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Springfield Art Association & Edwards Place Historic Home

Explore art and history in Springfield, IL, at the Springfield Art Association and the beautifully preserved Edwards Place Historic Home.

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Experience art and history at the Springfield Art Association, home to the beautifully restored Edwards Place, an Italianate mansion dating back to 1833. Explore art galleries, attend classes, and step back in time with a tour of this significant landmark in Abraham Lincoln's Springfield.

A brief summary to Springfield Art Association/Edwards Place Historic Home

Local tips

  • Check the Springfield Art Association's website for upcoming events, workshops, and rotating art exhibitions.
  • Take a guided tour of Edwards Place to fully appreciate its history and significance; tours are available Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Allow ample time to explore both the art galleries and the historic home for a comprehensive experience.
  • Parking is free in the adjacent lot, but it can fill up quickly during events; street parking is also available.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, head north on N 6th St. Turn left onto E Washington St, then turn right onto N 4th St. Walk north for approximately 3 blocks. The Springfield Art Association/Edwards Place will be on your right at 700 N 4th St. Walking this route takes approximately 15-20 minutes. No cost involved.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Springfield, you can take the Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) bus route 1. Board the bus at a stop near you and ride towards the Enos Park area. Get off at the stop closest to North 4th Street. Walk north on 4th Street; the Springfield Art Association/Edwards Place Historic Home is about a 5-minute walk ahead at 700 N 4th St. A single ride fare is $1.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From the Illinois State Capitol Building, a taxi or ride-share to the Springfield Art Association/Edwards Place Historic Home will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between $8 and $12.

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Discover more about Springfield Art Association/Edwards Place Historic Home

The Springfield Art Association (SAA) and Edwards Place Historic Home offer a unique blend of artistic expression and historical immersion in the heart of Springfield, Illinois. Edwards Place, the oldest house in Springfield on its original foundation, anchors the SAA campus. Built in 1833 and remodeled in 1857, this Italianate mansion was once the center of social activity in Springfield. Edwards Place was home to attorney Benjamin Edwards, son of Illinois Governor Ninian Edwards, and his family. The house witnessed lavish dinner parties and political rallies, hosting prominent figures like Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously restored rooms, viewing Victorian furniture and artifacts, including the 'courting couch' where Lincoln and Mary Todd shared moments during their courtship. The Springfield Art Association was founded in 1913 when Alice Edwards Ferguson, daughter of Benjamin, donated the home to the Springfield Art Association. Today, the SAA offers diverse art exhibitions, classes, and family-friendly events. The M.G. Nelson Family Gallery showcases contemporary art by local, regional, and international artists. Visitors can also participate in 'One Nighters,' single-evening workshops in ceramics, metals, or glass. Edwards Place provides a window into 19th-century life and a hub for Springfield's thriving arts scene.

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