Newsletter | Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
- 3030.May
Rock and Mineral ID Class
https://lizzadromuseum.org/event/rock-and-mineral-id-class-5-30-2026/Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523Join geologist Sara Kurth for a hands-on rock and mineral identification class. Learn to classify minerals using observation and hardness testing. Perfect for curious rock-hounds or scouts working on Earth Science badges, this class will deepen your understanding of earth science and teach you to identify rocks and minerals like a pro!
Class – 10:30 a.m – 75 minutes
Ages 8 yrs. and up
$10 per person – Museum Members Free
Reservations Required – Register here - 3030.May
Rockin’ Jewelry for Kids
https://lizzadromuseum.org/event/rockin-jewelry-for-kids-5-30-2026/Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523Unleash your creativity in this fun, hands-on jewelry-making workshop! Design your own unique gemstone creations—including a necklace, a keychain, and a pin. All materials are provided. Afterward, explore the Museum and enjoy a fun scavenger hunt. This workshop is the perfect way to delve into the world of stone jewelry.
Activity – 1:30 p.m – 45 minutes
Ages 8 yrs. and up
$15 per person
Museum Members receive 10%
Discount with code
Reservations Required – Register 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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