Our 2025 salon concert series begins with a special program featuring Samuel Barber’s “Hermit Songs,” as well as selections from opera, art song, and popular song repertoire that explore the thawing of winter’s reclusivity into spring’s community and companionship. Attendees will be seated in the beautiful parlor and dining room of the house, while listening to selections presented by soprano Hayley Fox and pianist Jonathan Gmeinder, performing on the Glessners’ 1887 Steinway & Sons piano.

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

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! Additional dates listed below. 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! Experience high Victorian tea in the historic dining room and parlor of Glessner House! These beautifully restored rooms serve as the perfect setting for this popular event, where attendees are treated to a traditional high tea with fine china, silver, and an assortment of delicious treats served in three courses - scones, sandwiches, and dessert.

Curator William Tyre will exhibit and discuss special objects from our archives brought out just for the event. Invite your mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, or good friend for what promises to be a most memorable experience. And men are welcome, too!

Just 30 spaces available per seating. Reservations required, as tickets sell quickly—don’t delay!

In 1961, ownership of William Morris’s beloved country house, Kelmscott Manor, in rural west Oxfordshire, devolved upon the Society of Antiquaries of London (SAL). Used by the Victorian polymath and his family over a 67-year period it had, during that time, assumed an unforeseen significance in relation to the thinking and creativity of both Morris and his daughter, May, who died in 1938 and bequeathed it to Oxford University. It was a property of international importance, therefore, though in a perilous state of repair by the time the University sought to surrender ownership; SAL then embarked on a five-year programme of renovation and conservation. Sixty years further on, the £6 million Kelmscott and Morris: Past, Present and Future project, encompassing all aspects of the site, has enabled SAL to safeguard the estate’s future and re-shape visitors’ engagement with this most atmospheric of places.

Whilst considering both the external and internal KMPPF project works, this talk places a particular emphasis on the materiality, decoration, furnishing and interpretation of the Manor’s period spaces. Using case studies of individual objects and architectural features, it will look at how evidential sources have informed decision-making in relation to these modest yet complex interiors in order to create spaces reflecting not the actuality of the Manor as any member of the Morris family would necessarily have known it, but rather the intentionality of May Morris and her vision for the house as expressed through her curatorial interventions in the later years of her life, and the provision she made for it in her will.

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!

Our 2025 salon concert series continues with a special afternoon of music written for the violin and piano, ranging from works by Bach, Mozart, and Brahms, to more contemporary selections by Irene Britton Smith and Ahmed Al Abaca. Attendees will be seated in the beautiful parlor and dining room of the house, while listening to selections presented by violinist Caitlin Edwards and pianist Jonathan Gmeinder, performing on the Glessners’ 1887 Steinway & Sons piano.

Caitlin Edwards is a visionary artist who seamlessly blends her cultural roots with her musical upbringing to curate performances that resonate with authenticity, impact and joy. In August 2021, Caitlin released her debut solo album, Exhale, a transcending work that merges the elegance of classical music with the soulful harmonies of gospel and neo-soul.

Jonathan Gmeinder works extensively as a coach, collaborator, and piano teacher, currently coaching opera students at Roosevelt, DePaul and Northwestern Universities in Chicago. Additionally, Gmeinder coaches and accompanies the young artists at the Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, as well as the Baumgartner studio artists at Florentine Opera in Milwaukee.  

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

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, chill your favorite beverages, and head over for a special Courtyard Concert at Glessner House, part of our 2025 jazz series. Due to popular demand, we have added a fifth concert this season, so are starting a month earlier than usual and introducing a new performer, too!

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!

The Joseph Jacob Walser house was built in 1903 at 42 N. Central Avenue in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Set on a narrow lot, the house is among the best of Wright’s design experiments with inexpensive residences. It displays all the features of his mature Prairie style: a horizontal emphasis resulting from deep roof eaves and bands of windows, a straightforward use of simple materials, and a spacious but efficient open interior plan. The house is one of only five extant Wright-designed Prairie-period structures in the city of Chicago and was designated a landmark in 1984.

