A Glimpse of Grandeur

Submitted by christy on Thu, 11/01/2012 - 16:46

Loyola University Chicago's Cuneo Mansion and Gardens is a historic venue where the estate and art collections of American entrepreneur John Cuneo, Sr. are preserved and protected.  Loyola University is committed to the greater-Chicago area, through Cuneo Mansion’s academic programs, cultural activities, and family oriented holiday programs, all of which stem from the legacy of the Cuneo family.

Cuneo’s Italianate-style mansion was designed by Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall and the picturesque grounds were the vision of world-renowned landscape architect, Jens Jensen.  The mansion was originally constructed in 1918 to be the home for the founder of the General Electric Company, Samuel Insull.  It was, in 1937, that the founder of one of the nation’s top printing companies, John Cuneo Sr., purchased the mansion to be his family’s home.  The estate was not only a place for the Cuneo family to live; it was also a state-of-the-art working farm.  Hawthorn Mellody Farms was, at the time, one of Chicago’s largest suppliers of milk.  The farm was also a popular local tourist attraction where Mr. Cuneo invited visitors to learn about the dairy industry.  Shortly after moving into the home, Cuneo began his lifelong quest of decorating it with fine art and furnishings from around the world.  Today the magnificent collection of Belgian tapestries, Italian Renaissance paintings, and exquisite Oriental rugs is an unparalleled glimpse of the grandeur of pre-war WWII America.  Members of the Cuneo family remained in the home until the early 1990s.  The mansion opened its doors to the public as “The Cuneo Mansion and Gardens,” in 1991.  And, it was in December 2009, that the Cuneo Foundation donated the estate and the entire fine art collection to Loyola University Chicago.  Since receiving the estate, Loyola has added a 300 seat year-round pavilion with crystal chandeliers ideal for, dream weddings, lectures and special events making this a truly Unique Venue!  Cuneo Mansions and Gardens is so much more than a meeting facility, it is a historical home, committed to the local community, where fabulous memories can be made.

Cuneo Mansions’ community outreach programs continue the generous legacy of the Cuneo family.  The Mansion and Gardens are open to the public year round, and for this upcoming holiday season, the mansion will again offer fabulous family-friendly holiday programs.  Upcoming holiday events include:  a staged adaptation of the beloved children’s book “The Velveteen Rabbit,” an open house, visits with Santa Claus, holiday crafts, contests, and a truly magical light show.  To learn more about the upcoming holiday season at Cuneo Mansion, please visit LUC.edu/cuneo.  In addition, the holiday spirit extends beyond the Mansion’s property, by providing holiday cheer to those less fortunate including onsite Toys for Tots drive to benefit local children and a food drive to benefit local food pantries.

Cuneo Mansion and Gardens is a historical estate that is available to the public year-round for special events, meetings, lectures, and can also be rented out for private events and functions.  Contact Cuneo Mansion and Gardens at 847.362.3042 or visit LUC.edu/cuneo for additional information.

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