St. Francis Church in Teutopolis is celebrating its 175th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone this year. To commemorate the event, the Teutopolis Monastery Museum put together a calendar for 2026 with pictures and history of St. Francis Church. In the coming weeks, they will also be posting on their Facebook page more detailed history from 1839 to the end of the 20th century, with accompanying photos.

The Teutopolis Monastery Museum is located off Route 40, at 110 South Garrett Street, in Teutopolis, Illinois. In 2026, it will be open on the first Sunday of the month, May through November from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. Admission for adults is $5.00 and $1.00 for children.

Dates of Sundays we will be open in 2026: May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, and November 1.

There are 38 rooms for viewing in the museum, which is housed on the second floor in the former Franciscan Novitiate building behind St. Francis Church in Teutopolis. The articles are on display in the “cells” or bedrooms of the Novices. An elevator is available for access to the first and second floors from the lower-level entry.

The Monastery Museum is known for its collection of articles and books used by the Franciscan Friars during their Novitiate year. Bibles in different languages and books from the 1700s and the Theological Seminary are also on display. Other articles on display are items used by early Teutopolis pioneers, including furniture, quilts, toys, cameras, and both large and small household items. Also displayed among the thousands of items are carpentry and farm tools used by families of Teutopolis. Volunteers are stationed at various tour points to explain displays and assist visitors.

Also open for viewing are the Mausoleum where 79 Franciscan Friars are interred and the St. Francis Church with stained glass windows which depict events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi.

The Monastery Museum is also open for private tours throughout the summer and early fall. Contact Connie Nosbisch at 217-994-4117 for more information.