Did you know that Elmhurst may be the quintessential Chicago suburb? Join LLI for a trip to visit the eclectic museums and experience the ambiance of DuPage County’s dowager queen revitalized!
Our first stop is the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, a unique museum dedicated exclusively to the beauty of stone carving and the mysteries of earth science. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art displays gemstone treasures created by ancient craftsmen as well as by contemporary artists. The building itself is a gem, designed to resemble a jewel box in a park setting.
In the late 1930s Joseph Lizzadro acquired his first Chinese jade carving. Joseph added other carvings to his collection, including items of amber, ivory, coral, agate, and gemstones. As his collection grew, his dream was to display the beauty of stone and share it with others. The museum opened its doors on November 4, 1962, and Joseph continued to collect beautiful works of lapidary art until his death in 1972. There is a lovely gift shop where we will spend a few minutes after the tour.
After lunch, we arrive at the Elmhurst Art Museum, the cultural center of DuPage County. 
It has built a reputation as an advocate for the community and its visual creative spark. In 1990, the museum became aware of an opportunity to purchase the McCormick House, one of only three homes in the United States designed and built by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The house was purchased in 1991, and the firm of DeStefano + Partners was retained to design the museum facility around the house, a white, steel and glass residence that would pay tribute to van der Rohe. Opened in September 1997, the museum has won the Chicago AIA Regional Architecture Award and was nominated for a National Distinguished Building Award for Architectural Excellence. The museum houses five galleries and specializes in late 20th Century American Art. The Elmhurst Art Museum was named the “Best Suburban Art Museum in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine.
We will have a docent-led tour of two featured exhibits: Stacza Lipinski’s intricately cut paper installations and Marc Sijan’s realistic human plaster sculptures. After the tour, we will have a hands-on activity relating to the artists. The docent has assured us that she understands we are seniors and the activity will be age appropriate!
For our last stop, we will visit the museum and archives of the Theatre Historical Society of America, 
housed on the second floor of the historic York Theatre in the Elmhurst City Centre. On display are a great variety of objects from the era of the great movie palaces in the U.S., including the original 4-ft by 5-ft architect's rendering of New York City's famed Roxy Theatre; an orchestra conductor's stand from the Granada in Chicago; tassels from the original house curtain at the Warner (Grand) in Milwaukee; sections of the marble balustrade from the lobby of the New York Paramount; architect Thomas Lamb's rendering of the Pitkin in Brooklyn; whimsical figures from the children's nursery and playroom of the Uptown in Chicago; an actual 35mm projector; and a leaded glass window with the Fox logo from the Brooklyn Fox. The centerpiece of the museum is a finely-detailed, large scale-model of Chicago's 1927 Avalon Theatre, complete with bubbling fountains and flying doves!
Please note that entrance to the Theatre Historical Society of America requires the climbing of 22 stairs to the second floor. No elevator is available; however, there are railings on both sides of the stairway for assistance.
The NIU Lifelong Learning Institute appreciates partnering with the NIU Alumni Association and the
NIU University Women’s Club on this field trip.
Depart from the Normal Road entrance of the Holmes Student Center at 8:30 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2009, and return at approximately 6 p.m. Fee includes entrance fees, guided tours, hands-on activity, lunch, and transportation. For pick up at Motel 6 at Premium Outlets exit, please call LA&S External Programming at 815-753-5200. (Motel 6 directions - Get off I-88 going North [same as to outlet], at first light called Premium Outlet Road turn left [West] into parking lot of Motel 6. Please go into lobby and give your car license number to the person at the desk.)
NIU Cardinal & Black Alumni Members &
NIU LLI members: $65 NIU University Women’s Club Members: $70 All others: $75
A minimum of 20 registrations is needed by Wednesday, July 3 to offer this trip.