Robert A. Millikan House, Chicagoland Travel Guide

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Visit the former home of Nobel Prize winner Robert A. Millikan in Chicago's Hyde Park, where groundbreaking physics experiments took place.

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Robert A. Millikan House

The Robert A. Millikan House, located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, is a historic landmark that was once the home of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Robert A. Millikan. It was here that Millikan conducted his groundbreaking oil-drop experiment and confirmed Einstein's photoelectric effect.

A brief summary to Robert A. Millikan House

5605 S Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, Hyde Park, Illinois, 60637, US

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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Robert A. Millikan House.

While the house is a private residence, take a stroll by to admire its Prairie School architecture.
Explore the Hyde Park neighborhood, home to the University of Chicago and other cultural attractions.
Visit nearby attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry and Jackson Park.

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Getting There

Walking

From the University of Chicago campus, the Robert A. Millikan House is a short walk northeast. Head east on 57th or 56th street towards Woodlawn Avenue. The house is located on the southeast corner of 56th Street and Woodlawn Avenue, a few blocks from the main campus area.
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve the Hyde Park area. The #6 bus runs along Hyde Park Blvd and 55th Street, with stops within walking distance of the Millikan House. From downtown Chicago, take the Metra Electric Line to the 55th-56th-57th Street station, then walk a few blocks east to Woodlawn Avenue. A single ride on the CTA bus or 'L' train is $2.25-$2.50. Metra fares vary depending on distance, but a short trip within Hyde Park will cost around $2 - $6.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Chicago. A short taxi ride from the University of Chicago campus to the Robert A. Millikan House will cost approximately $10-$15. From downtown Chicago, a taxi or ride-share will cost around $20-$25, depending on traffic.

Discover more about Robert A. Millikan House

The Robert A. Millikan House, situated at 5605 S Woodlawn Ave in Chicago's Hyde Park, stands as a testament to both architectural style and scientific achievement. Built around 1907, this three-story brick house served as the residence of Robert A. Millikan from approximately 1908 to 1921. During this period, Millikan conducted his Nobel Prize-winning experiments, solidifying his place in the history of physics.The house itself is an example of Prairie School architecture, characterized by its broad profile, gabled sections, and irregular window placement. Designed by the firm Tallmadge & Watson, the house is one of three adjacent homes built in a similar style. The third level, along with part of the second level above the entrance, features Tudor-style half-timbering, adding to its unique appearance.Robert A. Millikan (1868-1953) was a prominent American physicist who made significant contributions to the understanding of the electron and the photoelectric effect. His oil-drop experiment, conducted in this house, allowed him to precisely determine the charge of an electron. Millikan's work not only earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1923 but also helped to establish American dominance in the field of physics. Millikan later moved to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he played a key role in developing it into a leading research institution.Today, the Robert A. Millikan House remains a private residence and is not open for public tours. However, its historical and architectural significance makes it a point of interest for those exploring the Hyde Park neighborhood and the University of Chicago area.