It's hard to tell from the street that you're by a world-class art collection in a sprawling complex. This museum experience is like none other.

I wasn't aware of the story and legacy of Robert Brady (who attended one of my alma maters: School of the Art Institute of Chicago). His voracious acquisition of great art from around the world combined with his own powerful paintings provide the visitor with room-after-room of floor-to-ceiling art.

Each room features a laminated guide to what you're seeing, with certain masterpieces in bold. You need this guide since there is so much to see in every single room. There are pieces by Frida Kahlo and Rufino Tamayo, mounted on walls in the bedrooms, kitchens, stairways and vast tiled bathrooms. Masks, weapons, stone sculptures, textiles...this place has every artifact you can imagine.

The house is open-air and light enters from unexpected sources.

Outside, you stand in the shadow of the fortress-like Cathedral amid lush shrubbery and flowers. The staff is very helpful. Brady is buried on-site. The entrance fee was about $4 and well worth it.