The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden are located in the Fabyan Forest Preserve, 235 acres along the Fox River in Geneva. The Fabyan Forest Preserve was once part of George and Nelle Fabyans' private estate.
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A Brief History...
The Fabyan Villa was home to Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan from 1905-1939. Riverbank, the name they bestowed upon their property, was initially their summer escape from Chicago. They hired Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907 to enlarge and re-model their house and shortly thereafter, took up permanent residence at Riverbank. The estate soon became a lavish showplace complete with fountains, extensive gardens, swimming pools, a windmill, private zoo, tennis courts, and more.
Among the Fabyans' memorable contributions to society
featured at the Villa is their involvement in the Treaty of Portsmouth, the Bacon/Shakespeare controversy, and code-breaking that significantly influenced both World Wars. On a more personal level, the Museum highlights George' and Nelle's generosity to the community.
When visiting the Villa Museum, you discover the Fabyans' uniquely fascinating legacy. The Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-style house contains the Fabyans' private collection of Asian artifacts, natural history specimens, original furniture- just to name a few! The captivating combination of history, architecture, military intrigue, and personal exploration is designed to make the Fabyan Villa Museum a delight for persons of all ages and backgrounds.
The Fabyans' Japanese Garden
Installed c. 1910, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and theory. This enchanting site affords the rare opportunity to savor and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature. Learn how to add a touch of beauty to your own backyard while strolling along the winding paths of the 100 year-old garden.
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Visit the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden |
Offered Saturdays and Sundays throughout the open season, guided history tours of the Fabyan Villa Museum reveal George and Nelle Fabyans' intriguing lifestyle and explore the countless intricacies of their fabulous Riverbank estate, as seen through their home and private artifact collections.
Tours on Wednesdays highlight the singular Frank Lloyd Wright design features throughout the Villa Museum, in addition to the Fabyans' personal story. Guests are encouraged to stroll through the Forest Preserve and enjoy the Fabyans' elaborate grounds; including the captivating splendor of the historic Japanese Garden.
From June thru August,Thursdays allow visitors to take self-guided Mystery tours. |
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The Fabyan Villa, viewed from the Japanese Garden, c.1912 |
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Fabyan Villa Museum
Explore the latest exhibits featuring the Fabyans' private collection Japanese artifacts, scientific instruments, original furniture, and plenty of new discoveries!
Open May 15 - October 13
Public Hours:
- Thursday 1-4 p.m. -Kid's Days~ Self-Guided Mystery Tours (June -August only)
Admission:
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Fabyan Japanese Garden
Savor a moment or two of harmony with nature and soothe your spirit amid this original feature of the Fabyans' estate.
2010 marks the Garden's Centennial anniversary!
Open May 2-October 10
Public Hours:
- Wednesday 1-4 p.m.
- Sunday 1-4:30 p.m.
Self-guided tour brochures available.
Master Gardeners are stationed in the Japanese Garden on Sundays for plant and landscape inquiries.
Admission:
- Suggested donation: $1.00 per person
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The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden
are featured in
Off The Beaten Path, Illinois |
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To schedule weddings and photography in the Japanese Garden, call the Forest Preserve District
Reservation Line: 630-232-1242 |
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Longing for spring?
Don't miss this special Program
We are opening a season of celebration for the Fabyan Japanese Garden's Centennial with a special program at the
St. Charles Public Library's Carnegie Room on Thursday, March 25th at 7 p.m. Tim Gruner, curator of Rockford's Anderson Japanese Garden, will present Patterns in Nature that Inspire Japanese Gardens.
Mr. Gruner is a 20-year veteran at the Anderson Gardens and has worked closely with the Garden’s designer and builder, Mr. Hoichi Kurisu of Kurisu International. As an expert in Japanese Garden philosophy, pruning, maintenance and construction, Tim's singular program will highlight the design theory underlying both the 1910 Fabyan and 1972 Anderson Japanese Gardens.
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Admission is free. No reservations needed. |
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School Tours
3rd -5th Grade- For local history curriculum: The Fabyans' Contributions to their Community and Country
5th Grade & Up - Finding Frank Lloyd Wright at the Fabyan Villa or George and Nelle Fabyan and the Progressive Movement or World War I Efforts in the Fox Valley
- Available April through November
- Program Fee: $2.00 per student
Scout Programs
For Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts; programs for badges or general activity
- March through November
- Available after school and on Saturdays
- Fees vary by program
Call 630.377.6424 or email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org
to schedule your group's visit or for more information. |
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Group Tours
Group tours are specifically tailored to compliment your individual or group's interests. Let us help you plan a memorable event for your group!
- For groups of any size, available March through November.
- Fee: $4.00 per person, per site,
$3.00 seniors and children per person, per site
Minimum charge of $25.00 per tour
Outreach Programs
We can bring the Fabyan sites to you throughout the year with our PowerPoint programs, at schools, park districts, corporations, and a host of other facilities and associations.
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Volunteering Opportunities
If you want to support local culture & enjoy working with people, the Villa Museum & Japanese Garden needs your help as a volunteer
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, gardening, or meeting new people- discover the rewards of volunteering at the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden. These are unique sites that offer unique experiences to people of all ages- visitors and volunteers alike!
Prior experience is not necessary and full training is provided. Contribute your time at a level of your choosing, while spreading awareness and enhancing appreciation of our community’s treasures; join our crusade to save history!
Click here for more information
For details, contact Lynn Dransoff- 630.377.6424 |
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Location & Directions
The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden are located approximately 42 miles west of Chicago in Geneva in the Fabyan Forest Preserve. The Preserve is on Route 31(a.k.a. Batavia Avenue), 1.25 miles south of downtown Geneva. The main entrance is on the east side of Route 31, just north of Fabyan Parkway.
Parking for the Villa Museum and Japanese Garden is located north of the main parking lot, near the restroom building and picnic pavilion. Follow signs posted in the parking lots.
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Food and Beverages
Food and beverages are not allowed in the Fabyan Villa or Japanese Garden. Food service is not offered in the Forest Preserve. However there are two picnic pavilions in the Preserve available for reservation: Call 630-232-1242
Handicap Access
The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden are
not handicap accessible. Access into the Villa Museum is by stairs. The Garden path is packed mulch and crushed gravel with several grade changes. Advance arrangements can be made for drop-off at the sites' entrance. |
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Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
Please allow approximately one hour for guideded tours of the Fabyan Villa Museum and 10-20 minutes for a walk through the Japanese Garden during public hours.
Private tours of the Villa are approximately 1 1/4 hours. Private Garden tours are between 30-45 minutes in duration.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Parking
Free parking is available in the Forest Preserve, 1/4 mile from the Fabyan Villa Museum and 1/2 block from the Garden. The Japanese Garden and Villa Museum are accessed from a paved path. Additional parking is located at the Fabyan Windmill on the east side of the Fox River. |
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Photography- Villa Museum
General photography of the Villa is limited to the exterior. Commercial photography of the Museum is available by appointment only. Please call (630) 377-6424 or email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org for information.
Photography- Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden can be reserved for weddings or photography by appointment, on Saturdays ONLY. Please call the Kane County Forest Preserve reservation line at 630-232-1242 for appointments on Saturdays.
- Staged, group, and/or professional photography is NOT permitted during public open hours on Wednesday or Sunday.
- To reserve the Japanese Garden at times other than those listed above, call 630-377-6424
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