Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art image

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Tourist attraction Gift shop Art museum Lapidary Science museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Oak Brook


Address

1220 Kensington Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Website

www.lizzadromuseum.org

Contact

(630) 833-1616

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (604 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 12 to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (36) pieces (15) beautiful (15) collection (13) gift (12) shop (12) great (11) jade (11) recommend (10) minerals (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Ayush C. 1 year ago on Google
    Everything is so well preserved and is in excellent condition. Intricate Jade art work from China and Europe are truly breathtaking. Some of the exhibits are simply mesmerizing. Museum isn't very big but one can easily spend 2 hours admiring the works.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A B. 9 months ago on Google • 1431 reviews
    A fantastic and unique museum with a ton of different pieces and information about lapidary arts. It isn't too big, so it won't take long to get through it, but it absolutely is worth checking out and looking at. They have a lot of good information about fossils and other rocks as well.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali K. 1 year ago on Google • 14 reviews
    AMAZING museum. Wide variety of sculptures, carvings, mosaics, and art pieces. Some absolutely breathtaking pieces- I've included a few pictures but they don't do them justice. It's really something you must see with your own eyes! But the art isn't all- there's a section on the science of minerals and the like, including (but not limited to) how crystals are cut and polished, different kinds of fossils, and replicas of famous gemstones. And the gift shop has tons of real minerals and crystals, and many at an affordable price. Overall, a must-see if you like gems, art, science, Chinese art history, or shiny trinkets!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 coolrider1919 1 year ago on Google
    I had never heard of this place till I saw an advertisement in a magazine called explore dupage. Way more beautiful in person and stunning. Every display elegant, beautiful. I loved the box items. Like a window to a scene of animals made of stone. I also really like how the bathroom where set up. Very clever. 8 doors of actual individual bathrooms each labeled family room. No mens or womens room. Creative and extremely clean.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tatiana B. 2 months ago on Google • 251 reviews New
    It’s a great museum to spend an hour or two to learn more about lapidary art and jade. Mostly Chinese jade pieces. Educational and well curated. Also reasonably priced - $10 adult
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. M. 1 year ago on Google
    Highly recommend checking out Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. I found about this museum accidentally while checking out the reviews on other matter, and I was very glad I checked this place out! I took friends who was visiting from out of town; this museum was wonderful place to treat guests. Not a huge place and yet, had various selections of unique, intricate works of art to enjoy. Everything was nicely organized throughout the place, displayed balanced art works from different materials, themes, origins, etc. Interactive screens were provided for patrons to engage with learning via fun animated games; selections of short segments of videos (3 to 10 min.) showcasing how to cut stones/gems were very interesting and informative. Shopping at the museum shop was a fun way to end the visit, as the shop itself provided the delightful selections of unique gift items, art works, jewelry at a surprisingly good quality/prices. With courteous staff, only $10 admission, visit to Lizzadro Museum was such a delightful, wonderfully educational experience.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steve F. 8 months ago on Google • 137 reviews
    We had never heard of this museum before. We discovered it totally by accident as we were on vacation and wanted to meander around Oak Brook. We googled this museum and decided to give it a try! We were quite impressed by the exhibits! Very cool, not crowded, we felt we had discovered a gem, literally!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cori C. 1 year ago on Google • 25 reviews
    Small, affordable, amazing, and educational museum. A must-see if you're into rocks and gemstones. Lots of carved jade. Wall of cute dioramas with carved stone animals. If they expand the fossil and gemstone exhibits in the back, this place would be even more awesome! Give it about 2 hours to get through the museum. They have a gift shop, too. Some of the items in the shop could really be on display in the museum.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Billy K. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a very interesting find. If you are wondering around the area looking for something cheap to do this is definitely it. Simply aw-inspiring. The works of are that are done by hand are incredibly detailed. This little gem is chalked full of history and truly intriguing information.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ngoc D. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool museum. Not busy, and plenty of time to view the displays. There's many intricate pieces and educational videos / displays. Definitely would recommend a visit here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carl S. 1 month ago on Google • 64 reviews New
    What a wonderful experience and so close to home. We went on a free day too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emerald 7 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    This is a great museum for jade and geode fans. Really showcases the beautiful relationship between artists and the earth. I have never seen some of these colors and textures before. They have a very impressive collection, friendly staff and a reasonably priced giftshop. The dioramas on the wall are so precious. Great place for budding geologist. Also, it's air conditioned, so nice way to escape the heat and take in some natural and calming art!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kyle M. 2 years ago on Google
    This museum is beautiful, the people were friendly, and everything was so easy to see and enjoy. I had a blast, the ambiance was calming, and I will be back to see all of the amazing pieces again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sylvana W. 7 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    I found this museum purely by chance, but what a find! It has some absolutely stunning exhibits inside, and a beautiful gift shop at the exit, too. It was very easy to spend an hour or two here admiring everything.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clint S. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a museum about lapidary, which is the art of carving, cutting, and polishing stone and gem stones. The museum has exhibits of carved jade, natural minerals, and modern pieces carved out of stone.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Endless beauty of natural minerals and rocks. Beyond description on the detailed carving in jade and other stones. True artist workmanship.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebekah R. 2 years ago on Google
    We visited as part of a homeschool field trip and it was a wonderful learning experience and environment for the children of various ages to explore geology and exquisite art. Mostly viewing, but several interactive hands-on learning opportunities we available. Highly recommend visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy P. 2 years ago on Google
    One of our favorite places! Our kids love the carved rock dioramas. The Lizzadro team is so kind and patient. We love learning about the pieces. Today we watched a cool time lapse video about how the big pagoda was reassembled in the new museum space!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason H. 3 years ago on Google
    This was my first visit to the museum (during the pandemic). It is recommended to reserve tickets in advance. I looked the day before and had no trouble getting reservations for the time of my choice. There were also safety protocols in place. Everyone had a mask on, and it was spacious enough that I felt safe. The exhibits are beautifully displayed. There is a marvelous collection of jade stoneware and an impressively large ivory collection. I was also impressed by the interactive displays. This would be a great location for a field trip, to study Earth Science or Chinese History and Culture.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aimee J. 2 years ago on Google
    An absolutely amazing beautiful and peaceful place! Friendly staff!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maggie D. 2 years ago on Google
    The jade collection at this museum is exquisite and beautiful! I have never before seen such interesting pieces. Definitely worth visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suzanne Davis IFBB P. 1 year ago on Google
    I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this museum. Exhibits were well marked and there was a small gift shop with quality minerals specimens and jewelry. Part of The Smithsonian Institute.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve J. 3 months ago on Google • 195 reviews New
    This place is an amazing hidden gem in Chicagoland. The collection was better than I thought it would be. The detail and quality of the pieces is almost mine blowing. 1-2 his of time, or more. All depending on how into it you get.

