Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley - Fabyan Villa & Japanese Gardens

	Located in the Fabyan Forest Preserve, 235 acres along the Fox River in Geneva. The Fabyan Forest Preserve was once part of the Fabyans' private estate.

	A Brief History... The Fabyan Villa Museum 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. In 1907 they hired Frank Lloyd Wright to enlarge and re-model their home. Shortly thereafter, the Fabyans 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 Museum 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 the generosity imparted upon residents of the Fox Valley by George and Nelle. When visiting the Villa Museum, you discover the uniquely fascinating Fabyan legacy, in addition to Frank Lloyd Wright Prairie-period architecture. The Museum contains the Fabyans' private collection of Asian artifacts, natural history specimens, original furniture, and plenty of surprises! The intriguing combination of history, architecture, military intrigue, and personal exploration is designed to make the Fabyan Villa Museum experience a delight for persons of all ages and backgrounds. The Fabyan's Japanese Garden First installed c. 1909, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and theory. This special site affords the opportunity to simply enjoy a moment of harmony with nature or to learn how to add a touch of beauty to your own backyard while strolling along the winding paths of the 100 year-old garden. Restored in 1976, and replanted in 1992, the Fabyan Japanese Garden pond is currently undergoing further restoration.

	Visit the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden
	During the public season, take general history tours about the Fabyans and their fabulous Riverbank estate on Saturdays and Sundays. Tours on Wednesdays highlight the the Villa's Frank Lloyd Wright features, as well as the Fabyan's personal story. After tours, guests are encouraged to take a stroll through the Forest Preserve and discover the Fabyans' elaborate grounds; including the Japanese Garden.

	Fabyan Villa Museum Explore our latest exhibits featuring the Fabyans' private collection of Japanese artifacts, scientific instruments, original furniture, and plenty of new discoveries! Open May 16 -October 15 Public Hours: Wednesday 1-4 p.m. Saturday& Sunday 1-4:30 p.m. Thursday 1-4 p.m. -Kid's Days & Self-Guided Mystery Tours (June -August only) Admission: Suggested donation: $2.00 adults, $1.00 children $2.00 per participant for hands-on activities on selected Thursdays		Japanese Garden Savor a moment or two of harmony with nature and soothe your spirit amid this original feature of the Fabyans' estate. Open May 3-October 15 Public Hours: Wednesday 1-4 p.m. Sunday 1-4:30 p.m. Extended hours! Self-guided tour brochures available. Master Gardeners are in the Garden on Sundays for botanical inquiries. Be sure to check out our new bookmarks featuring four fabulous seasons of the Japanese Garden! Admission: -Suggested donation: $1.00 per person

	Friday, July 10th, 7 p.m. Japanese Garden Concert featuring Casey Nielsen Chicagoland's own renowned classical guitarist Casey Nielsen will perform two Asian-influenced sets amid one of the Fox Valley's most serene sanctuaries; the Fabyan Japanese Garden. Casey has performed throughout North America. As a classical artist, he has given solo concerts for Baker Memorial Episcopal Church in St. Charles, St. Mark Church in Mt. Prospect, & the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission’s “Riverpark” series. Casey regularly performs at popular Chicago restaurants, Geja’s & Julius Meinl. As a jazz artist, Casey has performed as a leader or accompanist in many popular Chicago-land venues such as the Green Mill, Katarina’s, Pete Miller’s, The Abbey, & Sotish. In 2007 he performed with the Hot Club of Detroit at jazz festivals in Canada and the United States. Please call 630.377.6424 or email info@ppfv.org to reserve your tickets. Admission is $5, but free to PPFV members.		Relax to the lilting acoustic jazz while savoring a moment of harmony with nature, and refreshments, too!

