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. Their daughter Beatrice, a violist, will join The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra this August; she is also a member of the Grant Park Orchestra. Son Noah, a cellist, graduated with his Masters Degree from Juilliard after completing the five year accelerated program; he will join the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra in September.

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

SOLD OUT! 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!

Human history is intimately tied with agriculture. One of the most interesting agricultural relationships is that between humans and honey bees. Prior to the industrialization of sugar production, approximately 3000 years ago, honey was the only concentrated form of sweetener available to humans. Rearing of honey bees allowed for controlled access to bees and their sweet product.

From the harvesting of wild hives to the standardized hives of today, humans and their desire for all things sweet have fostered the global spread of honey bees. Join us for a conversation about bees, their unique behaviors, the history of beekeeping, and the role of bees in the life of Frances Glessner, who actively maintained hives at The Rocks from 1895 to 1909.

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.

SOLD OUT! 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.

Experience the remarkable history of Chicago’s Buena Park with longtime resident and historian Scott Vermillion as your guide. This online presentation takes its title, “Up Yonder in Buena Park,” from the opening line of Eugene Field’s poem The Delectable Ballad of the Waller Lot, which helped immortalize the neighborhood in verse.

The story begins with the Waller estate known as Buena, which gave the neighborhood its name, and follows the evolution of Buena Park through the people, architecture, landmarks, and events that shaped its character over time. While traces of that past remain in the Prairie-style homes along Chicago’s landmark Hutchinson Street District, Scott will take you beyond them to uncover hidden gems and little-known stories largely lost to time.

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!

SOLD OUT! 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.

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.

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.

Modern beekeeping, particularly in an academic setting, allows for the exploration of apiculture and how it relates to humans. A tour of the Laboratory School's apiary will allow close observation of the materials of beekeeping, hive structure, hive maintenance, and honey production. Samples of beehive materials will be available to explore and honey to taste!

The program will be given by Daniel Calleri, Ph.D., a science teacher at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.

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.

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.

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 vocalist Suneetha Vaitheswaran, joined by JoAnn Daugherty on piano, Paul DiLorenzo on guitar, Joshua Ramos on bass, and Ryan Bennett on drums. Suneetha entertains audiences with a broad selection of old and new standards arranged in the jazz tradition and 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 vocalist Suneetha Vaitheswaran, joined by JoAnn Daugherty on piano, Paul DiLorenzo on guitar, Joshua Ramos on bass, and Ryan Bennett on drums. Suneetha entertains audiences with a broad selection of old and new standards arranged in the jazz tradition and 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.

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.

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.