From Private Home to Public Museum: Maymont Mansion Focus Tour

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Discover how Maymont Mansion evolved from the private home of James and Sallie Dooley into the public museum visitors know today. 

Led by a Maymont Museum Interpreter, this guided focus tour explores the Mansion’s transition from a private residence to a public institution. The Dooleys built Maymont as their home and lived there for nearly 30 years before leaving the property to the City of Richmond to become a public park and museum. 

Through archival images, behind-the-scenes information and stories from Maymont’s history, guests will learn about the property’s earliest years as a museum beginning in 1926 and how its stewardship changed again when the nonprofit Maymont Foundation was formed in 1975 to care for and operate the 100-acre property and museum. 

Tour Details 

• Meet the guide on the Maymont Mansion front porch. 

• The tour includes archival images and behind-the-scenes insights into the Mansion’s history as a public museum. 

• Capacity is limited to 12 guests per tour. Advance registration is highly recommended. 

• The Hampton Street parking lot and Hampton Gate provide the easiest route to the Mansion. 

Ticket Pricing 

• Adult (17+):                   $18
• Child (1–16):                 $15
• Senior (65+):                 $15
• Member Adult (17+):     $15
• Member Child (1–16):   $12
• Member Senior (65+):   $12 

Additional Information 

Maymont Mansion is not wheelchair accessible. This behind-the-scenes tour gives you access to hidden spaces including narrow passageways, steep stairs and uneven floor surfaces. Please contact Maymont in advance with accessibility questions.   

The tour takes place rain or shine, and tickets are nonrefundable. If you have questions, please email collections@maymont.org or call 804-358-7166 ext. 328.