Farnsworth House visit – a perfect Chicago day trip
Farnsworth House visit
From the many times I’ve visited Chicago, I’ve rarely left the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, like Wicker Park. This is namely because I’m usually there visiting family, and don’t tend to venture too far out.
However, on this occasion, we were lucky to get out of the city and do a day trip to Farnsworth House. It’s a masterpiece of modern architecture from German-American architect Mies van der Rohe.
How do I get to Farnsworth House?
To reach Farnsworth House, you’ll definitely need a car. The house is quite a distance from downtown Chicago, in a rural area of Illinois called Plano. It took around 1.5 hours to get there from the city, and with minimal traffic.
The history behind Farnsworth House
The house takes its name from its former owner, Dr Edith Farnsworth — a prominent doctor during her time. She commissioned van der Rohe to design a weekend home where she could relax and enjoy the surrounding nature.
Responding to the brief, van der Rohe created the glass and steel structure. Designed and constructed between 1949 and 1951, Farnsworth House is one of the finest examples of modern architecture. Measuring 1,500 sq ft, the house is built on a wooden site facing the Fox River.
It’s undergone several refurbishments since 1951. British property magnate Peter Palumbo bought the property in 1972, and added air conditioning and extensive landscaping to the grounds. The house underwent more repairs after a severe flood damaged the property in 1996.
After Palumbo sold the property in 2003, the National Trust for Historical Preservation and Landmarks Illinois purchased the house. It’s now a National Historic Landmark of the US. Be smart and skip the lines to see the best attractions in Chicago.
Chicago day trip – Farnsworth House design
The white glass and steel house is simple yet striking. Two rectangular spaces arranged together; the larger comprises the living area, and the smaller, the low terrace at the entrance. One of its most remarkable design features is that it doesn’t touch the ground. This was to protect the house from floodwaters from the river. In effect, Farnsworth House appears to be afloat.
Its surrounding environment is equally beautiful, with the vast green lands and the view of the Fox River. On a perfect spring day, in the sunshine, the house beams even more brightly. Unfortunately, the peaceful ambience that once was there, is now overshadowed by the noise of traffic from the highway bridge.
It was 1968 when the highway department informed Dr Farnsworth of the plans to erect a bridge nearby. Unhappy about the proposed bridge, she sued the highway department, but lost. As a result, she eventually sold the house and moved to her villa in Italy.
“Van der Rohe designed the house so that you can enjoy the surrounding nature inside from any point.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Farnsworth House interior
Made from steel and glass, the impressive design extends once you enter the house. After walking up 2 short flights of steps, you open the doors to walk into Farnsworth House interior.
The first thing that hits you are the incredible views. Van der rohe designed the house so that you can enjoy the surrounding nature inside from any point. There’s also a different sensation when inside looking out, as opposed to the other way around.
Essentially, Farnsworth house is one large room — an open space with no dictated zones. A simple décor of brown and cream work its way throughout the interior.
Some of the current furniture comes from Mies’ grandson, Dirk Lohan, who himself is an architect. I was particularly drawn to the stylish ‘Barcelona’ chairs that you can see at the dining table and desk.
Open space, freestanding elements
Behind the main wooden panel when you enter Farnsworth House is a hidden guest bathroom. This and the main bathroom are also enclosed in the core, to give the impression of a larger living space. Walk around the house, and you’ll find a fireplace and another seating area, all in the same matching color scheme.
My favorite part of the Farnsworth House visit is the bedroom. It’s towards the end of back of the house, with views overlooking the sprawling nature outside. The bed also matches the simple yet understated feel, and I’d happily wake up here with nature all around me. In essence, it’s a modern house built before its time.
During the colder months, heat comes through a radiant coil system in the floor, and hot water from a central boiler. There are also blinds on the full-length windows to give the house coverage from the outside.
What to know before visiting Farnsworth House
- Buy tickets before visiting. Farnsworth House runs timed tours, so don’t take your chance and just turn up.