  • 5/5 Jason f. 2 months ago on Google • 79 reviews New
    Very cool little museum for rocks/gems. The intricate work on the pieces on display are mind blowing. The time and precision required must astounding. The natural uncarved pieces are just as incredible. Hard to imagine such beautiful pieces happened naturally. I disappointed I didn't come sooner. The museum is very affordable and even free on Wednesdays.

  • 5/5 Luzee L. 1 month ago on Google • 55 reviews New
    Excellent afternoon spent here! Visited our mom in Illinois and she didn’t even know of this place. So glad we got to visit! Well worth the time and lots of amazing items and things to learn. Such great history, excellent exhibit and collection, brilliant artwork, and beautiful space. They also had a micro-mosaic section which was equally astounding. Would highly recommend to see this place. What a great experience!

  • 5/5 Sunshine D. 5 years ago on Google • 44 reviews
    I have been visiting since I was a kid. I love this place even though it's small. The new location is awesome! The workers are awesome. Free parking. No cafe available here. Handicap accessible. It's not a "whole day" type place. I think the longest we spend was 1 hour, but I promise this place is a treasure. It's definitely worth a visit each year. They have free days, but please donate and shop on those days! If you love photography, bring your camera. I now bring my daughter here after YEARS of visiting. She enjoys the gift shop more, I must say. The gift shop does have items for all price brackets. May this place continue to grow and prosper. I have a ton of photos and none does them justice.

  • 5/5 Lucie G. 2 years ago on Google
    Such an interesting museum! Not only focusing on rocks and minerals, but beautiful art pieces made of them as well. Just the right size for an outing or field trip. Very educational as well as esthetically pleasing. The gift shop is full of really cool purchases from .75 to thousands of dollars... something for everyone! Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 Katie Shirk (. 2 years ago on Google
    Very wonderful collection of qing dynasty and other era pieces of carved jade. Wonderful staff, Excellent mineral exhibit! Would love to come here again.

