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The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden are located in the Fabyan Forest Preserve, 200 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 the home of Colonel George and Nelle Fabyan from 1905-1939. Riverbank, the name they bestowed upon their property, was initially a country retreat from their home in Chicago. They hired Frank Lloyd Wright in 1907 to enlarge and re-model the existing farmhouse and shortly thereafter took up permanent residence at the Villa, as they called their home. They acquired 300+ acres, creating a country estate which soon became a lavish showplace complete with fountains, gardens, a Roman-style swimming pool, a Dutch-style windmill, a private zoo, a working lighthouse, a boathouse, tennis courts, and more. The Fabyans pursued their varied interests on their estate, including horticulture, animal husbandry, and scientific research.
When visiting the Villa Museum, you will 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 and more! Documents and photographs detail George's involvement in the Treaty of Portsmouth and Japanese international relations, the Bacon/Shakespeare controversy, code-breaking that significantly influenced both World Wars and pioneering research and development in acoustics. The captivating combination of significant architecture, military intrigue, Japanese culture and personal exploration makes the Fabyan Villa Museum a unique experience for all ages.
The Fabyans' Japanese Garden
Installed c. 1910, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature while strolling the winding path of this 100 year-old site.
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Fabyan Villa Museum
Regular Open Hours:
May 15 through October 15
~guided 45 minute tours~
- Thursday 1-4 p.m.(June through August only)
Self-Guided Mystery Tours~Kids' Days
Admission: suggested donation $2.00 adults, $1.00 children
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Groups of any size may make a reservation
for a private tour at other times.
~ see group tour info below ~
MUSEUM CLOSED NOVEMBER 30 - MARCH 30 |
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Fabyan Japanese Garden
Regular Open Hours:
- Sunday 1-4:30 p.m. May 1 through October 15
- Wednesday 1-4 p.m. May 15 through October 15
- Thursday 1-4 p.m. June 1 through August 30
Admission: suggested donation $1.00 per person
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Self-guided brochure available during visit
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Plant map available for $1.00
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Groups of any size may make a reservation
for a private tour at other times.
~see group tour info below~
GARDEN CLOSED NOVEMBER 1 TO APRIL 1 |
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The Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden
are featured in the book
Off The Beaten Path, Illinois
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For information or reservations for weddings and photography in the Japanese Garden:
you must call the Forest Preserve District
Reservation Line: 630-232-1242
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Group Tours
Group tours are specifically tailored to complement your group's interests. Let us help you plan a memorable outing 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 private tour charge: $25.00
Outreach Programs
We can bring the Fabyan sites to you throughout the year with our PowerPoint programs. In-depth presentations are available on the
Fabyans and their fabulous estate, Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style
at the Fabyan Villa, the history and seasonal beauty of the Japanese
Garden in Images of Tranquility, and the Fabyan Dutch Windmill.
Call for more information.
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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
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For information or to schedule a group tour, call
630-377-6424 or email fabyanvilla@ppfv.org. Information and reservations for weddings or photography in the Japanese Garden is available at 630-232-1242 ONLY.
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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 guide or greeter or gardener!
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!
For details, contact Lynn Dransoff- 630.377.6424
Click here for more information |
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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 West Forest Preserve. The Preserve is off of 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.
For printable driving directions click here.
For a map of the Forest Preserve click here.
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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 45 minutes for guided 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 that exits the north end of the parking lot.
Additional parking is located near 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. Please call the Kane County Forest Preserve reservation line at 630-232-1242 for information.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Posed, staged, group, portrait, special occasion, and/or professional photography is NOT permitted during public open hours on Wednesday or Sunday afternoons. Reservations are necessary for these types of photography.
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P.O. Box 903 | St. Charles, IL 60174 | Telephone: 630-377-6424 | Facsimile: 630-377-6424 | info@PPFV.org |
Copyright © 2012 Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley |
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