Cuneo Museum, previously known as Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, is a notable home to many historic art collections. The Museum is located in Vernon Hills, Illinois. The grand and beautiful mansion was built in 1914 which was purchased by John Cuneo in 1937.
Cuneo Museum Architecture
The mansion, which is built in a Mediterranean style, features a great central hall with arcaded balconies. The sky lit ceiling and the grand staircase adds to the beauty of the museum. The profuse and lavish dining room and a private chapel with its superb and exquisite stained glass windows are worth mentioning along with its frescoed ceilings. The mansion also has a swimming pool, the walls of which are built of travertine marble.
The highlights of the Cuneo Museum are the excellent old master paintings, tapestries dated back to the 17th century, sculptures and silver. The mansion also boasts of a stupendous collection of oriental rugs and has a vast collection of Capodimonte porcelain. The entire property is spread across 75 acres and comprises of beautiful lakes, gardens, fountains, a 9 hole private golf course, historic statues and striking plants.
Cuneo Museum History
The construction of Cuneo Museum and Gardens began in the year 1908.The construction was halted during World War I, which was later resumed and completed in 1918. Benjamin Marshall, of Marshall & Fox, was the person who had designed this stunning masterpiece. Samuel Insull, the originator of the Commonwealth Edison company was the first title-holder to the mansion. A well known landscape architect, Jens Jensen had planned and designed the gardens of the Museum.
The mansion was later purchased and taken over by John Cuneo, Sr. the famed owner of the National Tea Company, Hawthorn Mellody Farms Dairy and the Cuneo Press, in 1937. John Cuneo along with his wife Julia and two children, John Jr. and Consuela resided in the mansion. This Mansion was later thrown open for the public in 1991 and was known as the Cuneo Museum from then on. The museum houses the family collection of the Cuneos’. In 2009, the Cuneo foundation of John Cuneo Jr. and his wife Herta, gifted their property to the Loyola University of Chicago.
Cuneo Museum and Gardens
Cuneo Museum and Gardens is a piece of art and a prominent landmark in Lake County, Illinois. The Museum reflects the opulence and artistic ability of the Renaissance period. The rooms are ornamented with European style furnishings, porcelain, tapestries and precious works of art. Guests can take leisurely walks in the majestic gardens of the museum, which are adorned with splendid roses and other colorful blooming flowers along with antique statues and sparkling fountains.
Guests are escorted by a guide through the expansive mansion giving an insight about the history of the Museum and its splendid architecture. Visitors can move around in the entire property taking in the serene ambience of seasonal gardens, a tropical plant greenhouse and peacock and deer pens.
Cuneo Museum Events and Concert
The Cuneo Museum and Gardens had hosted a successful lecture this spring and another lecture series will be conducted in the fall.
The Summer Concert Series will be held from June 15 till September 7. There is an interesting line up of popular bands, which perform live, on the Statutory Lawn at Cuneo Museum and Gardens. Few bands, that make the musical evening worth remembering are The Neverly Brothers, Britbeat and, Abba Salute amongst others.
There is a nominal charge of $10 per person for attending the concert. Children below 12 have free entry. Tickets can be bought at the gate on the night of the concert. Sumptuous food and beverages can be purchased from Bauer’s Catering
Cuneo Museum Artists
All kinds of artists come and perform at the Cuneo Museum Gardens. The Platypus Band performs at the museum has, children singing and moving along to the music along with tales being told by the storyteller. Francesca’s Marionettes will be doing a show called “Pop to Rock” in which young people will showcase their talent in juggling and also in various dance forms like tap and jazz. Various other activities will take place, which will enhance the creativity and imagination skills of the children.
The Museum has an in-house artist, Stephen Titra, who has been a painter, musician and illustrator for his entire professional life. He has received formal training and degrees from Loyola University, Chicago, Mundelein College and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Cuneo Museum Wedding
The Cuneo Museum and Gardens is Chicago’s, one of the most popular and exquisite venue for couples who want to host their weddings. The Cuneo Mansion and Gardens offer great services to make the wedding a memorable event for the bride and the groom.
The Mansion has different rental rates during the year. For further detailed information one can visit their official website cuneomansion.org
Bauer’s Party Masters Catering provides, exclusive catering for the special event organized on the grounds of the Mansion. The hosts can either choose from the customized Signature Wedding Package provided by Bauer’s Catering or create one for themselves according to their requirements.
For further information regarding catering one can contact Director of Catering, Mary Bauer at 847-417-8182.
Cuneo Museum Winter Wonderland Light Show
The village of Vernon Hills in collaboration with the Cuneo Museum and Gardens organizes an annual event, the Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show. The show is held at the huge grounds of the Cuneo Museum and Gardens. The event will take place from November 25 2011 till January 1, 2012.
The timings for the show are 6-10pm every day. The Light show is not held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will be open for New Years.
The entry cost for this event is:
Monday to Thursday: $5 per car
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: $10 per car
Limousines, tour busses and more than 25 feet long SUV’s will not be allowed due to route configuration.
Cuneo Museum Education
The Cuneo Foundation of John Cuneo Jr. and his wife Herta, have gifted their $50m mansion to Loyola University Chicago. This is University’s largest gift in their 140 years of operation. The University will provide scholarships to students and a new academic building, named Cuneo Hall will be built, which will be used for operational support at the museum.
The mansion is currently being used for wedding purposes, but the future plans include the museum to be used for lectures and classes, art performances and residential artists. According to the Cuneo family, it was the wish of John Cuneo Sr. that his land, home and collections be utilized as an educational system for the public.
Cuneo Museum Operation Hours
Guided tours are offered on following days:
Fridays: 11:30 AM
Saturdays: 1:00 PM
Sundays: 2:30 PM
Self Guided Tours are on following days:
Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Cuneo Museum Tickets
Adults: $10
Students and seniors: $9
Admission is free to faculty and staff, and military with valid ID card, and students of Loyola University Chicago.
Group tours are available from Monday to Sunday for groups of 15 or more by appointment. A complimentary private, comprehensive tour is given to the groups.
There are special rates and tours offered to schools for school field trips and outings.
The Cuneo Museum attracts thousands of travelers to its grand attractions which, along with the majestic renaissance architecture and mountainous surroundings, offer an irresistible combination that few can refuse. The Cuneo Museum has been a part of several films set in Chicago. The most famous movie been shot here is My Best Friend’s Wedding, a 1997 romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts.
Cuneo Museum Contact Details
Address: 1350 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Loyola University Chicago Cuneo Campus
Telephone: 847 362 3042
Fax: 847 362 4130
Website: www. cuneomansion.org
