Established in 1956, Rosemont began as an approximately 84-acre area with unpaved roads and frequent flooding, once described as a “mud hole that nobody wanted.” Today, 70 years later, Rosemont is one of Illinois’ most dynamic destinations, welcoming more than 75,000 daily visitors and serving as a major hub for tourism, entertainment and business.
“Almost everyone has heard of Rosemont, but many people don’t realize there’s a real town here with a deep and fascinating history,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “As we celebrate 70 years, this museum gives us the opportunity to tell the story of how vision, hard work and a strong community transformed Rosemont into what it is today, while also looking ahead to what’s next.”
The Village of Rosemont will host a variety of special events and programming throughout 2026 in celebration of its 70th anniversary. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
The Village of Rosemont officially kicks off a year-long celebration of this historic milestone by unveiling the official site plans for the Donald E. Stephens Rosemont History Museum, a new cultural destination set to debut in summer 2026 inside Rosemont’s recently opened Village Hall at 9501 Technology Blvd.
Designed and built in partnership with Chicago Scenic Studios and Peter Hyde Design, the 4,300-square-foot Rosemont History Museum will offer visitors an interactive journey through the village’s past, present and future. Through interactive exhibits, multimedia storytelling and authentic archival materials, the museum will showcase how Rosemont rose from swamp land to become a vital economic engine for the state of Illinois.
The Donald E. Stephens Rosemont History Museum will feature a wide range of engaging exhibits and experiences, including:
