Maymont invites the community to celebrate the grand reopening of Maymont Mansion after a major preservation project at a free Mansion Open House and Garden Party on Saturday, March 21, from 10am to 4pm.
After two years of preservation and conservation work made possible by the Maymont 2025 project, the 1893 home will be open once again for self-guided and guided tours Thursdays through Sundays, starting March 22.
A Milestone Moment for Maymont’s Centennial Year
“We are delighted to kick off the celebration of Maymont’s 100th anniversary as a public space with the reopening of Richmond’s favorite mansion,” said Parke Richeson, President and CEO of Maymont Foundation. “Community support helped us reach our $12 million goal for the Maymont 2025 project, the largest single investment in historic preservation and guest experience in Maymont’s history. We look forward to welcoming everyone to join the family-friendly fun on March 21, followed by the reopening the Virginia Wildlife Trail on April 18 and our all-day, 100-acre birthday party, Cheers to 100 Years, on June 6.”
Preserving History for Future Generations
In addition to the mansion’s new red slate roof, which restores architect Edgerton Rogers’ original bold design, new climate control and fire safety systems have been installed to enhance guest experience and protect the historical collections for many years to come. While the artworks and furnishings were carefully packed and stored off-site, conservators completed several preservation and conservation projects, including a painting that has not been on view in 50 years and detail work in the swan bedroom, after historical paint analysis.
“Ever since the mansion opened to the public in March 1926, the 33-room home and its treasures have fascinated millions,” added Kathy Garrett-Cox, Curator and Director of Historical Resources. “With sustained community support over the decades, the Maymont Foundation has been able to conserve many of the collections piece by piece, and this Maymont 2025 project ensures many more people will be able to experience this unique connection to our shared past.”
Inside the Mansion Open House and Garden Party
At the Maymont Mansion Open House and Garden Party, everyone is invited to tour the formal rooms of the main level, where the Dooleys lavishly entertained friends and Richmond society members in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Guided tours will be available during the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
On the mansion lawn, guests can enjoy live music and Jazz Age dance demonstrations, plus lawn games, crafts and refreshments from local food trucks. Members of the Art Deco Society of Virginia will be on hand in dressed in vintage 1920s style, and the Richmond Region Antique Car Club have cars from the 1920s and ’30s on display.
Local historical organizations will join in the fun with information about their group’s activities, including the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Library of Virginia, the Richmond Public Library, and Historic Richmond. Festivities will take place in and around Maymont Mansion, which is nearest to the 1700 Hampton Street entrance; however, the entire 100 acres (except for the Virginia Wildlife Trail) are open to explore, and all three entrances will be open.
Champagne Toast Preview Night
For anyone who can’t wait until Saturday, a Maymont Mansion Champagne Toast Preview night will take place Friday, March 20, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Tickets include a glass of champagne or non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy while exploring the entire three-story mansion. Curators and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the restoration project and history of the home and its collections. All proceeds support the nonprofit Maymont Foundation and care for the historic collections, gardens and animals.
Details and advanced reservations for the Champagne Toast Preview are here.
About Maymont
Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year as a 100-acre public space where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore its miles of walking paths through rolling hills, beautiful landscaped gardens, with farm animals and the Virginia Wildlife Trail with habitats for rescued native animals. In addition, Maymont offers staff-guided and self-guided tours of the 1893 Maymont Mansion, historic estate buildings and gardens, plus The Robins Nature Center, with 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing the remarkable James River ecosystem. Since 1975, the nonprofit Maymont Foundation has been entrusted to care for this unique place, galvanizing community support around its mission to delight, educate and inspire. Maymont annually welcomes more than a million guests and is consistently ranked among the top regional attractions by travelers and locals alike.
