SOLD OUT! Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

SOLD OUT! Inspired by the elegance of the Belle Époque, this recital brings to life the refined world of French art song at the turn of the 20th century. Music by Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, and their contemporaries reflects a time of extraordinary artistic cross-pollination, where poetry and music merged to create works of shimmering beauty and emotional intimacy - perfectly suited to an intimate salon setting. The performance features Andrea Baker, soprano, and Evan Bravos, baritone, accompanied by pianist Nicholas Pothier.

The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception where guests will have an opportunity to meet the artists.

After the Arts and Crafts movement coalesced in Britain at the end of the nineteenth century, it quickly made its way to the United States. Architects and artisans embraced its values, advocating for handicraft in building design while promoting a respect for nature, simplicity, native materials, and regional culture. This program, based on the newly published book by Maureen Meister of the same name, presents buildings that reflect Arts and Crafts ideals in distinctive ways and connects them to the movement’s major themes.

Meister’s presentation will explore buildings from Boston to San Diego, highlighting iconic examples by Ralph Adams Cram, Irving J. Gill, Greene and Greene, and Frank Lloyd Wright. The program also brings to the fore many lesser-known figures, including women architects such as Marion Mahony and Cora Cadwallader Tuttle and Black architects such as William A. Hazel and Paul R. Williams.

SOLD OUT! Step into a world where 60 percent of a family’s home was dedicated to areas for paid servants to live and work. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of this 17,400 square foot mansion, designed by the celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1885. Commissioned to house the Glessner family and their live-in staff of eight, this architectural gem offers a rare glimpse into the life of servants in the late 19th century.

Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the extraordinary records maintained by Frances Glessner. Her personal journal and a separate book, where she documented each servant as they came and went, provide an unparalleled insight into the lives of these unsung heroes.

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2026 jazz series.

Our first jazz concert of the season will feature Elaine Dame, joined by celebrated pianist Jeremy Kahn. Since 1996, the woman Time Out Chicago calls “a jazz dynamo" and "a gem in the city's vocal jazz scene" has been turning heads and capturing attention at venerable jazz venues from coast to coast, bringing her unique, superlative interpretations to vintage vocal classics and modern standards alike.

When Chicago burned down in 1871, it was rebuilt as a city of brick, mostly using bricks made from the clay right underneath the young city's feet. But as much as we may think of a brick as a simple rectangle that holds our buildings up, it is actually so much more--it is an object of design, each brick a brushstroke in the canvas of a building. Journey across Chicago and architecture history and learn how fashion in brick changes just as much as fashion in clothing, from monolithic temples covered in solid red bricks to English cottages bedecked with bark-textured multicolored bricks, to sleek towers clad in rich, iron-flecked bricks and more. Illustrated by more than 100 gorgeous photographs, this history will leave you looking at the humble brick with wonder.

Join us in the beautiful home of The Fortnightly of Chicago for our annual gala, Celebrating Frances Glessner.

Frances Macbeth Glessner (1848-1932) was an extraordinarily gifted woman. Her talents ranged from embroidery to silversmithing, and jewelry making to beekeeping. An accomplished pianist, she and her husband John were among the most devoted supporters of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the first four decades of its existence, regularly welcoming the leading musicians of the world into their home.

The event, styled as a summer garden party, will include small bites and beverages, and the opportunity to tour the former home of Bryan and Helen Lathrop, an 1892 Georgian Revival masterpiece by McKim, Mead & White, which has served as the home of The Fortnightly since 1923. Frances Glessner was an active member of The Fortnightly for more than 50 years and presented the organization with a beautiful silver sweetmeat dish she handcrafted in 1905, which will be on display.

A brief program will include a welcome from the current president of The Fortnightly, remarks on Frances Glessner and her impact on Chicago, and the presentation of the annual John and Frances Glessner Award to Linda Miller, immediate past president of Friends of Historic Second Church.

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages, it's time once again for Courtyard Concerts at Glessner House.  This is the first of two very special concerts featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The Chen String Quartet has been playing together for nine years. Robert Chen has been concertmaster of the CSO since 1999. Laura Chen is a former member of the first violin section of both Lyric Opera and Grant Park Symphony. They will be joined by their daughter Beatrice on viola and son Noah on cello.

Attendees will receive a special snack bag to enjoy during the concert!

George Pullman and his Pullman Palace Car Company loomed large in late 19th-century America, from his stately Second Empire-style mansion on Prairie Avenue, to the town he constructed in the early 1880s to house his factory and employees. This tour will explore both sides of the story.

The tour begins at Glessner House with a PowerPoint presentation on the Pullman mansion (demolished in 1922). After a brief walking tour of Pullman’s Prairie Avenue neighborhood, participants will board the Metra Electric line for the 25 minute ride down to the Pullman National Historical Park, taking the exact same route Pullman himself often took.

