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Charnley-Persky House Museum

Explore a landmark of modern architecture, designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, in Chicago's historic Gold Coast.

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A pivotal work of modern American architecture, the Charnley-Persky House in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood showcases the early talents of Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This National Historic Landmark offers guided tours, revealing its innovative design and historical significance.

A brief summary to Charnley-Persky House Museum

Local tips

  • Reservations are required for all tours and can be made online or by phone.
  • Wednesday tours are free, while Friday and Saturday tours have an admission fee.
  • Consider taking the virtual tour to see the entire house, including the third floor which is not open on in-person tours.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Charnley-Persky House is accessible via public transportation. Take the Red Line subway to the Clark/Division stop. Walk two blocks north on Clark, then turn right on Schiller Street and proceed three blocks to Astor Street. The 151 Sheridan, 22 Clark Street, and 36 Broadway buses also service the neighborhood. A single fare on CTA is $2.50.

  • Walking

    The Charnley-Persky House is located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. From Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, walk north on Michigan Avenue to East Schiller Street. Turn right onto E Schiller St, then turn left onto N Astor St. The museum will be on your left. The walk is approximately 1 mile and should take about 20 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Chicago. A ride from downtown to the Charnley-Persky House will typically cost between $10 and $20, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Parking

    Public parking is available on the street and in paid lots in the area. Street parking may be limited. Several parking garages are located near the Charnley-Persky House. Astor House Garage at 1340 N Astor St offers parking for around $14 for 2 hours. Other nearby garages include 1415 N Dearborn Street and 1350 N Lake Shore Drive, with rates varying.

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Discover more about Charnley-Persky House Museum

The Charnley-Persky House, located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, stands as a testament to the combined genius of Louis Sullivan and his then-junior draftsman, Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed in 1891 and completed in 1892, the house is recognized as a pivotal work of modern American architecture, marking a departure from prevailing Victorian aesthetics. James Charnley, a lumber magnate and friend of Sullivan, commissioned the house, which later became the headquarters of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) and was renamed in honor of philanthropist Seymour Persky. The house's design embodies Sullivan's desire for a new form of American architecture, emphasizing simplification of surface and mass. Wright credited the design with teaching him the decorative value of the plain surface. The virtually unadorned brick exterior led the Charnley House to be internationally recognized as a key work of modern architecture. The house features a facade of Roman brick and stone, divided vertically into three parts: a main entrance with a balcony loggia in the center, and brick pavilions on either side. Visitors can explore the house through guided tours, which reveal the interior's innovative design, including an interior light well that spans three stories. The library features built-in bookcases, reflecting the Charnley family's interest in reading. The house also contains six fireplaces, a combination of architect-designed and stock catalog pieces. During a foundation excavation in 2002, a late 19th-century garbage pit was discovered, containing a range of items that offer insights into the lives of the home's early residents.

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