Whodunit? Find Out at the Robert R. McCormick Museum

The Robert R. McCormick Museum at  will host its first-ever interactive theatrical event. The program is a murder-mystery format where each attendee tries to solve the case by discovering clues left at the crime scene and interrogating fellow guests.

Murder in the Mansion will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Tickets are on sale for $80 each, and include cocktails, dinner and dessert in the former home of Robert R. McCormick.

“We think Halloween weekend is the perfect time to host a murder mystery dinner party,” said Diane Gutenkauf, director of the McCormick Museum. “Although Col. McCormick entertained here often, today’s visitors rarely have an opportunity to enjoy this home as he did.”

The theme for the evening will be the Chicago in the 1940s, complete with authentic gangster ambiance, passwords, crooked officials and Big Band swing music. Guests are encouraged to dress the part or wear costume pieces supplied by the museum.

Cocktails will be served in Freedom Hall, the home’s library complete with a hidden Art Deco bar. A meal prepared by Cantigny’s award-winning culinary team will follow in the historic Gold Theatre, where the McCormick family enjoyed watching movies and hosting dinner parties. Meal choices are boneless beef short ribs with whipped potatoes and roasted root vegetables, vegetable wellington or chicken fricassee with dumplings.

The theater portion of the evening will be orchestrated by Get Away With Murder, Inc., a company of experienced mystery/comedy improv actors who assist in solving the case.

Tickets for Murder in the Mansion may be purchased online at cantigny.org. Deadline for reservations is Oct. 14. Ticket sales will be strictly limited to ensure the comfort and safety of guests. For questions, email register@cantigny.org or call (630) 260-8162.