Mansion Audio Tours

Explore the Gilded Age with a narrated audio tour and discover the well-preserved Maymont Mansion at your own pace. As you enter rooms filled with fine art and decorative objects collected on their world travels, learn about elegant dinners and soirées hosted in the formal rooms of the main floor. Climb the stairs by the Tiffany stained-glass window to tour the family’s bedrooms, including the Swan Bedroom and the Morning Room, where the couple and their guests relaxed in style.

Take the audio tour along with you belowstairs, where an exhibition in the restored period rooms offers insights into the daily lives and work of the Dooleys’ staff, most of whom were African-American. Learn how they navigated the Jim Crow era as you tour the exhibition, “In Domestic Service,” as the audio guide illustrates the dynamic interplay between server and served, working class and upper class. Allow about 60 minutes to complete the tour.

Tickets: $12 per person; free for Maymont members and Museums for All (with EBT card)

[11am – 5pm; time slots every half hour, last time slot at 4pm; max capacity 30 per half hour]

 

Birthday Party at the Maymont Farm

Feed the friendly farm animals. Party rate includes:

  • Farm party room for 90 minutes
  • Bucket of animal feed
  • Up to 20 goody bags
  • A special gift for the birthday child
  • 20 child maximum / 45 total person maximum

Questions? Call 804-525-9000 or email us at birthdays@maymont.org.

 

 

The Robins Nature Center

 

MAYMONT MEMBERS — Click "Sign In" in the top right corner of this page to access your benefits or join today to enjoy membership benefits.

 

Themed “Run of the River,” The Robins Nature Center highlights the remarkable ecology of the James River located along Maymont’s southern border in Richmond. The experience also emphasizes the natural history of the area and environmental stewardship opportunities for the community.

 

Guests who present an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card can receive free admission for themselves and three others through our participation in Museums For All. (Walk-up only)

The exhibit is self-guided and typically takes approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are non-refundable.

 

 

Birthday Party at The Robins Nature Center

Create an “otterly” awesome party in The Robins Nature Center. Party rate includes:

 

Questions? Call 804-525-9000 or email birthdays@maymont.org.

 

 

Herbs Galore

Herbs Galore, Richmond’s favorite plant sale, offers something for every type of gardener —advice from growers for newbies, hard-to-find plants for experienced gardeners, and even containers and nature-inspired accessories for people without yards of their own!  

Come to Maymont on Saturday, April 25, 8am-3pm, with a wagon and a friend and make a day of it 

Enjoy demos and talks from plant experts, mini tours of the newly opened Maymont Mansion, audio tours of the Italian Garden, plus crafts and games for kids and treats from popular food trucks. Click here for full event details 

MAYMONT MEMBERS — Click "Sign In" in the top right corner of this page to reserve your complimentary tickets or join today to enjoy membership benefits. 

More Information 

Ridesharing and public transit are strongly encouraged. Limited, free event parking is available by the Magnolia gates on Hampton Street, The Robins Nature Center and Maymont Farm. All three entrances will be open. 

Don’t forget to wear your walking shoes!  The Maymont Farm & Parking Lot are about a 15-20 minute walk (.75 mile) from the activities on the Carriage House Lawn. The Robins Nature Center & Parking Lot are about a 10-15 minute walk (.35 mile) from the activities on the Carriage House Lawn.  

*Advance reservations may be made in person by visiting The Robins Nature Center daily from 10am-4pm, or Stone Barn Welcome Center Fridays-Sundays, 10am-5pm. Museums for All participants may reserve free admission for themselves and up to 3 guests by presenting an EBT card. 

Event takes place rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges. 

Attendee voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers incidental to the event, including any injuries or damages that may occur, and waives all claims against the event organizer, venue, and any associated parties, whether known or unknown, arising from their attendance at the event.

Family Night Hike

 

MAYMONT MEMBERS — Click "Sign In" in the top right corner of this page to access your benefits or join today to enjoy membership benefits.

