Art Walk
A storied Rockford event venue, Cliffbreakers Event Center at Riverview Inn and Suites still boasts nostalgic charm through a unique blend of American and European antiques.
See highlights of the remaining collection below, and read more on the original history in this 2009 blog by Chicago landmark and museum, the Glessner House.
Exterior
Riverview Street Lamps
Four 12 ft. high cast iron Lion’s head street lamps with globes.
Hotel Lobby
The Bronze Boar of “Porcellino”
Center of Lobby
From the Straw Market in Florence, Italy, this artwork sits on a 6,000 lb. hand cut granite base. The bronze fountain itself was cast in Italy by the famous Italian sculptor, Geo Benelli. A shiny penny rubbed on the tongue dropped in the water brings the bearer a wish of good luck!
Walnut Fireplace
North Lobby Wall
This carved twin English-style fireplace was removed from the original Van Brandt Estate, which later became home to the famous John Deere Family. The linen-fold carving signifies exceptional craftsmanship for its age.
Carved Gothic Beams & Hanging Lights
Spanning Lobby Ceiling
These lofty oak beams and hanging light fixtures came from downtown Chicago’s Old Germania Club, which was a discreet private men’s club until its closure in the late 1950s.
Broken Pediment Entry Surround
South & West Sides of Lobby Ceiling
These two over-door surrounds with their carved shield crest, tooled acanthus leaf molding, and doors were removed from the Estate of John Morton, Chicago’s Salt King.
Carved Real Limestone Fireplace
South Lobby Wall
This 1,800 lb. limestone fireplace with its goodwill inscription was carved for the “High Society” Zerke Estate in Lake Forest, IL, on Chicago’s north side.
Dining Space
The Grand Arch
Leading Into Breakfast Commons
This impressive carved 12 ft. high archway of quarter-sawn oak with mahogany detailing was the grand entrance to the Stephenson County Courtroom in Freeport, IL.
Gothic Wall
Breakfast Commons
This 50 ft. carved Oak Grand Wall with leaded windows serves as the entry way to the Tudor Commons Breakfast Room. This was the original entry to the Germania Club in Chicago.
Riverview Street Lamps
Breakfast Commons
A beautiful pair of ornately carved shields with oak roping.
Hotel Room
Sultan Suite
In terms of hotel history, the “Sultan Suite” is unmatched in its antique richness. Originally, one of several themed rooms, this last lingering time capsule features the ornate bed set of a Moroccan Sultan, a lush red marble bathroom with tub, and more.
Today, it’s utilized as a lavish bridal suite for stunning Cliffbreakers Event Center weddings.
Event Space
Louis XV Gold Gilt Table
& Matching Marble Mirror Console
Gold Room near Breakfast Commons
This Louis XV gold gilt handcrafted table with 12 chairs and matching marble mirror consoles came from a famous Parisian château. The table top is 14 ft. long and 3 in. thick, and is one solid piece of Damascata Breccia marble. It was craned into the room prior to the upper floors being completed. The adjoining Brandy and Smoking Library are hand carved walnut panels from the Van Brandt Estate later to become the domicile of the famous John Deere Family.
The Vanderbilt Chandelier
Gold Room near Breakfast Commons
This extremely fine crystal and bronze piece of art was commissioned by the Cornelius Vanderbilt estate during the 1890s. The 9 ft. crystal chandelier was purchased from the Tiffin Art Glass House and just prior to installation, was stored in an estate warehouse in Pittsburgh. The mirror base was added in 1992.
Marble Doorway Surround
Banquet Space Hallway
The former entrance walk of the Barclay’s Bank in London housed this magnificent pair of verde Carrara marble surrounds.
Leaded Glass Entry Doors
Vanderbilt I
These elegant, turn of the century entry doors feature zipper-cut transom glass and panels, complete with hardwood surround.
Flower Vase Doors
Vanderbilt I
A superlative pair of matching stained and beveled glass windows, the vase in graduation color-phase ruby glass and the bouquet of banana bevel glass.
Vanderbilt Mantlepiece
Vanderbilt I
Elegant birdseye maple carved with cornucopia and fruit garlands and a deep beveled over-mirror make this one of a kind mantlepiece of outstanding fixture from the estate of the great songwriter Cole Porter.
Gothic Style Bronze Doors
Vanderbilt III
These ornate, solid bronze doors make for a beautiful entry to our main hotel hallway. What stories they could tell about whom has entered through them!
