Glessner House

About Glessner House

Glessner House is a historic house museum located in Chicago's Prairie Avenue District. Designed by famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1887, it is considered a seminal work of American residential architecture. The house challenges conventional Victorian design with its robust, unadorned exterior and innovative interior layout, which prioritizes light, air, and functionality around a central courtyard. It served as the residence of John J. Glessner, a prominent businessman and co-founder of International Harvester, and his family. The Glessner House is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, celebrated for its profound influence on modern residential architecture and the Arts and Crafts movement. Richardson's design moved away from the ornate styles of the era, inspiring a new generation of architects, including Frank Lloyd Wright. The house contains original furnishings and artifacts, allowing visitors to experience the Glessners' daily lives and appreciate the sophisticated domestic technology and artistic tastes of the late 19th century. Glessner House is open for guided tours on select days. Visitors can check the official website for current tour schedules and to book tickets in advance. The museum is committed to preserving and interpreting the Glessners' legacy, offering educational programs and special events throughout the year. Its location in the historic Prairie Avenue District also allows for exploration of a neighborhood once home to Chicago's industrial elite.

Location

1800 S Prairie Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

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Nearby restaurants

• Calumet Fisheries

  Smoked fish · $$

• Girl & The Goat

  Modern American · $$$ · West Loop

• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

  Deep-dish pizza · $$ · River North

• Pequod's Pizza

  Pan pizza · $$ · Lincoln Park

• Gene & Georgetti

  Steakhouse · $$$$ · River North

• Al's #1 Italian Beef

  Italian beef · $