Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

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Written By Kovas Palubinskas

Out in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, a hidden gem of a museum (heehee) awaits you. The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art displays gemstones, new and old, with earth science exhibits and carved pieces of every size and color.

Image is of a 2 story office building in Oak Brook, Illinois, , housing the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, the corner entry displays name in white letters on a black stone almost two stories high.

In a rags to riches story, Joseph Lizzadro came to the US from Italy, learned English, became a citizen, and then worked his way up to Chairman of the Board of Meade Electric.

Images show three carved stones with a label: Ruin "Marble," Brecciated Limestone, Tuscany Italy.

Lizzadro started as a lapidary hobbyist and collector. As carvings were relatively inexpensive, he added to his collection and also items of amber, ivory, coral, agate, and gemstones. As the collection grew, so did the desire to share it with the public.

Image shows a giant wood and carved jade palace or pagoda with a tall tower.

In 1962, the Lizzadro Museum was opened in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park. After many years in that location, the Lizzadro Museum moved to Oak Brook in 2020.

Image shows three pieces of amber with a label: Baltic Amber, Eocene Epoch. Amber is fossilized tree sap.

1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523  / 630-833-1616 / www.lizzadromuseum.org

Kovas Palubinskas
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