Museum of the Gilding Arts

Immerse yourself in an era adorned in gold and see the hard work that went into producing a stunning and iconic look. The Museum of the Gilding Arts highlights the history, crafting, and use of gold and silver leaf in architecture and decoration throughout history, dating back to the days of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. See examples of gold and silver leaf, artifacts used in the application of the precious metal leaf and displays showing how leaf was manufactured. Visitors can even test their strength and endurance with hands-on displays showing how much effort went into the production of gold and silver leaf items.

The museum features items from the Society of Gilders Swift Collection. Beginning in 1887, the M. Swift and Sons company manufactured gold leaf in Hartford, CT. 

Museum of the Gilding Arts
217 N. Mill St.
Pontiac, IL 61764

Phone:
815-842-1848

Hours:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week

Admission:
Donation only