Lizzadro Museum In Elmhurst Announces Move To Oak Brook

ELMHURST, IL — The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art has announced it will be moving to a new location in Oak Brook. The museum made the announcement on Tuesday at a village of Oak Brook board meeting. According to the city of Elmhurst, the museum that has been in Wilder Park since 1962 will be moving to 1220 Kensington Road in Oak Brook, an existing building the museum will renovate for its operation.

The city said the project may take up to two years to complete, and the museum will remain open in Elmhurst during the renovation. The actual move will likely be sometime in the fall of 2019.

The city said they worked extensively with the Museum with relocation opportunities in Elmhurst. During this process, multiple sites and building configurations were considered however the museum has decided that moving to Oak Brook is in their best interest.

“The Lizzadro Museum is a cultural gem in our city that will greatly be missed. We are disappointed that we couldn’t retain the museum, but wish them the best in their relocation,” Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley, said in a release.

“The current building at 220 Cottage Hill in Elmhurst cannot be easily modified to accommodate the Museum’s existing needs and future plans,” Board member of the museum Louis Lizzadro, said in a release. “Our collection, programming, and events have grown to the point where the existing facilities are not adequate. The City of Elmhurst and the Elmhurst Park District have been very helpful and understanding in providing potential possibilities and input during the process. We just could not find a suitable option in Elmhurst that would meet all the needs and goals of everyone involved.”

The new building in Oak Brook will receive a full exterior update, new signage, new entrance for the museum, drop-off lane for buses and visitors, new landscaping and a large patio area to accent the setting, according to the city. The interior will house a ninety-seat lecture hall, Museum Shop, 7,500 square feet of exhibit space, a dedicated space for special exhibits, private offices, a library/conference room, and additional storage.

“We sincerely appreciate all the support the City of Elmhurst, Elmhurst Park District and especially the residents of Elmhurst have shown us over the years,” Museum Director Dorothy Asher, said in a release. “While we are sad to leave such a beautiful setting in a wonderful city, we are excited about the adaptive reuse of the new building in Oak Brook and future potential of the museum.”

Image provided by City of Elmhurst.