The 2026 Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour is an independent, community-organized event encouraging education and preservation of mid-century modern architecture in Bloomington-Normal.
This one-day event invites participants to witness the artistry of MCM architecture in BN through a self-guided, interpretive tour of almost one dozen exteriors and grounds and an introductory panel presentation.
Proceeds benefit the McLean County Museum of History, McLean County Arts Center, & Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony
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The inaugural Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour on Saturday, October 3 will feature:
9:30 a.m. | Doors Open at the McLean County Arts Center
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour viewing
Tour packets must be picked up at the McLean County Arts Center. An MCM decorative arts exhibition will also be on view at MCAC in the Armstrong Gallery.
10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. | Optional 75-Minute Panel Presentation (included in ticket price)
This includes a 15-minute performance by members of the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony and expert insight on mid-century modern architecture in Central Illinois.
Panelists include:
Russel Francois (Retired Architect / Owner, Francois Associates Architects)
Bill Kemp (Librarian, McLean County Museum of History)
Doug Johnson (Executive Director, McLean County Arts Center)
Seth Wheeler (Preservation Advocate & Salvage Practitioner)
Mercy Davison (Director of Planning & Zoning, Town of Normal)
Moderated by Pip Ong
The panel presentation will take place in the Brandt Gallery at the McLean County Arts Center.
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The Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour is made possible by...
Presenting Sponsors: Dawn Peters with Alignment Home Group at Keller Williams Revolution & Alignment Home Services
Panel Sponsors: Behrens & Brown Management; Hewn Architectural Studio
Exhibit Sponsors: Jan Brandt Gallery, LLC; Madelon Gay Dolan; Wisecracker Studio
House Sponsors: Chizmar Landscaping; Cindy & John Beurskens; Heartland Bank & Trust; Home Improvements by Brad; Josh Jackson Mutual of Omaha Mortgage; Prairie Woodworks; Willette Law Firm
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Accessibility:
Note that this event is a self-guided exterior tour of each featured property. Properties on this tour include steps, uneven surfaces/terrains, unpaved walking paths, and are NOT fully accessible. Event volunteers will be stationed at each property to help direct foot traffic, but all participants are responsible for their own physical navigation of the premises. Ticket purchasers should plan accordingly.
Tickets:
$30/person (400 tickets are available for purchase); ticket price includes self-guided exterior tour of 11 mid-century modern homes in Bloomington-Normal; optional panel presentation and musical performance at 10:00am (seating is limited to 125, first come/first served); & limited edition, artist-designed tour materials highlighting each home’s unique architectural features and historical provenance
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online by clicking here or in-person at the Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center at the McLean County Museum of History.
Questions? Email mcm.bn2026@gmail.com
Please visit facebook.com/mcm.bn2026 for additional information.