Permanent Collection
The Lizzadro Museum displays more than 200 pieces of jade and other hard stone carvings from around the world, featuring several internationally famous pieces. Included are a fine nephrite jade imperial altar set completed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and an exquisite cinnabar screen encrusted with carved gemstones. The screen was a birthday gift to the Chinese emperor, Qianlong (Ch’ien Lung) in 1791. Both the screen and the altar set were originally housed in the lavish imperial palaces of China.

Other prime examples of lapidary art are exhibited in the form of snuff bottles, modern and antique vases and bowls, and many other decorative and functional items. Three walls of the Museum’s main floor feature dioramas, each one a small scene populated by creatures native to that environment. Children and adults alike are fascinated by the gemstone inhabitants of these dioramas, all of which were carved in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. The Museum’s collection also features beautiful examples of Florentine and Roman stone mosaics, cameos and intaglios, and displays of faceted gemstones and mineral specimens.

The Rock and Mineral Experience on the lower level presents a variety of exhibits; earth science phenomena, lapidary materials, mineral specimens and fossils. Visitors will experience remarkable push-button exhibits including: fluorescent rocks and minerals being hauled on a miniature railroad, an enhydro (a rock containing liquid millions of years old), and a rock that bends called itacalumite. A touch exhibit has large fossil and mineral specimens for a hands-on experience. The Fossils Through Time display traces the record of evolution through fossilized plants and animals. Not to be missed are exhibits of meteorites, birthstones, and famous diamond replicas. Other exhibits include micro-mounts, miniature minerals seen through a microscope and an Illinois map featuring the location of useful rocks and minerals in Illinois. Finally, the awe inspiring Castle Lizzadro is an 18 karat gold sculpture with diamond windows setting on a base of mineral specimens. Push a button to hear the castle preparing for an attack by enemy forces.