VISITING GUNSTON HALL
Hours
Public hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. The last house tour starts at 4:30.
Directions
Located 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., just off I-95 and Route 1.
Map and Directions
Admission prices:
Friends of Gunston Hall Members – FREE
Join The Friends of Gunston Hall and your admission will be FREE! Your contribution will also assist in preserving Gunston Hall and educating the public about the significance of George Mason.
Adults – $9
Seniors (60 and above) – $8
Children 6-18 – $5
Children under 6 – FREE
Online discount coupon
House Tours
Guided house tours are offered every half hour. These tours focus on the life of George Mason and his family; they tell of the slaves, servants, and the others who worked for the Mason family; and point out the architectual features of the house. The house tour takes approximately 45 minutes.
Outbuildings
Just to the east of the house is a group of reconstructed buildings including a kitchen, dairy, smokehouse, and laundry. These buildings replicate what were the typical support buildings for an 18th century plantation household. are self-guided and have an audio in the Kitchen Yard help show what was needed to support the 18th century household, There is also an interpretive area for the slave housing.
Grounds
Stroll through the massive central boxwood allée, believed to have been planted during George Mason's residence. Enjoy the view of the Potomac river from Mason's garden overlook, or take a peaceful hike down to the banks of the river. A short distance from the house can be found the Mason family graveyard. During the warm weather months Archaeologists can often be found on the grounds, attempting to better understand Mason's plantation.
Visitors' Center
A visit to Gunston Hall begins with the introductory film, "George Mason and the Bill of Rights" (11 min.). Visitors then can view the center's exhibits which highlight details of George Mason's civic career and the lasting influences of his most famous document, The Virginia Declaration of Rights. Exhibits also focus on facets of his personal life as well as aspects of 18th-century plantation culture such as hospitality, building practices, and horticulture.
Museum Shop
No visit to Gunston Hall is complete without a stop at the museum shop. Here one can find further information about George Mason, Gunston Hall, and 18th century life as well as souveniers.
Accessibility
Gunston Hall is committed to providing access for all visitors. Please see our Accessibility page if you have special needs.
