furnished as it would have been when the house was in its original glory. There are pieces of artwork, displays of luxury, and just some really WOW stuff, like the dome in the art room. So it’s a nice blend of architectural elements with non-architectural elements. It’s more like a visual walk-through than a dive into architecture, though. I left feeling “wow, that house was amazing and I’m so glad I paid to take the tour”, rather than “wow, I know a ton more about architecture now”. (I know nothing about architecture.) The second and third floors have rotating displays. Hope this helps!
Criticinkalamazoo
Kalamazoo, MI5 contributions
Does the Dreihaus serve tea in the attached dining room?
DriehausMuseum
Chicago, IL
The teas were offered as a special feature of the Dressing Downton exhibition. They are no longer available.
ReddyBro
1,416 contributions
Do you use your own phone for the Acoustiguide or museum supplied headphones?
DriehausMuseum
Chicago, IL
We provide the headsets for the audio guide tour. At this time, we do not offer the audio guide on smart phones.
GinaD
Big Rock119 contributions
Hi! I will be coming there with a group of seniors. Is there a place for a 12 passenger bus to park?
Ellen B
Hortonville, WI709 contributions
You should be able to find public parking nearby. Probably not on the street, but in a parking structure. There are websites that will show you available parking, that you can search for on the internet. Just use keywords such as "parking" and the zip code of the museum in your search engine, and many sites that show available parking will pop up.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Richard H. Driehaus Museum
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