Governor’s Mansion
The Governor’s Mansion, officially known as
the Executive Mansion, has been the home of Illinois governors since the
1850s. The mansion gradually fell into disrepair, and in the early 1970s a
major renovation occurred. Some of the woodwork had 27 coats of paint!
During the renovation an addition at the rear of the mansion provided new
living quarters for the governor’s family. That area is not available for
tour.
Governor’s Office
In addition to the office in the State Capitol, the governor also has an
office on the ground floor of the Executive Mansion. Governors generally use
the mansion office less frequently than the office in the State Capitol.
There are a few other rooms on the ground floor, which was actually the
basement until the renovation of the 1970s. Governors may use these rooms
for several purposes including office space for people who oversee the care
of the mansion, a place to display memorabilia of the governor’s term in
office or an office for the governor’s spouse.
The Main Floor
An oval spiral staircase leads to the main floor of the mansion where
official receptions are often held. There are several parlor rooms where
guests may mingle and talk. The rooms have beautiful furniture that has been
purchased with private funds by the Executive Mansion Association.
The state dining room has a long antique table that seats up to 30 guests.
Waterford crystal chandeliers that are more than 200 years old hang above
the table.
Also on the main floor are a cozy, wood-paneled library and a large room
with a small stage that may be used for many functions.
The Upper Floor
The spiral staircase leads up to another floor with sitting rooms and
several bedrooms. The bedrooms occasionally are used for state guests.
The furniture in two rooms was hand carved by an Illinois farmer in the
1800s. The furniture was on display at the Chicago World’s Fair in the
1890s. Queen Victoria of England saw the furniture and offered $1 million
for it but was turned down.
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