Evanston’s own American Toby Jug Museum is the home to over 8,000 unique, creative, and expressive art pieces that explore the development of the 18th-century classic, Toby Jug. Though it has brought joy and excitement to the community for years, the museum will be permanently locking its doors at the end of March 2025.
Director of the establishment David Fastenau shared reasons for the museum closing by first sharing about the passing of the founder Steve Mullins. After his death, Mullins left an endowment that kept the business moving for five more years.
“That time is up and his family has no interest in keeping it open any longer,” said Fastenau. “Although the physical collection will be sold off and no longer displayed, the museum will continue to exist online.”
Steve Mullins began his collection at age thirteen when he discovered Toby Jugs and then developed a deep passion for them in the years following. In 2005, the museum opened its doors and became a public attraction because of its endless amount of fascinating pieces from all over the world.
In its last few weeks open, Fastenau encourages people to stop by who have never been before. “It is a one-of-a-kind experience and the largest museum of its kind in the world,” he says. “So just the experience is fun.”
Fastenau then goes on to share about the educational aspect of the museum for anyone interested in sculpture and or ceramics. The museum does not only hold the famous Toby Jug but also teapots, thimbles, face pots, and many more “derivative pieces.”
Mullins’ daughter and ETHS alumnus, Beth Mullins Scales, mentions how some come to the museum without the intention to begin a collection and then leave with new inspiration. The over 8,000-piece assortment is something hard to look away from.
As the museum is located on the very populated Chicago Avenue, it did a great job of bringing together curious Evanston residents and tourists from all over the world to discover this form of art many aren’t familiar with.
Mullins Scales describes the museum as a “quirky side of the road attraction” that people eagerly await entering at noon every Tuesday. She also mentions how the Toby Jug Museum gathers many visitors because of its convenient location. It gathers many visitors from the two train stops, both nearly a block away.
Fastenau added how the unique diversity of Evanston enhanced the museum and what it had to offer.
“The city certainly embraces culture, learning, and unique things. The American Toby Jug Museum well fits that description,” he said.
With the closing quickly approaching, Fastenau wants to let all museum-goers know that though the doors will be closed, the entire collection will still be available online. He has goals of continuing to educate visitors and collectors on this “unusual collecting genre.”
As the end of the museum’s long, and influential time open comes to an end, take a moment to stop by and indulge in the fun, and unique style of art. The American Toby Jug Museum is open to all visitors at no charge on Tuesdays from 12 pm-5 pm.
