Newsletter | Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
- 2626.April
Community Music Program: Soloist Di Camera String Quartet
https://lizzadromuseum.org/event/soloist-di-camera-string-quartet/Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523Experience the refined artistry of Solist di Camera, a dynamic string quartet featuring rich, expressive harmony. With four accomplished musicians – Ray Ostwald (1st violin), and Joseph Malmquist (2nd violin), Tom Havel (viola), and Mark Kuntz (cello) – the ensemble brings passion and precision to every performance. Journey through the elegance of the Baroque and the brilliance of the Classical era as Solisti di Camera breathes new life into timeless masterpieces. Their performances blend warmth, sophistication, and vibrant musical dialogue – captivating audiences with the intimate power only a string quartet can deliver.
Performance – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes – Ages 10 years and Up
$20 per person – Museum Members $5
Limited Capacity – Register here - 0202.May
Rare Earths and Beyond: The Mineralogical Foundations of Modern Cellphones
https://lizzadromuseum.org/event/rare-earths-and-beyond/Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523We’re excited to invite you to an engaging presentation by Michael Wise, research scientist at the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Wise is a leading expert on pegmatites – remarkable rock formations that host some of the rarest and most beautiful minerals on earth. These minerals may look like dazzling museum specimens, but they also power the technology we carry every day. As a contributor to the Smithsonian’s exhibition “Cellphone: Unseen Connections,” he helped reveal the surprising journey from molten formation to the device in your pocket. Join us as he explores the fascinating story of how minerals formed millions of years ago became essential components in modern cellphones.
Lecture – 2:00 p.m. – 60 minutes
Students and Adults
Regular Museum Admission
Museum Members FreeReservations Recommended
Sign up here
Special Exhibit
The Hidden Gems in Cellphones
On Display through May 24, 2026
Your cellphone is a treasure chest containing over 65 minerals! These minerals play a variety of vital roles – often within the same device. Formed by the earth, then discovered by miners and processed by hundreds of hands, minerals make your phone possible. This special exhibit opens up our phones to reveal the hidden gems in your pocket!
Regular Museum Admission | Regular Museum Hours
SUMMER Special Exhibit
Enduring Symbols: Liberty Set in Stone
Opening June 19, 2026
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, we have gathered lapidary pieces honoring the enduring spirit of the nation with exceptional artistry and craftsmanship. Each work is meticulously shaped from fine gemstones, capturing iconic symbols of freedom, unity, and resilience. Intricate detailing and masterful carving techniques reflect both the heritage of American artisanship and the timeless beauty of the earth’s treasures. This summer, come and see these works which stand as lasting tributes to 250 years of history, innovation, and the pursuit of liberty.
Regular Museum Admission | Regular Museum Hours
Message From the President
Dear Members and Rockhound Patrons,
As the new Board President, I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Museum. Thank you to our former Board President John S. Lizzadro, Sr. for his years of service and dedication to the Museum. As we move into a new phase of leadership, I want to thank all our members, donors, patrons, corporate and community sponsors, and especially the Lizzadro Family for continuing to make this Museum possible. It is our passion for stone that brings us together. Lapidary art in all its forms along with the sciences related to stone are a unique niche in the museum world.
As crisis that comes the former Director of the Museum the I have seen the ups and downs, along with running Museum. In my new role President of the Board of Directors, I support our Executive Director, Dr. Kyle Brill, as he leads the staff to focus on improving our mission: To share with others the eternal beauty of stone through exhibitions, educational programs, group tours, and special events.
Board goals this year will include fundraising to grow our endowment and operating income. We have several exciting events in the works:
- This spring a Members and Friends evening will include a silent auction and lecture by Dr. Michael Wise, research scientist from the Smithsonian Institute for the closing of our “Hidden Gems in Cellphones” special exhibit.
- This summer the exhibit “Enduring Symbols: Liberty Set in Stone” will celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary with unique patriotic themed artwork.
- A public sale of stone objects including rough, jewelry, and carvings will be offered in September.
- This fall, exceptional contemporary jewelry artist and designer Mark Schnieder will be honored with a retrospective exhibit featuring his work and a Museum members event.
Our permanent displays of Chinese jades with outstanding artistry, continue to anchor the Museum. This includes our founder Joseph F. Lizzadro, Sr’s original collection with additions from John S. Lizzadro, Sr. More recently, our permanent exhibits have expanded through the additions of the Chang Collection and The Richard H. Driehaus Collection. All these objects have stories to tell, and we will bring them to you as we continue to research and improve the permanent collection.
I look forward to building upon our strong foundation of stone! Working with members, patrons, and the community, our Museum can build the future together. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Active-duty military personnel and their families receive free admission from May 16th through September 7th, 2026.
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