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Nickerson House: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

Experience the opulence of Chicago's Gilded Age at the Nickerson House, a landmark mansion showcasing stunning architecture and decorative arts.

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The Nickerson House, also known as the Driehaus Museum, is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture in Chicago's Near North Side. Built in 1883 for banker Samuel Nickerson, the mansion showcases opulent interiors and a rich history, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Chicago family during the late 19th century.

A brief summary to Nickerson House

  • 40 E Erie St, Chicago, Near North Side, Illinois, 60611, US

Local tips

  • Check the Driehaus Museum's website for tour schedules and special exhibits to enhance your visit.
  • Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more intimate and less crowded experience.
  • Explore the surrounding Near North Side neighborhood, known for its historical landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Chicago Union Station, take the #151 bus from Jackson & Chicago River to Michigan & Huron. The bus runs every 15 minutes, and the journey takes about 18 minutes. The fare is $3. From there, it's a short walk to the Nickerson House.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Chicago. A taxi from Chicago Union Station to the Nickerson House will cost approximately $7 - $10 and take only a few minutes. Note that prices may vary depending on traffic and demand.

  • Walking

    The Nickerson House is located approximately 1.7 miles from Chicago Union Station, which is about a 32-minute walk. Head east on Jackson Boulevard, then turn north onto Michigan Avenue. Continue onto N Michigan Ave, then turn left onto E Erie St. The Driehaus Museum will be on your left.

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Discover more about Nickerson House

Located at 40 East Erie Street in Chicago, the Nickerson House, now the Driehaus Museum, is a meticulously preserved landmark that exemplifies the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Built for Samuel and Mathilda Nickerson in 1883, this 24,000-square-foot mansion was designed by Edward J. Burling and features lavish interiors with 17 types of marble, intricate woodwork, mosaics, and more. Samuel Nickerson, a prominent banker and businessman, commissioned the house to showcase his wealth and growing art collection. The mansion quickly became a hub for social gatherings and artistic display, hosting masquerade balls and receptions. The Nickersons were avid art collectors and displayed their American and European paintings, along with other unique items, for guests and students to admire. In 1900, the Nickerson's donated their collection to the Art Institute of Chicago. The house itself was considered one of Chicago's first fireproof residences, incorporating brick masonry, iron beams, and mortar-bedded flooring strips. After the Nickersons, the mansion was sold and eventually donated to the American College of Surgeons. Today, as the Driehaus Museum, it offers guided tours and exhibits that highlight the history, culture, and decorative arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore the restored rooms, admire the original furnishings, and immerse themselves in the opulence of a bygone era.

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