  • 5/5 Thomas M. 5 months ago on Google
    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by an investment advisor at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and was absolutely impressed by both the venue and the exhibit. Located just west of downtown Chicago in Oak Brook, this gem of a museum is spotless and the collections are immaculate. Founded in 1962, the museum represents not just an awe-inspiring display of rocks and gems, but also a story of craftsmanship and passion that spans generations. Joseph Lizzadro's humble beginnings to Chairman of the Board at Meade Electric Co., and finally to a dedicated lapidary artist and collector, sets a compelling backdrop. I’m told the move to Oak Brook has allowed the museum to expand and include interactive displays that are educational and inspirational. The five-foot jade pagoda, carved from a nine-ton boulder, is just one of many stunning pieces that grace the museum. It is evident that the current director, Dorothy Asher, and her team care deeply about not only maintaining this extensive collection but also sharing its beauty and significance with the public. The Lizzadro Museum isn't just a place to pass the time; it's a place to deepen your appreciation for the intricate relationship between nature and human craftsmanship. The range of exhibits and educational resources, from virtual tours to upcoming programs, ensures there's something for everyone. Highly recommend a visit or as an event venue.

  • 5/5 N S. 7 months ago on Google
    What a neat little place, my son loved it and can’t wait to go back. If you are into stones, gems, ores or anything like this is a great place to visit.

  • 5/5 abonovic 2 years ago on Google
    Great find! Beautiful collection. Loved viewing it all. As a geology graduate, it was eye opening to see all the art made with all the natural stone and gems. Wednesday is free admission day, so that was a nice surprise.

  • 5/5 Dawn G. 2 years ago on Google
    That's is definitely a gem of a museum! I enjoyed going to their original location in the past, and this new expanded building and collection is even more impressive. And the staff was very courteous and helpful. (We went on free admission Wednesday.)

  • 5/5 Donna O. 8 months ago on Google
    This is definitely worth it! I could have spent more time looking and reading, but we got there late. Managed to purchase some fantastic jewelry. Very unique. The people that work there were extremely kind and welcoming.

  • 5/5 Brenda L. 2 years ago on Google
    I've been coming here since I was a kid. Lots of the exhibits I've seen for over 20 years but still never gets old. Since moving to Oakbrook they've added lots of new stuff too. Very fascinating and makes me wish I could create lapidary art too! I love this museum and will absolutely bring my kids here the way my parents did. The security guy there is the nicest and most welcoming person ever. He is super friendly and always a pleasure to see him there. The friendliness of the staff really makes this place a gem (no pun intended, hehe)!

  • 5/5 Ozzie H. 10 months ago on Google
    This was an amazing experience. The collection was very impressive !! But what’s even more amazing was the Personal and Professionalism by the armed security guard, Jeff. First class guy ! And I wanted to mention the courtesy and friendly service I received purchasing a gift in the gift store. They have a wide selection of gifts from mineral hearts to jewelry and everything in between. It really was a nice experience in the gift. Store was the knowledge and the assistance I received, and every question I ever had was either answered or explained in detail when I asked a question. I am definitely not a person who is into art but after walking into this place, I definitely am a fan of this type of art! It’s not just a collection. It’s the people that make the place a great experience. Enjoy free, admission, and Wednesdays!

  • 5/5 Kristin C. 11 months ago on Google
    Wednesday....Free Admission Folks were so friendly and welcoming. A beautiful place to relax and enjoy lovely stone sculpture. Very informative too. Several educational displays were quite interesting.

  • 5/5 Susan L. 9 months ago on Google
    Kind of a hidden, unknown museum. It was filled with beautiful carved statues and bowls. They had so many beautiful things on display along with rocks and minerals, precious gemstones and dioramas made for minerals. It was a lot of fun. Highly recommend it. The staff was extremely nice too. Great place to visit.

  • 4/5 Alvin K. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice little gem of a museum. Pun intended.

  • 5/5 Emily G. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent collection of Lapidary art! So many great stones and carvings! Absolutely beautiful and very educational! My family loved visiting here! The introduction video I highly recommend watching before walking through the museum, it gives a thorough explanation of the formation of the precious stones and minerals.

  • 5/5 Jess P. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is great for a simple activity with kids. My 5 year old asks to come here every other month but she really loves gems and rocks. The building itself is nice and open so easy to get around with the stroller. Plenty of private bathrooms with diaper changing and a water fountain with bottle filler. The special exhibit room changes about every 6 months and its always been something interesting for kids to observe and talk about. The staff there is so kind and knowledgeable. They are also great with kids, definitely more patient with them then I am 😂. It takes about an hour to slowly stroll around and they are free on Wednesdays so a great outing if you are near by. Under 6 are free any other day and adults are only $10 unless you get the museum adventure pass from your local library. We recommend checking out the jade castle and dioramas. They also have various kid and adult programs you can find info on the website. The gift shop has a kids section with books, fossils, small gems, jewelry and other fun finds all at very affordable prices. 10/10 would recommend any age to stop by this awesome museum.

  • 5/5 Ekaterina S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really cool local museum, beautiful well maintained exhibitions, you can easily spend 1-1.5 hours there. $10 admission for adults


Call (630) 833-1616 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair rental
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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