Decorative Arts

Charnley-Persky House Museum

The ornament of the Charnley-Persky House is characteristic of both Sullivan and Wright, seen in elaborate hand carvings as well as machine-made forms and decorative panels, utilizing shapes both sinuous and geometric.

Cuneo Mansion and Gardens

John Cuneo, Sr. avidly collected American and European antiques. Highlights of the collection include a 16th-century German suit of armor, a 19th-century Italian pietre dure table, an early 20th-century American Steinway art-case piano, and two 19th-century Ormolu and Sevres style porcelain-inset gueridons.

The Driehaus Museum

The Driehaus Collection of Fine and Decorative Arts is a diverse collection of European and American artifacts created predominantly between 1880 and 1920. The Driehaus Collection supplements the works of the mansion's original architects and interior designers.

The Ernest Hemingway Birthplace

The period furnishings and décor in the Hemingway Birthplace were acquired or reproduced with the assistance of the Hemingway family, particularly relatives of Hemingway’s older sister Marcelline. Her recollections provided details about the rugs, wall coverings, paintings, and other features of the house.

Evanston History Center at the Charles Gates Dawes House

The splendor of the Dawes’ 1920s décor remains in place. Breathtaking Tiffany lamps, gilt-framed oil paintings, and many works of art grace every room. Objects on view include furniture from the White House, European antiques, countless Persian rugs, and a Steinway grand piano and several sculptures purchased at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

Glessner House

In furnishing their new home, the Glessners looked toward the English Arts and Crafts movement for inspiration, selecting numerous textiles, wallpapers, and carpets produced by Morris & Co. as well as tiles and ceramics by William De Morgan.

Kalo Foundation/Iannelli Studio

There are examples of some of the many designs produced at the Studio by the artists as well as Kalo Silver produced by the Kalo Shop.

Pullman House Project

The Pullman House Project collection of decorative arts includes over 1,000 pieces of English ironstone variants of the Tea Leaf pattern, English and American variants of the India Tree china pattern, and many fine examples of American Brilliant cut glass.