Event Rentals

Imagine your event inside a Chicago Landmark. Charnley-Persky House is an ideal venue for small gatherings, with flexible spaces and inspiring architectural details that elevate any event. Designed in 1891 by famed American architect Louis Sullivan with assistance from his then-draftsman Frank Lloyd Wright, Charnley House offers warm interiors in a unique setting of old-world craft woodcarvings of Sullivan’s ornament and innovative design in this early modern house.

A three-floor, skylight atrium welcomes guests into your event before ushering them into rooms set for your function. The visual highlight is the second-floor screen of 99 individually carved wooden spindles, which makes a striking backdrop for photographs.

Tucked within Chicago’s historied Gold Coast neighborhood, yet still easily accessible by public transportation and rideshare, Charnley-Persky House is a hidden gem for retreats, meetings, intimate ceremonies, photo shoots, receptions, lectures, or holiday celebrations.

Beautiful Interiors

The layout of the Charnley-Persky House is perfect for smaller groups seeking cozy gathering space with gravitas. Don’t be swallowed up by a too-big ballroom or bored in a spiritless meeting suite. Create your perfect gathering among the finely-crafted design details that make Charnley both a National Historic Landmark and a Chicago Landmark.

Event rentals include access to the first and second-floor public spaces for up to 50 guests. The lower-level basement may be used for catering setup and storing supplies during your event. Approximate capacities are as follows:

  • Atrium and Alcoves – 15-30 people standing
  • Library – 40 seated theatre-style or standing, 8-12 seated at small conference tables
  • Dining Room – 40 seated theatre style or standing, 8-12 seated at dining room table
  • Second Floor – 15-20 standing
  • Balcony – Open weather permitting. Capacity is limited to 10 people at a time during receptions.

The Charnley-Persky House is not accessible to wheelchairs. If any of your guests require mobility accommodation, please mention this when making your reservation.

Rental Packages

Standard Rental – $500/hr

Provides access to all Charnley rental spaces and amenities, as listed in our policies. A minimum of three (3) hours is required for hourly booking. Your reservation should cover setup and teardown as well as the event itself.

Best rate for receptions, presentations, and intimate ceremonies.

Daytime Retreat – $3,000

Save $1,000 when you rent the House for a full-day event or retreat, 9am-5pm.

Best rate for staff outings and offsite meetings. 

Photo/Video Package – $500

Want to capture memories against our unique backdrop? Reserve up to two (2) hours for lighting setup and shooting/filming time for engagement or wedding photos, corporate headshots, marketing shoots, or artistic exploration.

Images made for commercial publication (books, magazines, product marketing, etc.) are subject to additional fees. Equipment rental is NOT included in this package.

Please contact us if your group is a non-profit for the non-profit rate.

Request your Date

Request Form

All events are subject to approval by the Executive Director. Once approved, CPHMF will provide you with a rental contract for signature. A 50% deposit of your rental fee is due two weeks before the event, with the balance due on the day of the event.

Questions? Contact us to learn more about Charnley-Persky House and discover how we can serve your event.

Equipment Available

Standard and Daytime Retreat rental packages include the use of any of the following:

  • Technology
    • Projector with inputs for HDMI video and Aux sound
    • 64″ inch projection screen
    • USB external speakers
    • Limited number of electric extension cords
    • We do NOT have adaptors for PC/Mac, please bring yours.
  • Furniture:
    • Podium
    • Dining room table seating up to 12
    • Tall-boy tables (4)
    • 6 ft tables (2), seating 4-6 each
    • 40 folding chairs
  • Food service:
    • Wine glasses (84)
    • Plain drinking glasses (12)
    • White appetizer/dessert plates (96)
    • Silver cutlery – stainless forks (96)
    • Black linens for the dining room table and buffet.

Charnley-Persky House does not have a certified kitchen for onsite food preparation. We can recommend local caterers.

Policies

Hours and Admission:

  • You may charge admission to an event hosted at the Charnley-Persky House.
  • Out of respect to our neighbors, events may be scheduled starting no earlier than 8 a.m. and must end no later than 9 p.m.

Catering:

  • Renter will provide food, beverage, ice, napkins, garbage bags, bar tools, ice buckets, any other service equipment not available via CPHMF.
  • Renter will provide necessary waitstaff/bartenders.
  • No candles or open flames are permitted, including the use of sterno heaters.
  • To protect the original wood floors, catering menus may not include staining foods. Red wine is prohibited.
  • Caterer must be licensed and bonded and carry Dram Shop insurance. Caterer must provide a copy of their Certificate of Insurance with SAH and CPHMF listed as additional insureds. CPHMF can recommend local caterers, if needed.

Access and Care:

  • Nothing may be affixed to the walls or ceiling.
  • Due to the fragility of the historic structure, guest counts greater than 50 cannot be accommodated. Catering and CPHMF staff are not included in this limit.
  • The fireplace hearth tiles must not have anything placed upon them, and care must be taken not to step upon them by reception guests.
  • Any damage sustained to Charnley-Persky House interiors or exteriors during a reception will be the financial responsibility of the renter and will be invoiced after the event.