Aurora Area Museums and Galleries

Farnsworth House in Plano, IL
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Attractions

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Arts and Culture

African-American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives
Dr. Charles Smith has developed a powerful and artistic vision - and a huge body of folk art based on the black experience. His mixed-media works chronicle significant and poignant events in African-American history. Self-guided tours of Dr. Smith's outdoor "gallery."
126 S. Kendall Avenue
Aurora, IL
(815) 968-9770
www.aahmbva.org

Aurora Regional Fire Museum
Displays of vintage firefighting equipment, memorabilia of the 1871 Chicago Fire, thousands of photographs and gift shop.
New York Street and Broadway
Aurora, IL
(630) 892-1572
www.auroraregionalfiremuseum.org

Aurora Historical Society
Local history research archives. Historic photos, books, documents and maps covering Aurora's history from the 1830s to the present. Open by appointment only.
305 Cedar St.
Aurora, IL
(630) 897-9029
www.aurorahistory.org

Aurora Public Arts Commission
Located in the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, the Aurora Public Art Commission provides programs in art education and exhibitions in the gallery.
20 E. Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL
(630) 906-0654
www.aurora-il.org

Batavia Depot Museum
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1854 Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad depot comes alive with exhibits on rail transportation, windmills and the settlement of Batavia.
155 Houston Street
Batavia, IL
(630) 406-5274
www.bataviahistoricalsociety.org

Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village
Part amusement park and part museum, Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village is an authentic 19th century farm and village featuring pioneer craft shops and demos, a discovery barn with petting zoo and pony, hay and miniature train rides. The park also features an old-fashioned carousel, as well as carriage, farm and "early streets" museums.
100 S. Barnes Rd.
Aurora, IL
(630) 892-1550
www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

David L. Pierce Art & History Center
The Aurora Public Art Commission hosts eight to 10 rotating exhibits displaying innovative visual arts including youth art. The Historical Society Galleries feature changing exhibits of historical materials throughout the year. The shared Museum Store offers unique gift items. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m.
20 E. Downer Place
Aurora, IL
(630) 906-0654 (Art) or (630) 906-0650 (History)
www.aurorahistoricalsociety.org

Esther's Place - A Fiber Arts Studio
Features classes in spinning, weaving, knitting and felting and also retreats.
201 W. Galena St. (Rt. 30)
Big Rock, IL
(630) 556-9665
www.esthersplacefibers.com

The Farnsworth House
Master architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created the ultimate minimalist masterpiece, the Farnsworth House, in pastoral Plano. The stellar structure of floor-to-ceiling glass seemingly "floats" above the rambling Fox River.
14520 River Road
Plano, IL
(630) 552-0052
www.farnsworthhouse.org

FermiLab Arts Series
Ramsey Auditorium is the site for FermiLab's series of music, dance, and theater, plus lectures on the arts, sciences and culture.
Kirk Road and Pine Street
Batavia, IL
(630) 840-ARTS (2787)
www.fnal.gov

Gallery 44
A cooperative gallery of area artists including watercolors, pen-and-ink, sketches and mixed-media pieces.
50 E. Galena Boulevard
Aurora, IL
(630) 801-0818

Gallery at Lane Allen Architects
Gallery openings featuring a variety of area artists on the first Friday in even-numbered months.
8 W. Wilson Street
Batavia, IL
(630) 879-8831
www.laneallenarch.com

Kendall County Historical Society's Heritage Hall & Chapel On The Green
Dating back to 1855, the chapel is Kendall County's oldest church building and is adorned with stained glass windows and a restored 1899 pipe organ. The adjacent hall houses local artifacts.
107 W. Center St.
Yorkville, IL
(630) 553-6777

Lyon Farm and Village
The farm and village have 15 historic buildings that trace the history of Kendall County. Learn about native prairie grasses found around the farm and enjoy a variety of history-oriented special events.
Rt. 71
Yorkville, IL
(630) 554-3064 or (630) 553-6777

The Old Barn Museum
Featuring a collection of thousands of Native American artifacts such as: arrows, axes, drills, stone implements, trade beads, beaded garments and natural history items. Presented in an original 1840s barn.
7127B Oakbrook Rd.
Newark, IL
directorhttp://@theoldbarnmuseum.org
www.theoldbarnmuseum.org

River Breeze Art and Yoga Studio
Come view and buy original art and reproductions from emerging area artists, take classes and practice yoga.
14 W. Downer Pl.
Aurora, IL
(630) 264-2299
www.riverbreeze.us

Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures
A rotating collection of historic and contemporary Native American arts, crafts and artifacts from indigenous peoples stretching from the Woodlands to the Pacific Northwest. While you're visiting, stop by the Dunham Gallery featuring student and local artists.
Dunham Hall, Aurora University
Randall Road at Marseillaise Place
Aurora, IL
(630) 844-7843
www.aurora.edu/museum

Swimming Stones
A kinetic water sculpture commissioned by the Aurora Public Arts Commission and sculpted by Christian Tobin. The piece combines art with the laws of physics that enable giant stones to rock, spin and swivel on a cushion of water.
Northwest corner of Stolp Ave. and Benton St.
Aurora, IL
(630) 906-0654
www.aurora-il.org

Walter Payton’s Roundhouse Complex
Originally constructed in 1856, America's first railroad roundhouse was renovated in 1996 - and is a National Historic Trust Preservation Award Winner. Home to the Walter Payton Museum, ComedyComedy, Illinois' largest award-winning microbrewery, live entertainment and over 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
205 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL
(630) 892-0034
www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com

William Tanner House Museum
Built in 1856, this Italianate building is home to the Aurora Historical Museum which offers tours of the fully furnished home.
305 Cedar Street
Aurora, IL
(630) 897-9029
www.historicalsociety.org

Window Galleria
Features original juried art - reproduced, enlarged and laminated-"hanging" in various downtown Aurora buildings.
Downtown Aurora
Aurora, IL
(630) 844-3670
www.auroradowntown.org