The Illinois Governor’s Mansion, located directly across from Illinois REALTORS® headquarters, reopened to the public on Saturday, July 14th. Governor Bruce Rauner and First Lady Diane Rauner hosted hundreds of visitors for the opening ceremony followed by free guided tours throughout the day.  

Illinois REALTORS® took part in the day by helping our neighbors host VIP guests at our headquarters prior to the ceremony on this hot July Saturday.   

The mansion underwent an extensive two-year renovation that was completely privately funded. The project consisted of making structural repairs and focused on enhancing the visitor experience. For the first-time in history, the mansion is now ADA accessible. The updates also include expanded programming with trained staff and volunteers and a new visitor center.  The mansion features art throughout and rooms dedicated to specific historic events, including the Columbian Exposition, Past Illinois Governors and families, and the inaugural Art of Illinois exhibit.  

The mansion is now open to the public seven days a week for free tours. Visit IllinoisMansion.org to learn more.  

Illinois Governor's Mansion Reopening
Illinois REALTORS® Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs Greg St. Aubin (right) is pictured here with Illinois Representative Joe Sosnowski (69th District) and his family at the opening ceremony of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion.
Illinois Governor's Mansion Reopening
Illinois REALTORS® hosted VIPS and former first families prior to the Illinois Governor’s Mansion reopening ceremony.
Illinois Governor's Mansion Reopening
This Mary Todd portrait is an example of the exquisite art you can find throughout the newly renovated Illinois Governor’s Mansion.
Illinois Governor's Mansion Reopening
This President Abraham Lincoln portrait is an examples of the exquisite art you can find throughout the newly renovated Illinois Governor’s Mansion.
Illinois Governor's Mansion Reopening
Governor and First Lady Rauner got a sneak peek at the light display at Bicentennial Plaza on the eve of the mansion reopening. The tour was led by Illinois REALTORS® CEO Gary Clayton and wife Marsha with Kent Massie of Massie Massie & Associates. Massie is the landscape architect for the mansion restoration and Bicentennial Plaza.