Museum Exhibits

Batavia Depot Museum features a series of rotating seasonal exhibits as well as several permanent exhibits.

To Secure These Rights…

Spring 2026 Exhibit

In 1776, the Declaration of Independence established equality and the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as the standard for a free people and the highest American ideals. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration, the Batavia Depot Museum’s spring exhibit examines Batavians who have bravely stepped up to defend the rights of not only themselves but their neighbors. Many expressions of this goal are explored from military service, to the fight for universal suffrage, to advocacy for the rights of all people.

Batavia Depot Museum’s spring exhibition running March 1- August 9.

Spring Depot Museum Exhibit

Permanent Exhibits

Explore our exhibits on display year round.

History Garden

Celebrating the horticultural history of Batavia, this outdoor garden landscape adds to the beautiful open space of our museum’s campus on the Riverwalk. This is a wonderful exhibit to spot buzzing pollinators and learn about Batavia’s gardening history from native plants to marketplace gardens. Located outside the lower doors by the Gustafson Research Center.

Gunzenhauser-Smith Gazebo

Formerly located at 605 N. Batavia Ave., the Gunsenhauser-Smith Gazebo is an architectural feature donated to the Batavia Park District in 1989 by William Y. Tien. The gazebo is located near the Riverwalk.

The stained glass gazebo on the museum campus stood for many years at 605 North Batavia Avenue. The property was originally owned by John Gunzenhauser, an early commuter and real estate manager in Chicago. The Smith family purchased the Gunzenhauser property in 1941 and resided there for 48 years. The property was then sold and the gazebo donated to the Batavia Historical Society.

The Gunzenhauser-Smith Gazebo was placed at the Depot Museum on June 26, 1990 and was dedicated about a year later on August 11, 1991.

1907 Caboose

The 1907 Chicago Burlington and Quincy Caboose has been outfitted to look as it did back when it was in service. Discover why cabooses were necessary to early trains and about the men who worked them!

Coffin Bank

William Coffin used this small shed in the backyard of his grand home for the very first bank in Batavia, opened 1856. Learn more about Batavia’s banking history inside!

Coffin Bank is located outside the Depot Museum near the 1907 caboose.

Children with train conductor model in museum

Batavia’s Railroads

Batavia was the home to many railroads, and each has an important place in the civic and industrial life of the community. This exhibit chronicles the early railroads in Batavia and the Depot’s early days.

Young girl looking at bed in museum exhibit.

Mary Todd Lincoln and Bellevue Place

After she was legally declared insane, Mary Todd Lincoln was sent to Bellevue Place in Batavia and put in the care of Dr. Richard Patterson. Here you can learn more about the sanitarium, Mary Todd Lincoln, and see the bed she slept in while being treated.

The VanNortwick Room

The VanNortwicks had a strong hand in shaping early Batavia into the town it is today. Take a glimpse into the family’s life and discover their many contributions to settling Batavia and bringing prominent industries to town, such as the railroad and several windmill manufacturers. The VanNortwick Room is located on the main level of the museum.

school children looking at native American model.

Little Town in a Big Woods

Based on the synonymous book by Marilyn Robinson, this exhibit chronicles the early days of Batavia, focusing on settlement and industrial growth of the area. The display is located on the lower level of the museum.