The house is currently going through the foreclosure process since the death of the long-time owner in 2019. Its condition is rapidly declining due to deferred maintenance with stucco and exterior wood trim crumbling and separating from the building, and gaping holes at the foundation level.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, Austin Coming Together, Preservation Chicago, and Landmarks Illinois are working together to put pressure on the mortgage company and the City of Chicago to place the house into the hands of a steward who will stabilize it and work toward a long-term plan for its restoration and reuse.

The presentation will be given by John H. Waters, AIA, Preservation Programs Director for the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

Join us in the beautiful courtyard of Glessner House for our annual gala, Celebrating William Morris.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Morris & Company. William Morris had a profound influence on English and American interior design which continues to resonate today. The Glessners embraced his design aesthetic, selecting numerous wallpapers, fabrics, and other objects for their home, many of which have been recreated as part of the ongoing restoration of the house.

The event, styled as a summer garden party, will include abundant food and beverage, and the opportunity to tour the house, believed to be the most complete Morris interior of any publicly accessible house in the U.S. Morris-related items from the archives, not normally on view, will be on exhibit during the event.

A brief program will include the presentation of the annual John and Frances Glessner Award to Melinda Watt, who leads the Art Institute of Chicago’s textile department as Chair and Christa C. Mayer Thurman Curator. In 2021, she curated “Morris and Company: The Business of Beauty” which featured an entire gallery devoted to Glessner 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.

This walking tour down South Michigan Avenue explores what is considered the largest intact early “automobile row” in the U.S.  At its peak in the early 20th century, more than 100 different makes of automobiles were being sold on Motor Row. 

Today, the revitalized stretch of street showcases more than sixty of the original showrooms in what is now considered the landmark Motor Row District, with stunning examples of elaborately molded terra cotta, ornate facades, and intricately scrolled ironwork designed by notable architects such as Holabird & Roche, Alfred Alschuler, Christian Eckstorm, Philip Maher, and Albert Kahn.

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!

In the late nineteenth century, Prairie Avenue was the most exclusive street in Chicago. Nearly ninety mansions lined the six blocks from 16th to 22nd streets, including the homes of the city’s three wealthiest citizens - department store owner Marshall Field, meat packer Philip D. Armour, and sleeping car manufacturer George M. Pullman.

Explore over two centuries of history – from the Battle of Fort Dearborn in 1812 through the neighborhood’s recent transformation into what is once again one of the most fashionable and desirable neighborhoods in Chicago.

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.

This walking tour down South Michigan Avenue explores what is considered the largest intact early “automobile row” in the U.S.  At its peak in the early 20th century, more than 100 different makes of automobiles were being sold on Motor Row. 

Today, the revitalized stretch of street showcases more than sixty of the original showrooms in what is now considered the landmark Motor Row District, with stunning examples of elaborately molded terra cotta, ornate facades, and intricately scrolled ironwork designed by notable architects such as Holabird & Roche, Alfred Alschuler, Christian Eckstorm, Philip Maher, and Albert Kahn.

In the late nineteenth century, Prairie Avenue was the most exclusive street in Chicago. Nearly ninety mansions lined the six blocks from 16th to 22nd streets, including the homes of the city’s three wealthiest citizens - department store owner Marshall Field, meat packer Philip D. Armour, and sleeping car manufacturer George M. Pullman.

Explore over two centuries of history – from the Battle of Fort Dearborn in 1812 through the neighborhood’s recent transformation into what is once again one of the most fashionable and desirable neighborhoods in Chicago.

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.

This walking tour down South Michigan Avenue explores what is considered the largest intact early “automobile row” in the U.S.  At its peak in the early 20th century, more than 100 different makes of automobiles were being sold on Motor Row. 

Today, the revitalized stretch of street showcases more than sixty of the original showrooms in what is now considered the landmark Motor Row District, with stunning examples of elaborately molded terra cotta, ornate facades, and intricately scrolled ironwork designed by notable architects such as Holabird & Roche, Alfred Alschuler, Christian Eckstorm, Philip Maher, and Albert Kahn.

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.

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.

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.