Growing up in Chicago, we were fortunate to have the incredible Art Institute of Chicago at our disposal.  One of the exhibits that I never missed as a child (or miss now as an adult) are The Thorne Miniature Rooms.

These amazing rooms were the brainchild of Mrs. James Ward Thorne who hired craftspeople, architects and designers to create historically accurate interiors.  They designed and produced miniature furniture, carpets, paneling, and drapery for the rooms; paying attention to the slightest detail, including the appropriate crystal, china and linens.  Mrs. Thorne took many trips to Europe for the sole purpose of collecting additional miniatures and gathering ideas for future rooms.

Mrs. James Ward Thorne c. 1930s

I was (and still am) totally fascinated by these incredible endeavors and would stand on the ledge peeking into the windowed dioramas until nudged along by the next museum patron.  The details are mind boggling and the results of her dedication are still delighting visitors today.  Here are several of the 68 rooms on display at the Art Institute.

French Bathroom and Boudoir Revolutionary Period 1793-1804

English Great Room of Late Tudor Period 1550-1603

California Hallway 1940

French Bedroom, Late 16th Century

Tennessee Entrance Hall 1835

English Drawing Room of the Early Georgian Period, 1730s

English Drawing Room of the Modern Period, 1930s,

English Reception Room of the Jacobean Period, 1625-55

South Carolina Ballroom, 1775-1835

English Entrance Hall of the Georgian Period, c. 1775

French Library of Modern Period 1930s

French Anteroom of the Empire Period, c. 1810, c. 1937

English Dining Room of the Georgian Period, 1770-90

Massachusetts Bedroom, c. 1801

German Sitting Room of the "Biedermeier" Period, 1815-50

Louisiana Bedroom 1800-50

English Bedroom of the Georgian Period, 1760-75

English Drawing Room of the Victorian Period, 1840-70

California Living Room c. 1935-40

New England Bedroom, 1750-1850

Thank you Mrs. Thorne for giving me such delight!   These special rooms inspired my love of interior design as well as the desire for my career path.

If you would like to read further about Mrs. Thorne’s miniature rooms, the book is available from Amazon.