The Glessner House is an internationally known architectural treasure that serves to engage a diverse audience into exploring urban life and design through the preservation and interpretation of the architecture of Henry Hobson Richardson and lives of homeowners John and Frances Glessner. This house is a national historic landmark and was completed in 1887. The world famous architect mentioned before, Richardson, took a ‘radical departure from traditional Victorian architecture’ in this design and served as the inspiration for the young aspiring Frank Lloyd Wright. This very house and this exact design redefined domestic architecture as it was known at the time!
Once inside your group will see themes of art, architecture, and social history throughout the house and museum collections, as well as hear stories of residents and neighbors to this house in the late 19th century. This serves as one of the country’s premier sites for study and enjoyment of decorative arts and appeals to all ages and backgrounds, from casual visitors to serious connoisseurs. You will have the option to take a guided tour of this house and the Clarke House, the latter being the oldest remaining structure in the city, built in 1836. The tours last 1 hour in each house, and you will also be presented with the option to take tours with the executive director, neighborhood tours, or large group docent led tours. Your group is really going to enjoy this fascinating look at architecture and cultural history in the Windy City!
