The Illinois State Museum

Location:

502 Spring Street
Springfield, IL 62706

Constructed: 1962

Square footage: 87,371

Architects:

Louis H. Gerding

About the Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum is on the corner of Spring and Edwards streets on the south side of the Capitol Complex. The building was specifically designed for the State Museum to display the many natural and cultural treasures of Illinois. Founded in 1877, the State Museum was originally housed in the State Capitol and for 40 years was located in what is now the Howlett Building. The official ground-breaking ceremony for the new building took place Jan. 5, 1961, and the $2.2 million building was dedicated on Feb. 4, 1963.