Upcoming Museum Closures

Tinker Swiss Cottage will be closed January 12th due to winter weather conditions.
We apologize for any inconvenience. 

#You Belong in a Museum

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In 2018, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens continues our You Belong in a Museum campaign!
 
Throughout the year, we will have lectures, workshops, open houses, family game days, members only night tours, and free admission dates for you to explore what is it like to be a part of the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum!

Join us for these upcoming free admission dates:

​January: Every Tuesday & Wednesday
February: Every Tuesday & Wednesday 
​March: Every Tuesday & Wednesday 
 
Don’t miss out! Keep your eyes peeled for announcements for these events and so much more on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtags #youbelonginamuseum and #ibelonginamuseum

Current Special Exhibit: 
A Victorian Childhood
Ends March 18th

Our current exhibit showcases original Tinker pieces centered around childhood. From board games to dolls, rocking chairs to clothing, we’re excited to pull back the curtain of Victorian life.

Be sure to stop in to one of our general admission tours held Tuesday thru Sunday at 1:00pm or 3:00pm to see this special exhibit before it returns to the archives! 

Paranormal Tour
March 23rd       7:00pm 

 Join us for scintillating tales from paranormal experts, listen to audio clips found in the Tinker Cottage, and enjoy a tour with the chance to have your own paranormal encounter. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own equipment (cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, emf). Each event begins in the Barn.

Tinker's Shadow
​New Documentary of Tinker Swiss Cottage Now Available!

Looking for a fun way to take Tinker home with you? Director Michael Kleen has put together a wonderful new documentary on Tinker Swiss Cottage, titled Tinker's Shadow: The Hidden History of Tinker Swiss Cottage.

​The documentary is available to purchase through Amazon, or you can get your DVD copy in our gift shop! Proceeds will go towards helping us to maintain the Cottage. 

​*Reminder: Please select "Tinker Swiss Cottage" as the benefactor when you shop at smile.amazon.com

Check out the trailer HERE!
​Watch the documentary HERE!

A Cottage Christmas! 
December 1st - January 13th

The historic Tinker Swiss Cottage will remain decorated for the holidays until January 13, 2019! 

Please come and enjoy the Cottage in all of its splendor during our guided tours Tuesdays through Sunday at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. 

Speakeasy Murder Mystery
February 9th        6:00pm 

​Dust off your flapper dress, zoot suits and Tommy guns and get  ready for your Roaring Twenties Murder Mystery Party! At the height of prohibition, morale was high, morals were at an all-time low, and most of the country was controlled by the Mafia. 

At this cozy little hot spot, hidden in the old Tinker mansion, you will find the best night scene around. Drink, dance, sing and mingle with other like-minded individuals but be careful, wherever there is liquor there is always the mafia…and the police. On a night like tonight, with tensions running high, you might get caught in the middle of a bloody dispute. Enjoy your night but keep your guard up, we’d hate to lose any of our clientele!
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum            411 Kent St. Rockford, IL 61102              P: (815)964-2424              info@tinkercottage.com 
*All header images provided by © Rockford Park District - Photo by Jesse Fox

Contact Us

Have questions? Want to check in before you arrive? Ask us here!