- Don’t turn up too early. While it’s usually better to be early than late, I suggest arriving 10-15 minutes before the tour starts. This gives you sufficient time to collect your tickets, use the bathroom, and browse the shop. Plano is in the Illinois countryside, and there’s not much to do inside the visitor center when you arrive. That said, waiting over 40 minutes for your tour can get tiresome very quickly.
“Designed and constructed between 1949 and 1951, Farnsworth House is one of the finest examples of modern architecture.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
- You have to purchase permission to photograph inside. There’s a small charge (check the website) if you want to photograph the interior of Farnsworth House.
- Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing. There’s a bit of a walk through the woodlands from the visitor centre to the house. Depending on the season, you may also encounter mosquitoes and prickly flora and fauna that may irritate the skin.
- Wear socks. This may sound like a strange tip, but they won’t allow you into the house with no socks. All visitors have to remove their shoes at the entrance of the house. If you don’t have any, the reception will also provide some for you.
Where to stay in Chicago
If you’re looking for excellent accommodation in the city, why not consider the superb Thompson Chicago? Stylish and modern, this luxury boutique hotel has 247 rooms, with floor to ceiling windows, and in a prime location. They also offer unforgettable views over Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.
Address: 14520 River Rd, Plano, IL 60545, USA
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Such forward-thinking architecture! What seems ordinary now was so ahead of its time back then, and it’s clear how much this style has influenced later generations of architecture. Would love to visit.
It’s an incredible house to see, and one that is so simple, yet elegant.
The house looks so lovely, this makes me want to visit asap. Everything from the architecture to the trees i love it 🙂
It’s a really stunning structure, and in a beautiful location too!
You know what! your post gave me an idea about a gift for my brother. He is an architect and he’d love to visit here!!! Thanks a lot
Perfect! He’d really appreciate this house; it’s a masterpiece 🙂
Never knew you could find something like this near Chicago! I’ve been to Chicago many times but never really considered taking day trips out of the city. I’ll definitely have to consider checking Plano out!
Great! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
Who doesn’t love big windows. First I though it was a modern house but it was quite surprising to learn that it is a National Historic Landmark of the US. The design and construction is well thought of. I am sure it was build with great passion. The presence of nature and lovely landscape around it enhances its beauty. I loved the bridge that you mention. I hope to visit Chicago some day.
It’s clearly a building well before its time! The modern structure also continues to be an inspiration to aspiring architects around the world 🙂
I would love to visit the Farnsworth House! Chicago is just a hop skip and jump from NYC and I love the idea of getting out to visit different architecture. And love your suggestion to arrive only 10-15 minutes early- I would totally be that girl who shows up 30+ minutes early.
Ha, yes it’s good to be early, but at Farnsworth House, there’s really not much to do before your tour starts!
We hope one day to visit Chicago, we have never been overseas. Your guide is detailed. Thank you.
Hope you get to visit one day!
This article is so lovely. I love the shots and the way you express your thinkings. I have never had the opportunity to visit American cities but I hope to do it in the near future.
Chicago is a great city to visit, especially for newcomers to the US. And thank you for the kind words too 😀
What a nice bit of history. It is a shame about the noise pollution and the bridge. Sometimes it does ruin untouched places right?
I would love to stay in the house – it is so modern and so simple yet so effective. I have never been to Chicago and if I ever do I will look into this because 1.5 hours is not that much. The fact it still looks so modern and was created ages ago is amazing
I’m happy to read that! It’s an incredible day trip and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did.
We love to check out architecture when we travel. So much so that we often visit locations just for their buildings. One of the friends works in the architecture industry, so we always have hundreds of building and structure photos to sort through after our trips. This is a great guide to a very interesting building.
