Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is a museum dedicated to the lapidary arts with displays of gemstones, jewelry and bejeweled objects, and exhibits on earth science. The museum was founded in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States, in 1962, but moved to Oak Brook, Illinois in 2019.[1]

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is located in Greater Chicago
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
Location within Greater Chicago
EstablishedNovember 4, 1962 (1962-11-04)
LocationOak Brook, Illinois, US
Coordinates41°50′31″N 87°57′00″W
TypeScience museum, art museum
Websitelizzadromuseum.org

History

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art was opened on November 4, 1962. The museum was founded by Joseph Lizzadro, an Italian immigrant to the United States who began collecting jades as part of his interest in cutting and polishing precious stones for jewelry. His collection came to include pieces made of amber, ivory, coral, agate, and other gemstones. As his collection grew, he made an agreement with the city of Elmhurst, Illinois, and the Elmhurst Park District to open a museum in the city's Wilder Park.[2]

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is a Smithsonian affiliate. It has curated several exhibitions of jewelry from the Smithsonian's collections.[3][4]

In 2017, the museum made plans to move from Elmhurst to a new building in Oak Brook, Illinois, to gain space and provide more modern amenities to visitors.[5] This move began in 2019, but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unable to reopen until 2021.[1][6]

Collections

The lapidary arts form the core of the Lizzadro Museum's collections, particularly jade carvings. However, the museum also displays a selection of uncarved gemstones, fossils, and other minerals, as well as sculptures, mosaics, dioramas, and a miniature castle made of carved stone and gold called "Castle Lizzadro".

References
  1. Feldman, Chuck (May 30, 2019). "Lizzadro Museum closes in Elmhurst after 57 years, headed to Oak Brook". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  2. "The Lizzadro Story – The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art". Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  3. "Lizzadro Museum exhibits 'showy' Smithsonian jewelry". Shaw Local. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  4. "Pick of the Week: "Modern Designer Jewelry From the Smithsonian"". Chicago Tribune. December 26, 2013. ProQuest 1470754672. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  5. "Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art moving to Oak Brook". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
  6. "Lizzadro Museum reopens in Oak Brook building as classes continue online". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 29, 2022.
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