A National Historic Landmark

According to the official website for Ten Chimneys " ...it is unique among our National Treasures.'' With its assorted collections and great dycor handpicked by Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontane, the aura is near magical. Located in Genessee Depot, Wisconsin Ten Chimneys is located 30 miles from Milwaukee, 60 miles from Madison, and 90 miles from Chicago.

Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne are very well known and sometimes considered the best acting team in the history of American theater. The Lunt's exemplary commitment to the art of live theater was legendary. Because the they were so widely respected and regarded among the whose who of people in theater, arts, and literature, performance artists from all around came to Ten Chimneys to work with the dynamic duo. The estate became a popular place to visit for artistic creation and inspiration. More than just a home, the estate was a place for the arts.

Most historic sites limit how close you can get to the exhibits or dycor but this is not the case at the Ten Chimneys. Virtually barrier free tours allow you to explore the beautiful estate in small groups of usually no more than ten. Tours are led be a docent who shares stories with you about the lives of the creators, and the fabulous dycor and objects held within this historic place. According to the Ten Chimneys site, "When visiting, you will feel as if Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne have just stepped out for a moment . . . but will be right back to welcome you through their gracious home.''

The Ten Chimneys also features an annual exhibition. Past exhibitions have included, "Tea Time with Lynn and Alfred,'' "All that Glitters,'' "The work of photographer Art Shay,: "Noel Crawford in Ten: Ten Chimneys presents Ten Views of the Master,'' and "Fashion Forward: The Gowns and Garments of Lynn Fontanne.''

The location is so impressive, it has received rave reviews from the New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Katharine Hepburn, The Philadelphia Sun, All Things Considered on National Public Radio, Carol Channing, the CBS New Sunday Morning, the Hollywood Reporter, Julie Harris, and Travel and Leisure, and David Hyde Pierce. Says the star of the television sitcom, Frasier, "It's sort of Dolly Madison meets Salvador Dali meets `Hello Dolly.' It's everything all at once.''

This is a wonderful location to instill in children a love for the theatre. They will be overwhelmed with all there is too see, they will not even realize they are learning and being exposed to culture. The same goes for adults who often complain about stepping out of their comfort zone. This is a fun place to visit, and it lacks the stuffy feel of a lot of theatre productions. Whether you are a visual arts fan, a theater arts aficionado, someone who loves great design and architecture, or a casual theater follower, Ten Chimneys is the place to go to experience the rich history of Theater right in Genessee Depot, Wisconsin.