2026 Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour

{ "name":"2026 Mid Century Modernist Architectural Home Tour", "description":"

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 ten building exteriors, an introductory panel presentation, performance from the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony, and a decorative arts exhibition.

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: Madelon Gay Dolan; Wisecracker Studio

House Sponsors: Chizmar Landscaping; Cindy & John Beurskens; Ginkgo Landscaping; Heartland Bank & Trust; Home Improvements by Brad; Jan Brandt Gallery, LLC; Josh Jackson Mutual of Omaha Mortgage; Lee’s Superior Coatings; Prairie Woodworks; Sue Tretter, Broker; 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 per person.

Ticket price includes self-guided exterior tour of 10 mid-century modern homes in Bloomington-Normal; optional panel presentation and musical performance at 10:00 a.m. (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 our Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66 Visitors Center & Gift Shop.

Questions? Email mcm.bn2026@gmail.com

Please visit facebook.com/mcm.bn2026 for additional information.

", "startDate":"2026-10-03", "endDate":"2026-10-04", "startTime":"10:00", "endTime":"05:00", "location":"McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East Street, Bloomington, IL", "label":"Add to Calendar", "options":[ "Google", "Apple", "iCal", "Outlook.com" ], "timeZone":"America/Chicago", "trigger":"click", "iCalFileName":"Reminder-Event" }