This Farnsworth House is a beautiful representation of 1950’s minimalist design. Architects often struggle with their buildings relationship to the surrounding landscape. Although this house is designed to rise above the challenges of nature. As you mention, it also causes it to float above it. This almost excuses its contrast to the organic surroundings. Its large windows provide a viewing point to nature, immersing the resident in nature, from a safe vantage point. It does make me think, perhaps it is not a vantage point for human spectators, but a terrarium for humans. I wonder if the local deer ever stop by the gawk at the humans in their box.
Thanks for sharing. Keep travel blogging. Adventure is better shared with friends!
That’s incredible Anthony! You’d really enjoy seeing this structure up close. It’s really breathtaking up close too.
I find their architecture extraordinary and I think it could be a starting point for many ideas
It’s an inspiration to many modern day architectural structures 🙂
Omg this is the dream for an interior and architecture addict like me! I love Chicago too so I will have to visit it next time I am there!
Perfect! I hope you get to see it, it’s so striking up close.
I have never heard of it before but I’m loving all the design, surrounding nature and lovely pictues. Farnsworth house looks super interesting 🙂
It’s a wonderful place, and a great day trip from Chicago too!
This looks so much like Scandinavia. Minimalist desing and surrounded by nature. Perfect place for relaxing.
It’s a style I really love, and long before its time.
The Farnsworth house is like my dream home! What amazing architecture!
It’s a beautiful home and worth seeing in person
I love the architecture, the glass walls give it such an open feel and since it’s next to the river, a beautiful view too! However, I have a question- is the house like a museum now? It sounds like you can tour the house if you purchase a ticket but apart from the lovely architecture, is there anything else displayed in the house? I look at the house and I imagine living there, in the countryside, waking up every morning to those brilliant views! Heavenly.
It’s owned by the state now, and is just a museum. Many people, including myself, have never heard of Mies van der Rohe before, but I’m glad I got educated on his work. He has other striking buildings in the city 🙂
This place looks super cool! Such a unique day trip from Chicago too, thanks for sharing ?
It’s very cool! Thanks for commenting.
What a lovely house! I would love to wake up here! Just in the middle of nature, the sun coming through! So nice! The architecture is very unique!
It’s so simple yet elegant! Hope you get to visit one day.
That house looks super interesting, I have never heard of it before! I’m loving all the nature surrounding it & stunning pictures 🙂
It’s so striking, and a worthy day trip from Chicago too!
That is amazing. I would love to live in a house like that. To live in nature with huge windows is a dream. If I become rich one day I would build a house like that in my favourite forest ? I love modern houses, I don’t see it that often. Thank you for sharing. I really want visit Farnsworth house.
You must one day! It’s really a house built before its time, and so beautiful in person.
This is architecture goals! I’d love to visit and explore so I can get a bit of inspo for my own home!
You’ll surely find that here at Farnsworth House 😀
What a bummer that they built the bridge so close to this house. Seems like this would be a wonderful place, minus the traffic noise, to get some work done 🙂
Yes! It’s that kind of place where you can get plenty done.
Mies van der Rohe is an architect I’ve never even heard of so great post, thanks for sharing!
I’d never heard of him before either!
What a spectacular design this house holds! This is like an architectural dream. The house is like my dream home. It is a great example of modern architecture. You are so lucky to spend time here. If I am in Chicago for few days, I would surely spend some time in Farnsworth House. Great share, Lisa!
Glad you share my sentiment! It’s stunning, even more so in person. And the surrounding environment is also a wonderful sight.
A truly interesting post of an equally interesting building. I have never visited Chicago but if I was there wound definitely visit it. The engineering and quality is great and of interest to me. The thought of keeping it of the land to avoid flood damage again a genuine marvel. Thanks fir sharing this post.
You’re welcome! It’s a stunning house and a lovely day trip to match.
This is a great house! An architectural dream. I to enjoy that it almost looks like it is floating. I also like that it is so simple and not overly complex. Putting a simple house like this amongst nature makes it fit right in. It seems like you could open one door and it could cool the entire house.
