The Richard H. Driehaus Museum
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Historic BuildingArtPhoto Spot
Overview
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a museum located at 50 East Erie Street on the Near North Side in Chicago, Illinois, near the Magnificent Mile. The museum is housed within the historic Samuel M. Nickerson House, the 1883 residence of a wealthy Chicago banker. Although the mansion has been restored, the Driehaus Museum does not re-create the Nickerson period but rather broadly interprets and displays the prevailing design, architecture, and decorating tastes of Gilded Age America and the Art Nouveau era in permanent and special exhibitions.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeLate November and December are phenomenal, as this Gilded Age mansion—known as Chicago's 'Marble Palace'—is elaborately decked out in historic 19th-century holiday parlor decorations. Book a 10:00 AM weekday ticket to witness morning light filter through the stained-glass dome, illuminating the onyx paneling.
Getting ThereSituated just steps off the Magnificent Mile at 40 E Erie St. Take the CTA Red Line subway to the Grand station, walk two blocks north to Erie St, and then turn east for a single block. Dozens of Michigan Ave buses (#146, #147, #151) also drop off at Michigan & Ontario, a 2-minute walk away.
Travel Tips
- The historical marble work and antique textiles require structural protection; high stilettos or metal-cleated footwear are banned, necessitating soft, flat-soled walking shoes.
- Preservation parameters require keeping the temporary galleries strictly regulated at 18°C (65°F); stash a light sweater or pashmina layers inside your daypack to prevent chills.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The use of external speedlights, monocams, and bulky camera rigs is forbidden; light hand-held mobile phone snapshots are allowed provided camera shutter audios are strictly deactivated.
Reviews
Positive
- Known as Chicago's 'Marble Palace,' the Gilded Age luxury, exquisite marble carvings, and original Tiffany lamps offer a stunning visual feast.
- Thanks to strict crowd control and timed entry, the interior preserves a peaceful, pristine atmosphere, free from the noise of grand museums.
- Hidden just off the bustling Magnificent Mile, it features accessible elevators to all floors, immaculate restrooms, and elegant, clear signage.
- The self-guided audio tour is informative and engaging, perfectly recreating the historic lifestyle of late 19th-century Chicago elites, offering great value.
Heads up
- The museum itself is relatively small with only three floors open, taking just over an hour to complete, which might feel brief for long-day tourists.
- Surrounding public parking is extremely scarce and expensive, and the mansion lacks a dedicated garage, making driving highly inconvenient.
- As a historic landmark, the hallways are somewhat narrow; a dozen visitors in a single special exhibition gallery can quickly make it feel cramped.
- There are no dining or cafe options inside; the boutique gift shop merchandise carries high price markups, leaving secondary amenities blank.