Past Programs & Events

Tulips and Trumpets: A Mile Full of Jazz Pop-up

Thursday, April 23, 2026

​Join us for an afternoon of live jazz with the Natalie Scharf Quartet, part of the Magnificent Mile’s Tulips and Trumpets celebration.

Premiere of Brendan Fernandes: Score for the Murphy Auditorium

Friday, April 10, 2026

In this newly commissioned durational work choreographed by Brendan Fernandes, the first artist-in-residence to activate the Driehaus Museum’s 1926 Murphy Auditorium, an ensemble of performers from across Chicago’s vibrant independent dance community gather to create a dynamic site for sculptural installation, movement, and sound.

Third Wednesday: AWE Festival Chicago 2026 - Prism

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Join us for an unforgettable night of chamber music as AWE Chicago 2026 wraps up with stunning new violin works from New Zealand and Schubert’s moving String Quintet.

Third Wednesday: AWE Festival Chicago is generously sponsored by Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes.

Third Wednesday: Violist James Kang (SOLD OUT)

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

In this special edition of our Third Wednesday series, violist James Kang presents a program showcasing the versatility and expressivity of the viola in the Driehaus Museum Ballroom.

Holiday Spirits: A Collection of Victorian Yuletide Ghost Stories (SOLD OUT)

Thursday, December 11 & Friday, December 12, 2025, 2025

As the December skies darken, join Ghostlight Ensemble by our majestic fireplace(s) as we revive the Victorian tradition of telling ghost stories at Yuletide with a multi-story (and multi-storied) immersive twist.

Third Wednesday: Rivalry, Myth, and the Legacy of Antonio Salieri (SOLD OUT)

Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 2025

In collaboration with the Driehaus Museum, Chicago Opera Theater and Steppenwolf Theatre Company present a dynamic exploration of Antonio Salieri’s place in music history.​ Join us for this special edition of our Third Wednesday series as we step into the drama and discover the man behind the myth.

CSO Chamber Music – Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 2025

Join us for a special evening of music in celebration of Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade featuring musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The program begins with a brief introduction to the exhibition by Driehaus Museum Executive Director Lisa M. Key, and is followed with works by Mel Bonis, Paul Schoenfield, and Beethoven

Ode to Prague and Chicago: Czech Heritage Week at the Driehaus Museum- Jiří Rajniš and Katelyn Bouska

Thursday, September 25, 2025, 2025

As the culminating event of Czech Heritage Week, acclaimed Czech baritone Jiří Rajniš and pianist-scholar Dr. Katelyn Bouska will join together on the stage of our Murphy Auditorium for a performance that bridges communities through the shared language of music.

Celebrate our 17th Birthday

Saturday, June 21, 2025, 2025

​Celebrate our 17th birthday with discounted admission, dance performances by the Chicago dance company, The Seldoms, a book signing by Dr. Giovanni Aloi, 17% discounts in the Driehaus Museum Store and in Membership.

Third Wednesday: Tempero Brasileiro

Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 2025

Duo Tempero Brasileiro will present a varied program of works for flute and guitar from Brazil and Argentina.

Third Wednesday: Ensemble Dal Niente

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2025

Ensemble Dal Niente performs contemporary classics including Toru Takemitsu’s ravishing Toward the Sea for flute and harp; Tania León’s colorful, energetic Mosaicos for bassoon and piano; Georges Aperghis’ mesmerizing Recitations for soprano, featuring Amanda DeBoer Bartlett; and an octet version of George Lewis’ unique exploration of inter-musical relationships, Artificial Life 2007.

Holiday Spirits: A Collection of Victorian Yuletide Ghost Stories SOLD OUT

Thursday, December 12, 2024

As the December skies darken, join us and Ghostlight Ensemble by our majestic fireplace(s) as we revive the Victorian tradition of telling ghost stories at Yuletide. Stories include The Ghost of the Cross-Roads, 19, Great Hanover Street, and A Spirit Bride.

This event is now sold out.

A Nativity Tribute

Wednesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 5, 2024

This tribute is derived from the timeless Langston Hughes gospel song-play, Black Nativity, and will feature your favorite artists, music, and holiday cheer from our partners at the African American Museum of Performing Arts. Tickets available now for both nights.

Third Wednesday Night with Anita and Julian Graef SOLD OUT!

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

In this special edition of Third Wednesday, taking place in the Nickerson Ballroom, sibling musicians Julian and Anita Graef present a dynamic and engaging program of works for both violin and cello as well as viola and cello. The evening’s performance features a diverse program that showcases the rich textures and emotional depth of these instruments, as well as a blend of contemporary sounds and lyrical beauty that is sure to captivate listeners.

Tickets are sold out.

Third Wednesday Nights: CYSO CORE

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The CYSO Core Ensemble will perform at October’s Third Wednesday Free Night! Stop in during this open house-style event to hear the talented young musicians of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra who will play Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 in E-flat major, KV 453.

Third Wednesday Nights: Antiphonal Brass

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Gaudete Brass is joined by young musicians from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras to fill the Murphy Auditorium with the majestic sound of brass.

Free Third Wednesday Nights: Barbra, Judy, and Me: An Evening with Tammy McCann

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Celebrate Free Third Wednesdays Nights with an unforgettable evening as acclaimed vocalist Tammy McCann takes center stage to honor two legends of stage and screen: Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland, with their songs and her stories about how these icons influenced her.

Free Third Wednesday Nights: Gaudete Brass Performance

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Introducing Free Third Wednesday Nights! On the third Wednesday of every month, admission is free from 5:00-7:00 pm and we’ll be featuring special programming in the Murphy Auditorium.

On July 17, join us for an open house style performance by The Gaudete Brass. The event is now sold out.

Grand Re-Opening Program: Conversation and Concert

Friday, June 21, 2024

Presenting Executive Director Lisa M. Key in conversation with architect Joe Antunovich, Founder of Antunovich Associates, who led the restoration of both the Nickerson Mansion and the Murphy Auditorium. Followed by a special performance featuring members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

The event is free but registration is required.

Plays for Women!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

In honor of Women’s History Month, Ghostlight Ensemble returns to the Driehaus Museum to perform a series of short, largely forgotten plays written by women involved in the suffrage movement.

Edith Wharton’s Lost Play: A Reading and Talkback with Ghostlight Ensemble

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

​The Gilded Age comes to life in this reading of a once-lost Edith Wharton play called The Shadow of a Doubt, a dark story about accused murder laced with Wharton’s trademark wit and unsparing skewering of Gilded Age manners. Starring Chicago’s Ghostlight Ensemble, the evening will include a talkback with the actors and director.