The Cuneo Museum and Gardens: A Chicago Gem

A visit to the Cuneo Museum in Vernon Hills, IL is a breathtaking look into the past. The mansion, which was built by architect Benjamin Marshall for Samuel Insull, founder of the Commonwealth Edison Company, was purchased by John Cuneo in 1937. Cuneo was the founder of the Hawthorne Melody Dairy and the Cuneo Press. The family lived in the home until 1990 and the museum was opened to the public in 1991.

Guided tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Your knowledgeable guide will recount the history of the mansion and its past residents, and point out architectural details as you walk from room to room. Saturday and Sunday tours are self guided. You can go at your own pace using a booklet between 10:00 and 4:00.

As you stroll the museum, you will see an astonishing array of riches of the past, including furniture, Renaissance paintings, gorgeous tapestries and silver. One of the highlights of the mansion are the John Mallin murals. Cuneo decided to turn the Mansion's sunroom into a private chapel and commissioned Mallin to transform it into a masterpiece. He painted the Stations of the Cross on the ceiling and designed beautiful stained glass windows for the walls. On the ballroom ceiling, Mallin painted a mural of cherubs and muses. In the dining room, Mallin covered the ceiling with a mural of a cherub and beautiful songbirds. The ceiling in the breakfast room features an Italian village mural with scenes from a royal dinner.

Once you've taken in all the mansion has to offer, make sure you stroll the formal gardens. They are breathtaking and boast a peacock pen, outdoor pool and a tropical plant conservatory.

The museum offers more than just tours. Throughout the year, several classical and pop concerts take place on the grounds. Each spring, the Cuneo Museum hosts an art show. Each Mother's Day, an elegant brunch is served in an outdoor tent. In the fall, theatrical productions take over the Great Hall.

During the holidays, the grounds surrounding the museum become a winter wonderland. Cars line up for admission to the spectacular show of lights and Christmas scenes. Admission is $7 per carload.

Tickets prices for the tours are $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and $7 for students and children.

Check the Cuneo museum website for upcoming shows and exhibits.

The museum is located at 1350 N Milwaukee Ave in Vernon Hills, IL.