Glessner House, Northern Illinois Travel Guide

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Explore Chicago's Gilded Age at Glessner House, an architectural masterpiece by H.H. Richardson in the historic Prairie Avenue District.

Step back in time at Glessner House, a National Historic Landmark in Chicago's Prairie Avenue Historic District. Designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson in the late 1880s, this urban mansion stands as a testament to innovative design and the Arts and Crafts movement, offering a glimpse into the life of a prominent Chicago family during the Gilded Age.

A brief summary to Glessner House

1800 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, Prairie District, Illinois, 60616, US
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Wednesday 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Friday 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Saturday 11:30 am-3:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Purchase tickets in advance online to guarantee your spot on a guided tour, as they often sell out.
Illinois residents can enjoy free tours on the first and third Thursday of each month with proof of residency.
Consider becoming a member for free admission, discounts, and invitations to special events.
Check the event calendar for special interest tours, concerts, and other programs that enhance the visitor experience.

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Explore Glessner House on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Glessner House, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown Chicago, take the #3 King Drive or #4 Cottage Grove bus southbound on Michigan Avenue. Get off at the corner of Michigan Avenue and 18th Street, then walk 1.5 blocks east to Glessner House. Alternatively, take the Green Line to the Cermak/McCormick Place station (12-minute walk) or the Red Line to the Cermak-Chinatown or Roosevelt stations (15-minute walk). A single ride on the bus or 'L' train costs $2.50.
Walking

If you are near Chicago’s Museum Campus or in the Prairie District, Glessner House is easily accessible by foot. Walk east on 18th Street from Michigan Avenue for two blocks. The entrance is through the large green door facing 18th Street.
Ride Share/Taxi

From anywhere in Chicago, rideshares and taxis are readily available. Ask your driver to take you to 1800 S Prairie Avenue. Taxi and rideshare services are abundant near McCormick Place. Expect to pay around $10-$20 for a short trip from downtown.
Parking

Street parking near Glessner House is limited. Free on-street parking can be found on 18th Street (between Prairie and Indiana avenues) and on the east side of Indiana Avenue south of 18th Street. Metered parking is available on Wabash and Michigan avenues. Several parking services offer convenient parking at a reasonable rate; booking in advance through SpotHero or ParkWhiz is recommended. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay $10-$20 per hour.

Discover more about Glessner House

Glessner House, located at 1800 S. Prairie Avenue in Chicago, is an architectural gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the Gilded Age. Completed in 1887, this National Historic Landmark was designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson for John Jacob Glessner, a wealthy farm machinery manufacturer, and his family.The house stands out for its unique Richardsonian Romanesque style, characterized by its imposing rusticated granite exterior and innovative floor plan. Departing from the ornate Victorian architecture of its neighbors on Prairie Avenue, once known as "Millionaires' Row", Glessner House features a fortress-like design that opens inward, concealing a warm and inviting interior centered around a private courtyard. This courtyard provides abundant natural light and privacy, a rare luxury in urban residences of the time.Inside, the house is meticulously restored to its late 19th-century appearance, showcasing a significant collection of original furnishings and decorative objects. The Glessners were avid collectors of English and American Arts and Crafts, and their home features works by William Morris, Émile Gallé, and Isaac Scott. Guided tours offer insights into the family's life, their patronage of the arts, and the architectural significance of the house.Glessner House is more than just a museum; it's a portal to a bygone era, where visitors can experience the beauty and innovation of a home that redefined domestic architecture and influenced generations of architects, including Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and Frank Lloyd Wright.