Springfield — After a two-year renovation, funded by private donations, the Illinois governor’s mansion is reopening this weekend.
Built in 1855, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion is one of the oldest and most historic governor’s mansions in the U.S. It is also the largest, with some 55,000 square feet.
After more than 150 years of occupancy by Illinois Governors and their families, the Governor’s Mansion was in need of a complete renovation.
Governor Bruce Rauner and his wife, First Lady Diana Rauner, promised to the people of Illinois to fully renovate, using private dollars, the Mansion to once again make it a destination for visitors, and it reopens to the public on July 14.
Tickets will be available in person starting at 9:00 am on July 14th on the Mansion grounds. All visitors over the age of 5 will be required to show a printed ticket to join the tour.
Tickets will indicate your specific tour time, and tours will take place in 20-minute increments from 11:20 am – 4:00 pm. Guests will only be able to tour the Mansion during the time frame indicated on their ticket. There is a 5-ticket limit per person. Guests should enter through the Jackson St. gate. For more information on security guidelines, please visit: www.Illinoismansion.org
The Mansion will be open for extended hours, 10 am – 4 pm, on Sunday, July 15th. Regular tour hours, 1-4 pm daily, will begin on Monday, July 16th.