It was so bright and airy from the inside. And the surrounding nature just makes it even better.
I kind of can’t believe someone would choose to live here, if even for the weekend! It looks like it’d be neat in a storm, but maybe i’m not modern enough for a space like this? I like having walls for privacy more than what a curtain would allow. But I do like the stair area you’re sitting at, reminds me of where I got married!
There are blinds on the house, but as it’s a museum, no one needs to worry about privacy 🙂 It’s a beautiful space and in a very pretty place.
Modern architecture usually makes me think cold, big city life. This house design is so sleek and subtle, it really works well in the surrounding area. Those windows and open-air design are the perfect compliments to nature.
You hit the nail on the head! The surrounding nature makes the structure even more striking.
I have been to Chicago for work but never explored outside of the city. Farnsworth House looks and sounds like such an interesting place to visit for a day. I love the idea of having huge windows to see the nature. It’s just like being outside but your inside
It’s so beautiful, and makes such a difference to the house. Try and visit if you ever return to Chicago 🙂
Farnsworth House looks like a beautiful place to spend a few hours. If I ever get to Chicago, I’ll make sure it’s on my list.
You must! It’s an incredible place, and a lovely day trip outside the city.
What a beautiful architecture! I really love the modern design – big windows and open space concept. It is so close to downtown Chicago too – a great escape from the bustling city.
Yes, and such a memorable day trip too. Being from Europe, we have so many classic architectural structures that it’s nice to see modern examples too.
What an interesting day trip. The building looks so unique ans modern but i don’t know how i would feel about living in a place with so much see-through glass. Interesting read.
No worries, they have blinds! Of course now it’s just a museum so no one lives there 🙂
Thanks for sharing this information, I love the early modernist design and houses. I am adding your post to my list of must see architecture in the USA including my absolute favourite designer Frank Lloyd Wright, hopefully one day I will be able to make the trip and see them all.
Aw thank you! I really enjoyed my time visiting, and really urge others to see it too. I’d also love to see more of Wright’s work 🙂
I have been to Chicago, had no idea this is one of the attractions too. The house looks quite modern and loved the minimalist approach. Love the way the interiors are done and quite a shame that she lost the case. Of course, having a bridge nearby does not sounds like a great idea.
I never knew about it either, but trust me, it’s such an incredible structure, and a great day trip from the city too!
This house reminds me of Villa Tugenhadt in Brno in the Czech Republic, although that was built a few years earlier, it has some of the same modern design features. I love the huge windows and being able to see nature from the inside, but it is a shame about the noise of traffic from the highway bridge! I bet Dr Farnsworth was devastated when they told her.
I think she was super peeved off! Though when you’re there, you can really understand why. I haven’t seen the villa in Brno but it sounds beautiful.
That’s so unfortunate about the highway! It’s such a beautiful place and I’d love to live there. Love all the windows.
It’s an incredible place! And worth seeing if visiting the Chicago area.
What a stunning house and one which is perfect harmony with nature! But it is difficult to believe that it was built in the 1950s – so much modernism for that time. For lovers of architecture as well as history, Farnsworth House would be a lovely place to visit.
It’s a really lovely place to visit, and yes, a building well before its time 🙂
Love the simplistic design of the house, it goes so well with the surroundings. With views like that, I can imagine how the bedroom space is your favourite part of the house. I still can’t believe it was built in 1951, hats off to the architect for the innovative work.
It’s so modern that many people can’t believe it’s from that time!
What a beauty! I didn’t know for it. When I’m in Chicago I’ll make sure that I’ll put it in my list 😀
Great to read! It’s worth visiting.
I have never heard about this house but I saw lots of houses like this that I think got the ideas from Farnsworth House. It’s interesting with all the glasses though I don’t think I will feel comfortable sleeping in there, thinking somebody is watching me from the woods.
