Illinois Governor's Mansion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Executive Mansion
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Mansion in 2012
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 410 E. Jackson Street, Springfield, IL |
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| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | John Murray Van Osdel |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000728 |
| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1976 |
The Illinois Governor's Mansion is the official home for the governor of Illinois. It is in Springfield, Illinois, which is the state capital. The mansion is close to the Illinois State Capitol building and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
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About the Mansion
The Governor's Mansion was designed in the Italianate style. This means it looks like buildings from 16th-century Italy, often with wide eaves and tall windows. A famous architect from Chicago, John M. Van Osdel, designed it. The building has a special I-shape, with a long middle part.
Early History
The mansion has 16 rooms. It was finished in 1855. The first governor to live there was Joel Aldrich Matteson. He held a big opening party on January 10, 1856.
This mansion is one of the oldest historic homes in Illinois. It is also one of only three governor's mansions in the United States that have been lived in continuously for a very long time.
Changes Over Time
In 1898, some changes were made to the outside of the mansion. New elements were added in the Neoclassical style. This style uses ideas from ancient Greek and Roman buildings, like columns.
In 1972, a group called the Illinois Governor's Mansion Association was started. This group helps take care of the mansion and plans events there. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it is recognized as an important historical place.
Public Access and Living Quarters
The mansion is used for important state events, like dinners and meetings. But it is also a house museum that the public can visit. Many rooms, like the libraries and parlors, are kept in a style from the 1800s. They also have some newer pieces.
The governor and their family do not have to live in the mansion. However, there is a private 7-room apartment on the second floor for them if they choose to stay there.
Renovations and Repairs
Over the years, the mansion has had many updates.
- From 1999 to 2003, Governor George Ryan and First Lady Lura Lynn Ryan updated much of the furniture. They used money donated by private citizens.
- In 2011, a big renovation was planned because the last major repairs were done in 1971.
- In 2014, a very cold winter event called the 2014 polar vortex caused a lot of water damage. Governor Pat Quinn spent about $40,000 on emergency repairs.
- After he was elected, Governor Bruce Rauner and his wife, Diana Rauner, decided to use their own money to fix up the mansion. They wanted to live there during his time as governor.
- On July 18, 2016, First Lady Diana Rauner announced a $15 million renovation project. This money was also raised privately. The work was finished in 2018, just in time for Illinois's 200th birthday.
Renaming and Modern Updates
Governor Rauner signed an order to officially change the name from "Executive Mansion" to "Illinois Governor's Mansion." This change happened on July 1, 2018.
The renovated mansion now has a new visitor center. It also follows the Americans with Disabilities Act rules, making it easier for everyone to visit.
More updates to guest rooms, fixtures, and plumbing were done in late 2019 using private funds. In 2023, First Lady M.K. Pritzker worked with designer Michael S. Smith to update the inside of the mansion. They also published a book about the mansion's history and design.
Holiday Decorations
During the Christmas season, the mansion is beautifully decorated. It often has more than a dozen Christmas trees.