 

Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games and a hike of the grounds for James River Week! Owls, bats, frogs and many other creatures of the dark will help shed some light onto their mysterious ways. Ages 4 and older; adult must accompany children ages 18 and under.

Additional Information

Free parking is available at The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive. 

For questions, contact the Programming and Community Engagement Coordinator at registrar@maymont.org or (804) 358-7166, ext. 304.

Architecture Audio Tour

Explore the architectural design of a turn-of-the-century estate built on 100 acres of rolling hills overlooking the James River.

The Dooleys chose the highest ridge of the property to build their 33-room home, at the crest of a long, tree-lined drive. The mansion was built in 1893 by local architect Edgerton Stewart Rogers, who had been trained in Rome, and blended two trendy architectural styles of the day: Romanesque Revival and Queen Anne.

The buildings along the service road leading from the wrought iron gates to the Mansion were designed to evoke the charm of an Old World village, despite their utilitarian functions. Designed by another prominent local architectural firm, Noland and Baskervill, they include a caretaker’s cottage, a barn, a carriage house and a renovated garage. Completing the tour are a neoclassical mausoleum and a charming red-roofed gazebo, both overlooking the river.

The tour offers insight into the American Gilded Age, an era of rapid economic growth and technological advances, from 19th century gas lighting and horse power to 20th century electricity and automobiles.

 

Tour Location
Enter Maymont through the Historical Estate Entrance at 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA, 23220. Directions to the Historical Estate Entrance can be found here. Once you enter the gates, follow the path straight to the Stone Barn Welcome Center. Please allow a few minutes to check in with a staff member. Please note, tour devices must be returned to the Stone Barn by 5pm.

Parking
Free parking is available in the parking lots located at 1700 Hampton Street and 2201 Shields Lake Drive. Street parking is also available. Please note Maymont has three entrances. Directions to the Historical Estate Entrance can be found here.

Accessibility
Maymont is a well-preserved 100-year-old estate that has limited accessibility to the historic gardens. The original garden pathways were not designed to be accessible to strollers or mobility aids, but they can be accommodated. Please ask staff for assistance.

Cancellations and Refunds
Reservations for the Architecture Audio Tour are nonrefundable.  If you need to reschedule a tour date or have any questions, please email us at info@maymont.org or call 804-525-9000. 

Mixed Herb Container Garden Workshop

MAYMONT MEMBERS — Click "Sign In" in the top right corner of this page to access your benefits or join today to enjoy membership benefits.

 

Create a beautiful mixed herb container garden with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Learn from Maymont’s horticulture experts about the care, harvesting and culinary uses of the herbs you pick for your container garden. Guests should bring their own gloves; all other materials will be provided.

Alcoholic beverages available to guests 21+ with ID.



Additional Information
Free parking is available at Hampton Street lot. Please meet at the Garden Hall.


If you have any questions, please email us or call 804-358-7166, ext. 304. 

Wonders of Watersheds Over Time

Historic Garden Tour

Explore the Italian Garden and the surrounding landscape as Sallie Dooley envisioned! In addition to learning about the gardens, this tour will also give you a glimpse into James and Sallie’s lives and the influences that shaped their ideas for this estate.

Dominion Energy Family Easter

Hop on over to Maymont on Saturday, April 4, 9am-3pm for Dominion Energy Family Easter. Snap a family photo with the Easter Bunny, meet community heroes and helpers, and enjoy live entertainment and yummy treats from local food trucks. Toys and prizes come with many of the activities and games, so don’t forget your Easter basket! 

Advance reservations* are recommended, as there will be a limited number of admissions for either the morning (9am–12pm) or afternoon (12–3pm) session to ensure there is enough fun for everyone! 

MAYMONT MEMBERS — Click "Sign In" in the top right corner of this page to reserve your complimentary tickets or join today to enjoy membership benefits.

Activity Tickets

At check-in, each guest will receive 3 activity tickets that can be redeemed for an activity, toy or prize — be sure to bring an Easter basket!

