Farnsworth House

Help Preserve Mies' Masterpiece		Flood Mitigation Ideas
You can help us preserve this icon of modernism by contributing to the ongoing restoration fund. Any amount helps the Farnsworth House. contribute now		Help us solve the issue of flooding which plagues the Farnsworth House. Review background information and directions on how to submit your idea. learn more
books & Gifts		Plan Your Visit
Our Online Shop has just been launched. All profits from the Shop go directly into the operations, upkeep and maintenance of the Farnsworth House. shop now		Prepare for your trip to the Farnsworth House by reviewing our Visitor page to find details on transportation, tour hours, directions and other topics. read more

Read Our New Blog!

Keep up to date on the latest news and events taking place at the Farnsworth House. Click here or view one of the following popular posts:

• Celebrating Our Fifth Anniversary
• Send Us Your Flood Mitigation Ideas!
• A Day After the Flood

• Volunteers Needed As Tour Guides

Become A Member of Landmarks Illinois and Make A Difference!

Landmarks Illinois is the state’s leading voice for historic preservation. From the rubble of the 1971 demolition of Adler and Sullivan's masterpiece old Chicago Stock Exchange Building, Landmarks Illinois rose to become a 2500 member statewide organization. The Farnsworth House is operated as a house museum by Landmarks Illinois.

Click here to join Landmarks Illinois online.

Educational Resources

With the purchase of the Farnsworth House in 2003 a new educational opportunity was identified. In 2005 a team of local educators designed the first Farnsworth House curriculum for both the secondary and college levels. Students and teachers click here to learn more.

The Farnsworth House is located approximately 58 miles southwest of Chicago in Plano, Illinois along the Fox River.

Click one of the following directions to the site:

• Chicago Loop • O'Hare Airport • Midway Airport / South Loop
• Rockford, IL • Springfield, IL • St. Louis, MO

2008 Farnsworth House Flood

The Farnsworth House, fell prey to Mother Nature Sunday, September 14, as flood waters rose almost two feet over the top deck, entering the house. Click here to view a 2008 photographic flood chronology.

Volunteer

News Update

A unique opportunity exists to participate in the volunteer docent program at the Farnsworth House in Plano. read more

Group Tours

We can customize a group tour to focus on a particular area of interest or alter the program to allow flexibility for expanded lectures, photography or sketching. The options are almost limitless. Call a Farnsworth House Group Tour Specialist
at 630-552-0052.

If you're looking to make the Farnsworth House a stop along a larger tour of attractions, contact one of the following group tour providers.

Chicago Architecture Foundation offers bus tours from Chicago to the Farnsworth House twice a month, May though October.

Transportation and tour packages for small groups can be arranged through Off the Map Chicago.

Landmarks Illinois will transfer operation of the Farnsworth House, effective Jan. 1, 2010, to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the property’s owner.

"“This was a difficult decision,” said Jim Peters, president of Landmarks Illinois. “But after six years of operating this historic site—following its dramatic purchase at auction in 2003—our board of directors has decided it is time to focus on our core mission of preserving historic places throughout Illinois.” In addition to the Farnsworth House, the Trust owns 28 other historic sites in the U.S. To learn more ...

History

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886-1969) has long been considered one of the most important architects of the 20th century, and his significance to the field of modern architecture is beyond dispute. In Europe, before World War II, Mies emerged as one of the most innovative leaders of the modern movement read more