No worries, there are blinds! Though it’s now just a museum, so hopefully no one sleeps there 😀
Farnsworth House is an interesting house! With all these windows its good there are no neighbourgs nearby! My dream is to build a tiny house with big windows aswell! Especially when living in a such beautiful nature. Why separate yourself from nature with concrete walls when you decide to live in a forest?!
I couldn’t agree more! It’s such an incredible sensation being surrounded by so much nature. And the windows are stunning too!
This is practically my dream home. I love all that glass and the way it’s surrounded by nature. Such a shame about the bridge! How awful to have to sell your house for that reason
I agree! I think Dr Farnsworth was really peeved off!
I’ve been to Chicago twice and still feel like I’ve barely seen anything. This looks like a great day trip for my next visit. I love the windows and stylish design. It’s just beautiful.
Next time you visit make time to see it, it’s pretty incredible in person
I have lived in Chicago for four years and loved this place. It’s one of the many architectural gems spread around the big city. Thanks for the great pictures and for the historical explanation
You’re welcome! It’s such a cultural gem and I’m glad we managed to visit.
This is an architectural marvel. What a beautiful home. I would love to live in it and feel connected to the natural beauty around.
The surrounding nature is really the icing on the cake!
What an amazing house to visit! I bet people get a lot of great ideas there for their own modern homes (or dream homes). I can imagine it was a great retreat for the original owner. My friend owns a mid-century modem home outside of Chicago. This one looks amazing!
It’s such a peaceful place, even when you can hear the oncoming traffic1! And yes, the house is incredible.
What an interesting piece of modern architecture! I love how the home was designed to fully embrace nature from every angle. This would be a lovely place to watch all four seasons unfold throughout the year.
It’s incredible! And yes, watching all the seasons would be a memorable experience here 🙂
Wow I have never heard of this place but it sounds exquisite. Thanks for the great tips! I would never thought abou having socks and arrival time.
It’s important to know if you do want to visit! Glad you found them useful.
Loved the modernist design of this – really unique for the 50s! The simple interior and eyepopping views would really set it off. I agreed with you that a night in that bedroom would be really special.
Yes! Imagine the feeling of waking up right in the middle of nature. It’s truly a modern masterpiece.
Ive been to chicago a few times but never saw this gem. I’m a fan of modern architecture so this would be awesome to visit! Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome! It’s an incredible house, and a lovely day trip too.
What a beautiful house and to think that it was designed and built 60 years ago. It looks a little retro now but I’m sure it was so innovative for its time. Nothing like waking up to gorgeous nature with the curtains drawn back. Have you ever watch the Lake House movie? It reminds me of that house. So open, so exposed and so at one with nature.
I’ve not seen the Lake House movie, but am now intrigued to see it! It was so modern for its time, and is now a classic 😀
Oh, I would love to visit the Farnsworth House. I always enjoy seeing the works of famous architects. This just looks gorgeous!
It’s so gorgeous! And the design is unlike anything I’ve seen before.
It looks like a stunning house. I can’t believe it was built around 1950 though, the design looks so modern! Sounds like a great day out, funny that they make you take your shoes off and wear socks though (although I’m actually a big fan of walking around in socks)
Ha yes, they’re very particular! A lot of the furnishings are from the original design, and the carpet is immaculate inside. Guess they’re trying to maintain this 🙂
I have been to Chicago a few times and have never ventured out of the city. The Farnsworth House is so interesting! I love how it’s so open to nature and very simple. It sort of reminds me of Japanese style architecture of simplicity and being one with nature.
I can see the resemblance! This was my first time out of the city too, and I really enjoyed it 🙂
What a wonderful house with an amazing architecture. The Farnsworth house really looks like it is designed so you can enjoy the surrounding nature inside from any point. It is nice to hear that the bedroom is towards the end of back of the house, with views overlooking the sprawling nature outside. I also wouldn’t mind waking up over there.
It was really an incredible experience. The house is so simple, yet striking, and yes, the views from the bedroom are incredible!