Additional activity tickets may be purchased on-site for $2 each. Unused activity tickets can be redeemed at the Info Tent for additional prizes. No refunds, as all proceeds will help support keeping Maymont open, free and beautiful for all. 

More Information

Ridesharing and public transit are strongly encouraged. Limited, free event parking is available by the Magnolia gates on Hampton Street, The Robins Nature Center and Maymont Farm. All three entrances will be open.

Don’t forget to wear your walking shoes!  The Maymont Farm & Parking Lot are about a 15-20 minute walk (.75 mile) from the activities on the Carriage House Lawn.

The Robins Nature Center & Parking Lot are about a 10-15 minute walk (.35 mile) from the activities on the Carriage House Lawn. 

Maymont is open only to event guests until 3pm; all entrances reopen to the public at 4pm until 7pm.

*Advance reservations may be made in person by visiting The Robins Nature Center daily from 10am-4pm, or Stone Barn Welcome Center Fridays-Sundays, 10am-5pm. Museums for All participants may reserve free admission for themselves and up to 3 guests by presenting an EBT card.

Attendee voluntarily assumes all risks and dangers incidental to the event, including any injuries or damages that may occur, and waives all claims against the event organizer, venue, and any associated parties, whether known or unknown, arising from their attendance at the event.

Event takes place rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.

Container Garden Workshop

 

MAYMONT MEMBERS — Click "Sign In" in the top right corner of this page to access your benefits or join today to enjoy membership benefits.

 

Create a beautiful container garden with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Learn how to customize and care for your container garden. Guests should bring their own gloves; all other materials will be provided.


Participants must be 21 or older. Bring photo ID for alcohol (21+).

Additional Information
Free parking is available at Hampton Street lot. Please meet at the Garden Hall.


If you have any questions, please email us or call 804-358-7166, ext. 304. 

World Otter Day 10th Anniversary

Help us celebrate otters worldwide on this special 10th anniversary of World Otter Day! Enjoy a day full of activities in our Robins Nature Center and observe our two river otters -Nola and Louis. Keepers will provide special presentations and provide unique enrichment for our otters to enjoy. 

 

This event is included with admission to the Robins Nature Center

Speaker Series

Mansion Self-Guided Experience

Step into the Gilded Age with a self-guided experience of the well-preserved Maymont Mansion. Explore the formal rooms of the main floor, where the Dooleys hosted dinners and soirées that were the talk of local social columns. Climb the stairs by the Tiffany stained-glass window to view the family’s bedrooms, including the Swan Bedroom and the Morning Room, where the couple and their guests relaxed in style.

Don’t miss the belowstairs floor, where an exhibition in the restored period rooms offers a glimpse into the daily lives and work of the Dooleys’ staff, most of whom were African-American. The exhibition, “In Domestic Service,” illustrates the dynamic interplay between server and served, working class and upper class, in the Jim Crow era through furnishings and informative displays. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to complete the tour.

Tickets: $10 per person; free for Maymont members and Museums for All (with EBT card)

[11am – 5pm; time slots every half hour, last time slot at 4pm; max capacity 30 per half hour]

 

Mansion Guided Tour

A knowledgeable guide will lead you on a tour through the well-preserved Gilded Age Maymont Mansion. Ask questions as you marvel at the elegantly appointed rooms and hear tales of dinners and soirées hosted by the Dooleys. Climb the stairs by the Tiffany stained-glass window to tour the family’s bedrooms, including the Swan Bedroom and the Morning Room, where the couple and their guests relaxed in style.

Continue at your own pace on the belowstairs level, where you can explore the exhibition “In Domestic Service,” which illustrates the dynamic interplay between server and served, working class and upper class in the Jim Crow era through furnishings and informative displays.

Allow about 60 minutes for the complete tour.

Tickets: $15 per person

[Tours start at 11am, 1pm and 3pm; max capacity 12 per tour]