The Sanfilippo Foundation (de la musique) has limited tours of their beautiful and amazing estate. It's located in Barrington Hills on over 57 acres. The 52,000 sq. ft Tudor style home has so many unique musical, one of a kind and ornate items that you really have to see to believe! We went on the tour yesterday and it was really enjoyable. They have so many historical Calliope's from Europe and US on the premises. Also many other items including Tiffany lamps, steam trains/engines, a perfume museum and a restored carousel in its own building that is really something to see! It's truly a fascinating tour and very tastefully done. They only collected the very best top of the line pieces for the collection. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Pictures and reviews really don't do this place justice. You need to go and see everything for yourself! It's definitely worth it and you'll leave feeling dazzled! read more

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Amazing collection and tour. The director, Gregory, and all the people that work there were so kind and obviously have a passion for what they do. Gorgeous and fabulous place.... My nephews (9 and 12) loved it! read more

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What an amazing place! I took the 3-hour guided tour, which included close looks at many of the Sanfilippos' collections. The first half of the tour was inside the 52,000-square-foot home and dedicated to all things music -- antique phonographs, automatic music instruments from Europe, and a mini organ concert in the large, ornate auditorium. Our tour guide, Greg, was personable and a wealth of information -- he explained the origins and inner workings of several of the instruments and demonstrated several of them for us. We also got to walk through the estate's perfume gallery, which was added onto the home in 2019 to showcase hundreds of perfumes/bottles from around the world. The second half of the tour was inside a 30,000-square-foot building on the grounds, which houses a gorgeous restored carousel that's over a century old, train cars, a clock tower and lots more. In this room we were more physically active, as we were offered a ride on the carousel (so fun for all ages!), a chance to walk through the train cars, explore a huge collection of engines and more. I'd recommend this tour for anyone with an interest in music, history or the arts, or anyone who just wants to see an amazing home and impressive collections. read more

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I recently took the 3 hour introductory guided tour of parts of the Estate. The tour guide was highly educated in the estate and provided plenty of information. There are chairs to sit down, when necessary. Washrooms are also available. The tour ends at the carousel barn. So much more . . . calliope music, trains and, of course, the carousel. If the music will be loud, the tour guide will point out where NOT to stand. read more

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Wow, this place completely exceeded my expectations! I did the 3 hour tour and honestly, I was kind of expecting something a little like House on the Rock in Wisconsin (which I enjoyed a lot by the way). However, unlike House on the Rock, this is amalgamation of automatic, self playing music instruments that have been lovingly restored by a serious collector and not a dusty assortment of out of tune machines... some that probably don't actually play any music at all. The guide was wonderful and informative as he took us from room to room to demonstrate the machines. The house itself is stunning. The best was the last part of the tour which transports you to a 1890's French saloon with a merry go round that you are permitted to ride. It's definitely worth going to see this place if you get the chance. I still can't believe that such a whimsical and magical place exists in the suburbs of Chicago! read more

Sanfilippo Foundation - Music Venues Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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If I were to list my top ten favorite places on this planet, Sanfilippo Place de La Musique would be on the list. This spectacular private museum and concert hall, open to the public only through advance reservation for scheduled tours or charity benefits, is best described as palatial, magical, and unique. The term 'sensory overload' comes to mind. The Missus and I have been attending concerts here once or twice a year since 2003. Built as the private residence of Jasper and Marian Sanfilippo and their family, the original house was enlarged in stages to accommodate Jasper's growing collection of mechanical music machines and other antique devices and art objects. One entire wing of the house is a Victorian-style theater with a seating capacity of 350, built to accommodate the world's largest theater pipe organ. Inevitably the collection outgrew the main house, so a separate building the size of a convention hall was built on the property. Its centerpiece is the Eden Palais, a portable 19th century entertainment venue from France that features a fully restored and working carousel. Other items in the collection include orchestrions, railroad cars, and an entire room filled with industrial steam-powered machinery. The latest addition to the main house, a perfume bottle museum, is set to open during 2019. A full-time staff of skilled artisans restores new acquisitions and maintains the collection in pristine condition. Most recently, we attended the 2018 Christmas Concert & Sunday Brunch, which we've been enjoying since its inception in 2012. It began with an elegant catered multicourse brunch (mimosas, salmon Florentine, beef tenderloin, fancy pastries, and more) in the Carousel Pavilion, followed by an opportunity to explore the collection and ride the carousel. Chartered buses then shuttled guests to the main house for an unforgettable Christmas-themed concert featuring Dave Wickerham performing on the Sanfilippo Organ and a vocalist. To receive information about upcoming events, send an email to: info@sanfilippofoundation.org. read more

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Excellent day ... beautiful loving restorations of more musical instruments & gadget than anyone can imagine! Brought a tear to my eye to hear the many sounds and beautiful sights they have created! And we rode the Carousal ... a perfect day! read more

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horrible people they where very rude and grumpy would not go here ever again i would not suggest going here just the people where very rude and not helpful read more

The Sanfilippo Place de La Musique is a slice of Heaven. Brimming with antiques and music, this place exudes charm and character while paying homage to the turn of the century. This place is an artistic hub carefully maintained and curated by the Sanfilippo family. I highly encourage enjoying their summer concert series and other events. You can roam through the home and see the various pieces in use, enjoy the concert in their concert hall, then visit the carousel pavilion for a ride on a restored carousel from the 1890s. This place is hidden gem. read more

It's a wonderful pipe organ and century old Music Machine museum. Check it out on YouTube. If you don't like what you see, don't go - you won't like it. If you do like what you see, this will be the best, most "over the top" organ experience you will ever have. Aside from the music (and music machines) this was the first year I've been there that the perfume wing was open. What a grand expansion! To be blunt, I wouldn't personally drive eight hours to see just perfume, but the display was on par with everything else in the house - and I learned some things about perfume! Dress nice. This place exudes class, and by default demands appropriate behavior. If your party can't be trusted to not touch things that shouldn't be touched unless it is roped off, then this is not a place to bring them. That's not to say this is a static display - they have staff that is more than willing to start the machines that pique your interest. Just don't think that these are your toys to play with. read more

Love, Love Love, what more do you need for a recommendation! Location is on the Private Property in Barrington Hills!

I had my very mind blown last weekend when I saw Reginald Robinson perform ragtime piano in the concert hall. Holy cats, this place is beautiful. There's nothing like it that I've ever seen anywhere. I mean, I've known music fetishists, but the owner of this concert hall went full automaton. However you feel about antiques, it will be difficult to look away from the many artifacts and instruments on public display. There is an indoor carousel, but it was not available last weekend. Another time. Lots of stained glass lamps, windows, panels, and even on the ceilings. I especially enjoyed the two large Mucha pieces in the front, near the windows, from inside the hall and outside. They seemed inspired by Tiffany's Four Seasons women. I don't know who came first. Do check out their concert offerings, and DO get there an hour or so early and spend the time milling and marveling. Anyhow, it's quite a hike from anywhere my friends or family reside, but they must all come and see it soon - I DO insist. read more

Wow this is a stellar backdrop for your awesome charity event! Or attend a concert here. Look what 40 minute drive from Chicago will get you. read more