Lunch will be provided in a privately-owned, restored manager’s house in Arcade Row. The Pullman House Project will open its three sites for interior tours - One Florence Boulevard (the former Pullman Club), the Lisciotto row house (where the Pullman preservation movement began), and a “Honeymoon Row” worker’s flat and shoe repair shop. Other sites include Exhibit Hall (to see the magnificent sideboard from the Pullman mansion) and the National Park Service Visitors Center (in the former Pullman Company administration building). with fascinating exhibits exploring the Pullman company and its employees. The day will conclude with a walking tour of the neighborhood before boarding the Metra for the return trip to Glessner House.

The Arts & Crafts Movement, a fascinating period in American decorative history, led to the unprecedented commercialization of fine crafts and the empowerment of thousands of women and immigrants, who began to pursue new careers in design and handicraft. In 1893, the World’s Fair in Chicago heralded the egalitarian art movement in America that led to the establishment of a plethora of metalwork and jewelry companies and studios by the turn of the century. At the same time, a small number of lady amateurs, such as Frances Glessner, turned their attention to metalwork, producing objects of comparable quality.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2026 jazz series.

Second City Jazz, which has performed straight ahead jazz for Chicago area audiences for over 16 years, is looking forward to their return engagement at Glessner House. Pianist Jonah Orlofsky and bassist Chris Nemeth will be joined by Tommy Bradford on saxophone and Derek Henderson on drums, playing the music of Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans, Horace Silver, Miles Davis, and more.

Immerse yourself in the stunning design philosophy of William Morris. Reflecting the deep interests of Frances Glessner and the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson in the English Arts and Crafts Movement, Glessner House showcases what is believed to be the largest collection of Morris wallpapers, textiles, and rugs in any publicly accessible residence in the United States.

Join us for a tour of this historic gem and discover the beauty and craftsmanship of Morris's work. From original pieces by Morris and William De Morgan, to faithfully reproduced wallpapers and textiles, you'll gain an intimate understanding of the design philosophy that defined the Arts and Crafts movement.

SOLD OUT! Join Will Quam of Brick of Chicago for a walking tour of the historic Prairie Avenue District. By diving into the materials that make up the city, we'll explore the evolution of architectural design and the history of the neighborhood: from the original Gold Coast, to an industrial hub, to Motor Row, and back to a residential neighborhood.

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2026 jazz series.

One of Chicago’s most recognized voices, Wayne Messmer steps away from his role as a premier singer of the National Anthem to bringTheWayne Messmer Trio featuring Nate Niederkorn on guitar and Scott Mason on bass. This year, the trio presents “Saluting the Singer/Songwriters,” a performance featuring the music of James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce, Carol King, Paul Simon, David Gates, and more!

George Pullman and his Pullman Palace Car Company loomed large in late 19th-century America, from his stately Second Empire-style mansion on Prairie Avenue, to the town he constructed in the early 1880s to house his factory and employees. This tour will explore both sides of the story.

The tour begins at Glessner House with a PowerPoint presentation on the Pullman mansion (demolished in 1922). After a brief walking tour of Pullman’s Prairie Avenue neighborhood, participants will board the Metra Electric line for the 25 minute ride down to the Pullman National Historical Park, taking the exact same route Pullman himself often took.

Lunch will be provided in a privately-owned, restored manager’s house in Arcade Row. The Pullman House Project will open its three sites for interior tours - One Florence Boulevard (the former Pullman Club), the Lisciotto row house (where the Pullman preservation movement began), and a “Honeymoon Row” worker’s flat and shoe repair shop. Other sites include Exhibit Hall (to see the magnificent sideboard from the Pullman mansion) and the National Park Service Visitors Center (in the former Pullman Company administration building). with fascinating exhibits exploring the Pullman company and its employees. The day will conclude with a walking tour of the neighborhood before boarding the Metra for the return trip to Glessner House.

Join Will Quam of Brick of Chicago for a walking tour of the historic Prairie Avenue District. By diving into the materials that make up the city, we'll explore the evolution of architectural design and the history of the neighborhood: from the original Gold Coast, to an industrial hub, to Motor Row, and back to a residential neighborhood.

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, chill your favorite beverages, and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2026 jazz series.

Vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown settled in Chicago in 2003 where they regularly play such top jazz venues as the Green Mill, Jazz Showcase, Le Piano, Andy's Jazz Club, Winter's Jazz Club, Fitzgerald's Nightclub, and SPACE, as well as tour nationally and internationally. 

With a focus on swing-era music, Great American Songbook standards, and Brazilian bossa nova, their enormous repertoire encompasses obscurities as well as familiar favorites. Drawn toward songs with clever lyrics, lovely melodies, and rich harmonies, Petra and Andy are often praised for their elegant, nuanced approach and expressive, engaging demeanor, creating a presentation which blends technique with heart!

Step into a world where 60 percent of a family’s home was dedicated to areas for paid servants to live and work. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of this 17,400 square foot mansion, designed by the celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1885. Commissioned to house the Glessner family and their live-in staff of eight, this architectural gem offers a rare glimpse into the life of servants in the late 19th century.

Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the extraordinary records maintained by Frances Glessner. Her personal journal and a separate book, where she documented each servant as they came and went, provide an unparalleled insight into the lives of these unsung heroes.

