The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a mansion in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, which is a wonderful example of the decorative style of the "Gilded Age". It is all the more amazing, because it is the oldest building with its original interior in Chicago. The "About" link provides visitors with a biography of Richard Driehaus, the Chicago entrepreneur who founded the museum. Access to his collection of fine and decorative art is also found in this section. The "Explore" section that allows visitors to use an interactive floor plan to see photos of the overall room, as well as zoom-enabled detail shots of some of the exquisite craftsmanship, such as ceramic tile, marquetry (wood inlay), stained glass, furniture, and Tiffany lighting in each of the rooms. Visitors can also view historic photos of the rooms. The "Preservation" section of the website is fascinating in its details about the work done on a stained glass dome, ceiling, Lincrusta wallpaper, and the stone exterior of the building, which was stained with coal smoke. On the first photo of each restoration project are instructive quotes from decorators and interior designers of the period the mansion was being built.
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