Allerton’s In-Residence Program offers individuals the opportunity to live on the Allerton estate and create work inspired by their experience. Made possible through gifts from Joan M. and W. Peter Hood and Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann, residencies encourage creative exploration and focused experiences with art and nature, while contributing to our goals of community engagement through education and research. The In-Residence Program not only supports and highlights the meaningful work of artists and naturalists, but brings awareness to the unique characteristics of the Park and continues the legacy of Robert Allerton.
THE HISTORY
Guided by his philosophy to live life as art and his love of nature, Robert Allerton created an extraordinary vision that was shared with the public when he donated his private estate to the University of Illinois in 1946. During his life, Robert hosted composers, painters, sculptors, journalists, and others associated with the cultural pursuits he enjoyed, allowing them to experience the tranquility, energy, and natural beauty of his home. Robert would often commission a piece of artwork, or an artist would gift a project created during their stay. Great thinkers, creators, and artists found inspiration at Allerton.
Allerton Park is a work of art in itself, reflecting Robert’s sensitivity to the total environment as he brought together a combination of wooded areas, formal gardens, meadows, buildings, and sculpture to interact with and enhance each other. Today, we remain committed to utilizing this unique cultural space to inspire creation, connection, and appreciation for the arts and our natural world.
THE PROGRAM
Our In-Residence Program continues Robert’s generosity by offering artists and naturalists the opportunity to live on the property and create site-specific work. As we strive to fulfill our mission by engaging and enriching our community in nature and art, this program allows us to uplift the voices of a variety of professionals, while making their work more accessible to the public. You can find a list of past residents here.
Learn about our Spring 2022 Artists In-Residence here, or the Fall 2022 Residency here.
“Allerton is a very special place that can provide an alternate venue for education and learning outside the university campus and in the community. We are looking forward to seeing this incredible new program come to life, and watching it evolve over time.”
-Dana Brehm & Larry Baumann, facility donors
THE SPACE
Under Construction. Expected Opening: 2022 Thanks to a gift from Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann, Robert Allerton’s former Ice House is being updated to serve as living space for residents and recreate the intimate experience Robert provided his guests.
Current LIVING SPACE
Bedroom: Furnished bedroom in the historic Allerton Mansion features wood floors, marble fireplaces, elegant furnishings, and breathtaking views of the surrounding property. Includes TV, wifi, and access to a washing machine.
WOrk/STUDIO SPACE
Auditorium: Located in a repurposed greenhouse, offering a view of the Meadow and easy access to the formal gardens.
The Dome: Located on the Wetland Boardwalk in the Formal Garden area of the Park, the Dome overlooks the Reflecting Pond and historic Allerton Mansion.
Solarium: This window-lined ‘back porch’ of the historic Allerton Mansion features original brick floors and overlooks the Koi Pond, Reflecting Pond, and Meadow.
Music Barn: Set amid the beauty of an idyllic nine-acre farmstead, this converted two-story Dutch hay barn, with its exposed timbers and 30-foot ceiling, offers a rustic and charming atmosphere.
Formal Gardens
Allerton’s fourteen Formal Gardens feature extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures to discover.
Natural Areas
Our 1,500 acres of Natural Areas acres includes the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow, a 30-acre demonstration prairie and over 14 miles of hiking trails.