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages, it's time once again for Courtyard Concerts at Glessner House.  This is the second of two very special concerts featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Our concert will feature CSO principal cellist John Sharp and Lyric Opera violinist Liba Shacht. A rare opportunity to hear these world-class musicians in the intimate setting of the Glessner courtyard.

Attendees will receive a special snack bag to enjoy during the concert!

Doors open at 6:00pm, concert begins at 6:30pm. Seating is not provided. The music will conclude around 7:30pm. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved into our coach house.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Immerse yourself in the stunning design philosophy of William Morris. Reflecting the deep interests of Frances Glessner and the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson in the English Arts and Crafts Movement, Glessner House showcases what is believed to be the largest collection of Morris wallpapers, textiles, and rugs in any publicly accessible residence in the United States.

Join us for a tour of this historic gem and discover the beauty and craftsmanship of Morris's work. From original pieces by Morris and William De Morgan, to faithfully reproduced wallpapers and textiles, you'll gain an intimate understanding of the design philosophy that defined the Arts and Crafts movement.

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2026 jazz series.

Our final jazz concerts of the season will feature Suneetha Vaitheswaran and Friends, which entertains audiences with a broad selection of old and new standards arranged in the jazz tradition. Vocalist Suneetha Vaitheswaran performs at venues including Chicago’s legendary Jazz Showcase with world-class musicians and is a proven favorite here at Glessner House, too!

Pack your picnic basket, grab your blanket and chairs, and chill your favorite beverages and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2026 jazz series.

Our final jazz concerts of the season will feature Suneetha Vaitheswaran and Friends, which entertains audiences with a broad selection of old and new standards arranged in the jazz tradition. Vocalist Suneetha Vaitheswaran performs at venues including Chicago’s legendary Jazz Showcase with world-class musicians and is a proven favorite here at Glessner House, too!

This very special tour provides attendees with the rare opportunity to visit the interiors of several landmarked homes in the Prairie Avenue Historic District. See beautifully carved wood moldings, leaded glass windows, fireplaces in elaborate tile, mosaic, and marble, and much more!

Sites tentatively included on the 2026 tour:
-Marshall Field Jr. house, 1919 S. Prairie Avenue (Solon S. Beman, architect; 1883;
remodeling by Daniel H. Burnham & Co., 1902)
-Charles Purdy house, 213 E. Cullerton Street, (Thomas & Rapp, architects; 1891)
-William Reid house, 2013 S. Prairie Avenue (Beers, Clay & Dutton, architects; 1894)
-Harriet Rees house, 2017 S. Prairie Avenue (Cobb & Frost, architects, 1888)
-Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Avenue (James Renwick Jr., architect, 1874; remodeling by Howard Van Doren Shaw, 1901)
-The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, originally Engine Company 104, 1401 S. Michigan Avenue (Charles F. Hermann, 1905)
-Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation, 2120 S. Michigan Avenue (historic studio of Chess Records)

An abbreviated tour of Glessner House including the main first floors rooms is also included.

Tour guides will also be stationed at various locations in the neighborhood to discuss and show photos of prominent lost houses including those of Marshall Field, George Pullman, Philip Armour, and others.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Step into a world where 60 percent of a family’s home was dedicated to areas for paid servants to live and work. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of this 17,400 square foot mansion, designed by the celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1885. Commissioned to house the Glessner family and their live-in staff of eight, this architectural gem offers a rare glimpse into the life of servants in the late 19th century.

Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the extraordinary records maintained by Frances Glessner. Her personal journal and a separate book, where she documented each servant as they came and went, provide an unparalleled insight into the lives of these unsung heroes.

Immerse yourself in the stunning design philosophy of William Morris. Reflecting the deep interests of Frances Glessner and the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson in the English Arts and Crafts Movement, Glessner House showcases what is believed to be the largest collection of Morris wallpapers, textiles, and rugs in any publicly accessible residence in the United States.

Join us for a tour of this historic gem and discover the beauty and craftsmanship of Morris's work. From original pieces by Morris and William De Morgan, to faithfully reproduced wallpapers and textiles, you'll gain an intimate understanding of the design philosophy that defined the Arts and Crafts movement.

Uncover the groundbreaking design of Glessner House on our exclusive tours! Step back in time to 1887 and witness a piece of architectural history that sparked controversy and paved the way for modern residential design. As you explore this magnificent building from basement to attic, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the work of H. H. Richardson and the lasting impact he had on architects such as Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. This is a rare opportunity to delve into the history and intricacies of this masterpiece, with access to areas not seen on public tours and a chance to view Richardson's original sketch. Don't miss this unforgettable two-hour journey into the heart of architectural innovation!

Step into a world where 60 percent of a family’s home was dedicated to areas for paid servants to live and work. Immerse yourself in the captivating story of this 17,400 square foot mansion, designed by the celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson in 1885. Commissioned to house the Glessner family and their live-in staff of eight, this architectural gem offers a rare glimpse into the life of servants in the late 19th century.

Join us on a journey through time as we delve into the extraordinary records maintained by Frances Glessner. Her personal journal and a separate book, where she documented each servant as they came and went, provide an unparalleled insight into the lives of these unsung heroes.