Private Group Tours

For a truly memorable experience, reserve a private tour of the Driehaus Museum for family, friends, colleagues, or clients. Discover how beauty and luxury were defined during the Gilded Age as our experienced and knowledgeable guides lead your group through the magnificent interiors of Samuel M. Nickerson’s Marble Palace.

Private Group Tours

Private guided tours showcasing highlights from the Museum’s interiors and collection are available for groups of 10 to 25 people. Larger groups can be accommodated by booking sequential tours. Group reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance.

Tour Length: 60–75 minutes
Cost (per person, minimum 10 people):
$25 Adult
$17.50 Senior 65+
$15 Students with valid I.D.

Private evening Twilight Tours and Summer Servants Tours are available for $15 per person (minimum 10 people; the Summer Servants tour has a maximum of 20 people).

Private McCormickville Walking Tours are also available for $20 per person (minimum 10 people). 

For reservations, please call 312 482 8933, ext. 31 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Self-Guided Group Tours

To accomodate larger groups of 25 people or more, the Driehaus Museum offers self-guided tours of the Nickerson Mansion. Self-guided tours allow larger groups to discover the Museum at their own pace. After a welcome and introduction from a Museum guide, the group can leisurely explore the Museum’s three floors. Guides are available on each floor to answer questions. Private self-guided tours must be booked in advance.

Tour Length: 30–60 minutes
Cost (per person, minimum 10 people):
$17.50 Adult
$12.50 Senior 65+
$10 Students with valid I.D.

For more information or reservations, please call 312 482 8933, ext. 31 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

High Society, Grand Mansions and the Gilded Age: Tour and Lunch Package

The Gilded Age was an era defined by men of industry and commerce. These titans of business immortalized their positions as America’s new aristocracy by erecting opulent residences that emulated the palaces of old Europe. Today, the Samuel M. Nickerson Mansion, now the Driehaus Museum, and the Leander H. McCormick Mansion, now Lawry’s Prime Rib Chicago, survive as reminders of the elite character of the neighborhood.

Guests will spend a morning exploring the Driehaus Museum on a self-guided tour with Museum guides on hand to answer questions. After visiting Nickeron’s Marble Palace, guests head one block southeast to Lawry’s Prime Rib Chicago, where they will enjoy a lunch menu inspired by Chicago’s rich and varied history.

Groups may enhance their tour experience by including a signed author copy of Great Houses of Chicago, 1871-1912. This lavishly illustrated volume showcases the architectural tastes of Chicago’s elite, including Samuel M. Nickerson, Cyrus H. McCormick, Marshall Field, and George M. Pullman. Please inquire about having one of the book’s authors join the lunch to provide a presentation.*

High Society, Grand Mansions and the Gilded Age Tours must have a minimum of 20 (maximum 100) guests and be booked four weeks in advance.

Tour Schedule (available Thursdays and Fridays):
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Self-guided tour of the Driehaus Museum
1 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Lunch at Lawry’s Prime Rib Chicago

Cost: $52 per person
*Book signed by author or lunch with presentation requires an additional fee. Please inquire.

For more information or reservations, please call 312 482 8933, ext. 31 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

An Evening at the Marble Palace

Enjoy an exclusive, intimate experience combining a tour of the magnificent interiors of the Driehaus Museum and the delectable cuisine prepared by one of the Museum’s preferred caterers. Evening Twilight Tours provide a unique opportunity to experience Chicago’s grandest historic mansion illuminated at night. Guests will enjoy a private guided tour of the Driehaus Museum that concludes with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the breathtaking marble-clad Main Hall.

To schedule a private evening tour and discuss catering packages and prices, please contact the Event Planning Office, Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 312 482 8933, ext. 29 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).