	Phoenix Statues & the Vase of Immortals Fabyan Villa Museum Artifacts Image by photographer, Kelly Nowak To learn more about the artist, click here		The Mystery of the Mummy and More Kids' Thursday Program July 9th , 2 p.m. Join us for an exploration of mummies, and learn the mystery of the Fabyan mummy. Discover and learn Egyptian writing in the Fayban Forest Preserve, too! $2 participation fee Don't forget to pick up your Passport! Kids who participate in the *Passport to Adventure Program* will find plenty of opportunities for extra-special journeys through history at the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, children ages 4-12 with Passports in hand can explore these fascinating museums, plus a variety of other sites in Kane and DuPage Counties. If you have your passport stamped at 7 of these fantastic sites, you’ll receive a prize!

	Volunteering Opportunities If you’re interested in supporting local culture & enjoy interacting with people, the Villa Museum & Japanese Garden needs your help as a volunteer- Discover the rewards of volunteering at the Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden. These are unique places 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 creating awareness and appreciation of our community’s treasures. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, gardening or meeting new people- Help us make history come alive for our visitors. Click here for more information For more information, contact Lynn Dransoff at 630.377.6424

	School Tours Available April through November 3rd -5th Grade- The Fabyans' many contributions to local history 5th Grade & Up - Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at the Villa Program Fee: $2.00 per student Scout Programs Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts, available after school and on Saturdays, March through November. Fees vary by program Please call 630.377.6424 or email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org to schedule your tour or for more information.

	Group Tours Group tours are tailored to your individual or group's interests. Outreach programs to schools, park districts, and other facilities can also be scheduled throughout the year. Private Tours 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. Let us help you plan a memorable event for your group.		The Rolls-Royce Club toured the Villa on one of their summer outings

	Finding Frank Lloyd Wright at the Fabyan Villa The centennial of Frank Lloyd Wright's redesign of the Fabyan Villa was marked in 2007. An exhibit highlighting Wright's Prairie period designs and the hallmarks of his style in the Villa remains from the celebration. The exterior of the Villa was restored to Wright's original elements, materials, and colors in 1998. The interior remains largely as redesigned by Wright, though in need of restoration. Wright's hallmark elements in the Fabyan Villa Funds for interior restoration are being actively sought through grants by the Kane County Forest Preserve District & Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley.

To schedule Weddings and Photographs

in the Japanese Garden: Contact the Kane County Forest Preserve at (630) 232-1242

*For information on

Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley membership

and benefits click here


Location & Directions We are located approximately 42 miles west of Chicago in Geneva in the Fabyan Forest Preserve. The Villa and Garden are on the west side of the Fox River, 1.25 miles south of downtown Geneva. The entrance to the parking lot is on the east side of Route 31, just north of Fabyan Parkway. The Japanese Garden sits west of the parking lot and the Fabyan Villa is west of the Garden up the hill.	For directions to the Fabyan Villa Museum & Japanese Garden, click here

Parking Free parking is available in the Forest Preserve, 1/4 mile from the Villa and 1/2 block from the Garden. Additional lots are located at the Fabyan Windmill on the east side of the river. Note: The main parking lot at Fabyan West Forest preserve has been relocated closer to the main entrance on Route 31 just north of Fabyan Parkway. Tips for an Enjoyable Visit Please allow approximately one hour for guideded tours of the Fabyan Villa and 10-20 minutes for a walk through the Japanese Garden. Private tours of the Villa are around 1 1/4 hours. Garden tours last between 30-45 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

Photography- Villa General photography of the Villa is limited to the exterior. Commercial photography of the Villa is available by appointment only. Please call 630-377-6424 for information. Photography- Japanese Garden The Japanese Garden can be reserved for weddings or photography on Saturdays, by appointment only. Please call the Kane County Forest Preserve Reservation Line at 630-232-1242.

Handicap Access Currently the Villa and Garden are not handicap accessible. Access into the Villa is by stairs. The Garden path is packed mulch & crushed gravel with several grade changes. Advance arrangements for site entrance drop-off can be made. Food and Beverages Food and beverages are not allowed in the Villa or Garden. No food service is available in the Forest Preserve, however there are two picnic pavilions in the West Forest Preserve available for reservation: Call (630)-232-1242

P.O. Box 903 \| St. Charles, IL 60174 \| Telephone: 630-377-6424 \| Facsimile: 630-377-6424 \| info@PPFV.org
Copyright © 2005 Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley