Charles Allis Art Museum - Allis Architecture

Allis Architecture

The Charles Allis Mansion is an early work of Boston-born architect Alexander Eschweiler.

Work began on the house in 1909 and was completed in 1911. It was one of the first private homes in Milwaukee to have electricity. The walls are largely made of concrete to keep Charles and Sarah's art collection safe from the ever present threat of fire.

The exterior of the house is largely mauve Ohio brick and is trimmed with Lake Superior sandstone. The interiors are tastefully done in lavish materials, as was the style at the time. There is Circassian walnut paneling in the French Parlor room, and embossed and polychromed Lincrusta Walton wallpaper in many rooms on the first floor.

In addition to the hand-carved marble fireplaces that grace nearly every room, there are many types of fine marble used throughout the house, such as Florido Creme, Tavernelle Clair and Haueville Fleuri for the Marble Hall.

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