Illinois Governor's Mansion Art Tours

Have you visited the Illinois Governor’s Mansion and wanted to learn more about the art? Now is your chance to go behind the ropes and get up close to learn about the artists and the art that was handpicked by Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker, the Illinois State Museum, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. Some of the Illinois artists you will learn about include Harold Gregor, Gertrude Abercrombie, and Theaster Gates. Beginning in March, this tour will also include the Commanding Presence: 100 Years of Women Artistsexhibit, celebrating female artists from the Illinois State Museum's Art Collection from the last 100 years. This exhibit showcases 11 artworks, one for each decade from the 1920s to the present. More information about the exhibit is available at

Many of the same policies for regular public tours of the Governor's Mansion, will also be in effect for the Art Tour. Please read the policies below carefully before making a reservation.

Reservations for tours focusing on the history of the Governor's Mansion can be made at

GOVERNOR’S MANSION VISITOR POLICY

Thank you for your interest in the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. The Governor’s Mansion is a historic landmark that serves as an official residence of the First Family. Governor JB and First Lady MK Pritzker welcome you.

EVENT OVERVIEW

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources trained staff and volunteers, called "interpreters" will lead your experience. Self-guided tours are not permitted.

Reservations are required for all individuals and groups visiting the Mansion. Names of all individuals visiting are required at the time of your reservation. To gain entry to the Mansion grounds, all visitors over the age of 18 must present a government-issued photo ID or passport matching the name on the ticket issued. Children without a government-issued photo ID or passport must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. This event is free of charge.

All guests will begin at the Jackson Street gate, which is located on the north side of the Mansion between 4th and 5th Streets. This entrance is ADA accessible.

Guests should arrive 5-10 minutes prior to their scheduled tour time. Guests will be greeted at the Jackson Street gate by one of our interpreters.

This experience will be approximately 20-30 minutes. Guests will be required to pass through a magnetometer upon entering the Mansion.

BOOKING TOURS

All visits must be booked through Eventbrite.

Art Tours must be booked in advance and are limited to 10 individuals.

Art Tour group sizes are limited to 10 people per time slot. Groups greater than 10 people must divide into smaller subgroups and book at separate times.

School and community groups should inquire about art tours by email to [email protected].

For any changes or cancellations to your reservation please update though Eventbrite. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your reservation, please notify the Illinois Governor’s Mansion by calling (217) 782-6450 or sending an e-mail to [email protected] 24 hours in advance of your scheduled time.

The Mansion is closed for tours on state holidays and during official functions.

ART TOUR HOURS

Art Tours are offered at select days and times. Please see the Eventbrite schedule for details.

The Mansion is closed for tours on state holidays and during official functions.

Please note: The Governor’s Mansion reserves the right to cancel tours at any time up to the time of the scheduled tour.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Illinois Governor’s Mansion is proud to be fully compliant with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”).

Please inform the House Manager at (217) 782-6450 or send an e-mail to [email protected] one week prior to arriving if your group needs any special assistance or accommodations surrounding these requirements.

SECURITY

To gain entry to the Mansion grounds, all visitors over the age of 18 must present a government-issued photo ID or passport matching the name on the ticket issued. Children without a government-issued photo ID or passport must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.

Upon entry, all guests must go through magnetometers for security screening.

PHOTO POLICY

Photography and videotaping are not allowed. If time allows, a staff member will take your photo at the end of the tour if desired.

BAG POLICY

Guests may not bring large personal bags or backpacks onto the grounds. Small bags will be allowed and are subject to search by security members. Unauthorized bags will be required to be stored offsite.

Watch the video below for a brief tour of the Illinois Governor's Mansion led by First Lady MK Pritzker.

Host or Publisher Illinois Governor's Mansion