Richard Herman Driehaus is a successful American businessman and philanthropist who saved this museum from disrepair in 2003. He was motivated by the desire to showcase his incredible collection of decorative art pieces, which fit in well with the museums focus on late 19th and 20th century designs from the Gilded Age. As soon as you venture through the doors into the ornate entrance hall, you will be greeted by the splendour of a grand, red carpeted staircase, as well as exquisite marble pillar and statue, which give the mansion its title of “the Marble Palace”. The building is as impressive as a royal castle, with rooms decked out head to toe in fine ebony and silk.

In the rooms you will chance upon a variety of paintings, sculptures, furniture and objects. Driehaus’ prized piece is his eighteen light lily table lamp from Tiffany’s, a revolutionary decorative feature in the world of lighting, effectively merging the naturalism of Art Nouveau design with electric lights, which were considered cutting edge technology at the time. The light bulbs resemble the delicate beauty of hanging flowers, and exudes elegance and sophistication signature of Tiffany’s. A grand piano crafted from satinwood veneer and highest grade Macassar ebony will catch your eye as soon as you enter the drawing room with its groundbreaking design courtesy of advancements in using steam power in the manufacturing process. The piano is embellished with charming floral inlays that give this rustic piano a strong character of its own. Charlotte Major Wyllie was a talented artist who spearheaded the way for female artists to step into the spotlight, and her singular ability to utilise symbolism in her works to imbue meaning into her paintings is wonderfully exhibited through her painting “A Wanderer in the Elysian Fields” depicting a thoughtful looking woman surrounded by flowers. The Elysian fields are recognised as the final resting place of those whom the Greek Gods favour, and the white lilies are said to represent the innocence of a departed soul and the light pink roses are interpreted as the woman’s gratitude and peace with her circumstances.