Group and School Tours
The Driehaus Museum offers three types of tours:
- Public tours are offered three times a day during the Museum’s public hours. More information is available here.
- Private group tours are designed for adults over the age of 16. Detailed information is below.
- School tours offer students a unique opportunity to step inside one of Chicago’s most extraordinary surviving Gilded Age homes. Detailed information is below.
Private Group Tours
Introduction to the Museum + Self-Guided Tour
A 15-minute introduction to the Museum followed by self-guided exploration, with staff available on each floor to provide information and support. Perfect for groups of any size that prefer to move at their own pace.
Highlights of the Museum Tour
A comprehensive, one-hour tour highlighting the history and architecture of the Museum, our permanent collection, and our rotating exhibitions. This tour is designed for groups of various sizes, up to 50 guests.
Exhibition Focused Tour
An in-depth, one-hour tour dedicated exclusively to the Museum’s current special exhibition(s). This experience offers deeper engagement with exhibition themes and objects. Perfect for smaller groups of up to 20 guests.
Tiffany and Beyond Tour
A detailed, one-hour tour of Tiffany glass and related decorative art and design throughout the Museum, including our iconic Maher Gallery dome. Perfect for lovers of stained glass and groups of up to 30 guests.
Pricing and Scheduling of Private Group Tours
Scheduling
All tours should be booked at least two weeks in advance of your requested tour date. We will do everything possible to accommodate your preference but cannot guarantee your first choice of tour date and time. Contact groups@driehausmuseum.org or call (312) 482-8933 x 424 to book.
Pricing
For group tours during public open hours, pricing depends on the number of guests. Click below to view our current rates.
Private Group Tour Pricing (click to open)
For pricing outside of public hours, contact: groups@driehausmuseum.org or (312) 482.8933 x424.
Additional Information
During your group tour, other guests may be in the Museum. Private group tours are scheduled to avoid our regular public tours as space in the Museum is limited.
Tours are available for groups of up to 50 guests.
Payment is due in full at least two weeks before the day of the tour.
School Tours
The Driehaus Museum offers students a unique opportunity to step inside one of Chicago’s most extraordinary surviving Gilded Age homes. As they explore the Museum’s architecture, decorative arts, collection, and meticulously preserved interiors, students gain insight into how industry, immigration, innovation, and rapid urban growth transformed both Chicago and the United States in the late nineteenth century.
The original immersive experience! More than a beautifully preserved historic home, the Driehaus Museum is a primary source in itself, offering students the opportunity to investigate the history of the Gilded Age through its architecture, exhibitions, decorative arts, and material culture. Rather than simply reading about the era, students ask questions, analyze evidence, develop historical understanding, and experience the past in ways that are vivid, memorable, and meaningful.
Cost
School tours are FREE for all Illinois schools through 12th grade.
Ages and Interests
Our programs are designed for students in grades 4–12 and can be adapted for a wide range of learners. They are particularly well suited for art & visual arts classes, U.S. history, Chicago history, architecture, humanities, and interdisciplinary courses, as well as classes exploring the Gilded Age, the World’s Columbian Exposition, immigration, industrialization, and urban development.
Availability and Booking
Tours are available Tuesdays (9:30-4:30 pm), Thursdays (9:30-1:00pm), and Fridays (9:30-1:00pm).
If these days/times don’t work for your group, please reach out—additional accommodations may be available.
Tour Size
The Museum can accommodate up to 60 students from one school. Students will be divided into groups of 15 for their tour. Schools must provide at least one chaperone per group. Have a larger group? Reach out and let’s discuss options!
Length of Tour
Visits last one to two hours depending on group size and activity—two-hour visit includes post-tour activity and lunch. Lunch space is available, with storage for bagged lunches.
Accessibility
All spaces and floors in Museum are accessible by elevator. Have specific questions about accessibility? Email us at schooltours@driehausmuseum.org
When to Reserve
Please reserve your visit at least two weeks in advance.
Questions
Not sure if this experience is a good fit for your group? Please reach out at schooltours@driehausmuseum.org
Ready to Book?
Click here to fill out an interest form or reach out at schooltours@driehausmuseum.org
Download a printable document containing this information here.
FAQ for Private Group Tours
How long is a private guided tour?
Depending on the type of tour you take, a guided tour lasts approximately one hour. We recommend adding 15-30 minutes at the end of the tour to revisit any gallery spaces and our Museum Store.
What’s the difference between a private tour and a public tour?
Each private guided tour is assigned its own guide and can be customized to your specific interests.
How much does a tour private tour cost?
Pricing for private guided tours during public hours can be found here.
What does the price include? Are there additional fees?
Pricing is structured in a flat-rate pricing scale. Pricing includes museum admission, the tour, and access to our temporary exhibitions. There are no additional taxes or fees.
Is there a cafeteria?
The Driehaus Museum campus does not have a cafeteria or café.
Can my tour include a room for discussion afterwards?
This may be possible depending on availability and would incur an additional fee.
Can I book a tour after the museum closes?
Yes, depending on the Museum calendar and availability. These tours must start no later than 6pm and cost more than tours during public hours.
Can I book a tour on a day not open to the public?
Yes, depending on the Museum calendar and availability. These tours cost more than tours during regular public hours.
Can my tour include refreshments?
A tour with food or drinks is an event rental. Please contact events@driehausmuseum.org for more information.