FAQ - YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT

FABYAN VILLA MUSEUM

Frank Lloyd Wright redesigned a farmhouse built in the late 19th century for Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan in 1907. Wright’s signature Prairie-style architecture is prominent outside and inside the house. An eclectic collection from the Fabyans who were involved in diplomacy, scientific discovery, farming, and animal husbandry awaits inside the museum.

Select the arrow to the right of the question below for the answer:

  • The Fabyan Villa Museum is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May through September. Guided tours are at 11am and self-guided tours are 12-3pm. See ppfv.org/fabyan-villa-museum to purchase tickets.

    Private group tours are available on Thursdays for groups of ten or more. Email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org for more information.

  • The museum is located WITHIN the Fabyan Forest Preserve West at 1925 S. Batavia Ave. (Rte. 31), Geneva, IL 60134, a suburb of Chicago. From the closest parking lot to the Villa Museum there is approximately a 1/2-mile walk on a paved path through the gorgeous forest preserve. The first half of the walk to the museum is on a flat paved path while the second half is up a steep hill either by stairs or a paved path. For a map and more details, visit ppfv.org/fabyan-visitor-informationor call 630-377-6424.

    If walking this distance may be difficult, please reach out to us at 630-377-6424 or fabyanvilla@ppfv.org for accommodations.

  • Parking for the Villa Museum is in the northernmost parking lot of Fabyan Forest Preserve West by the public restrooms and shelter #1. This is approximately a 1/2-mile walk away from the entrance to the Villa Museum. The first half of the walk to the museum is on a flat paved path while the second half is up a steep hill either by stairs or a paved path. Visit ppfv.org/fabyan-visitor-information for a map and more details or call 630-377-6424.

    If walking this distance may be difficult, please reach out to us at 630-377-6424 or fabyanvilla@ppfv.org for accommodations.

  • Yes, but it is for those with mobility difficulties. In these cases, we can provide directions to a limited-access road directly to the museum. SPACE IS LIMITED. Please get in touch with us at 630-377-6424 or fabyanvilla@ppfv.org to arrange this special access.

  • No.

    The only public restrooms on the west side of the Fabyan Forest Preserve are located near the parking lot which is approximately a 1/2 mile walk from the Villa Museum.

    We strongly recommend visiting the public restrooms BEFORE visiting the museum.

  • The guided tour for the Fabyan Villa Museum is $10/person at 11am Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

    The self-guided tour is $5/adult, $3/child ages 5-17, and FREE for children under age 5 from 12-3pm Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

  • Guided tours are approximately 50 minutes. Self-guided tours are at your own pace; most people take about 30 minutes.

  • A guided tour of the Fabyan Villa Museum includes the first and second floors of the museum, led by a veteran docent who will show you the features of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style architecture and narrate the unique and fascinating story of the Fabyans. The museum’s collection includes taxidermy, Japanese and Chinese art, a “mummy,” and the significant scientific achievements made possible by the Fabyans, including codebreaking and architectural acoustics. The tour is approximately 50 minutes and costs $10 per person. Tickets can be purchased here.

  • The self-guided tour of the Fabyan Villa Museum allows you to meander through the first and second floors at your leisure. An introductory video and signage throughout the Villa tell the story of the Fabyans and their lavish estate. Volunteers are also available to answer any questions you may have. Most people spend about thirty minutes on the self-guided tour. The cost is $5/adult, $3/child, and free for children 5 and under. Tickets can be purchased here.

  • Yes. Our guided tours are only available at 11am on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May through September. Guided tours are limited to 15 people each day.

    Private group tours are available on Thursdays for groups of ten or more. Email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org for more information.

  • Yes!

    We recommend the self-guided tour so that kids have more opportunities to explore at their own pace. We offer an artifact scavenger hunt for kids too!

  • No. There are six steps to climb to enter the Villa and no elevator to the second floor.

  • Yes!

    If your group is 15 or fewer, we recommend that you book an available guided tour at 11am on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday. The charge is only $10/person, and you can book it online at ppfv.org/fabyan-villa-museum.


    If your group is more than 15 or unavailable on our guided tour days
    on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday, you can book a private tour on a Thursday. The cost for a private tour of the Villa is $15/person; the cost is $20/person if you also wish to tour the Fabyan Japanese Garden.

    Email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org or call us at 630-377-6424 for more information on private or group tours of the Fabyan Villa Museum.

  • No. We do not offer the Fabyan Villa for event space.

  • No. You may bring food and non-alcoholic drinks to the forest preserve, but NOT into the Villa.

  • Yes, but only water with a closeable lid.

  • The Fabyan Windmill, located on the east side of the Fox River, is usually open on Sundays from 12-3pm from June through September. See kaneforest.com/fabyan-windmill for more information.