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Richards-DAR House Museum: A Glimpse into Mobile's Past

Explore Mobile's opulent past at the Richards-DAR House Museum, an Italianate masterpiece showcasing antebellum elegance and period furnishings.

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The Richards-DAR House Museum, located in Mobile's historic De Tonti Square, is an Italianate-style house completed in 1860 for Charles and Caroline Richards. The house is noted as one of Mobile's best-preserved examples of mid-19th-century architecture and is open to the public for tours.

A brief summary to Richards-DAR House Museum

Local tips

  • Enjoy complimentary tea and cookies in Caroline's Closet Gift Shop after your tour.
  • Check the museum's calendar for special events like Christmas celebrations and garden parties.
  • Tours typically last about 45 minutes, so plan your visit accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Richards-DAR House Museum is located in the De Tonti Square Historic District in downtown Mobile. From Bienville Square, walk north on N Joachim St for approximately 2 blocks. The museum will be on your right. It's easily accessible from most downtown hotels and attractions.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System provides bus service to the Mobile Transit Center, a short walk from the museum. From the Transit Center, head south on Water Street, then turn left onto N Joachim Street. The museum is a short walk down the street. A single ride fare on The Wave is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A ride from the Mobile Regional Airport to the Richards-DAR House Museum will typically cost between $20 and $30, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 256 N Joachim St, Mobile, AL 36603. Street parking is available near the museum, but it can be limited. Several parking lots are also located within a few blocks, with hourly rates typically ranging from $4 to $6.

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Discover more about Richards-DAR House Museum

Step back in time at the Richards-DAR House Museum, a beautifully preserved Italianate mansion in the heart of Mobile's historic district. Built in 1860 for steamboat Captain Charles G. Richards and his wife, Caroline Elizabeth Steele, the house exemplifies the architectural style and opulent lifestyle of the pre-Civil War South. The Richards-DAR House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the premier structures in the De Tonti Square Historic District. As you approach the museum, the intricate cast-iron veranda immediately captures your attention. Known as the 'Four Seasons' iron lace, this elaborate metalwork depicts allegorical figures representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the era. The double-bricked walls of the 10,000 sq ft home provide a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of a successful 19th-century family. Inside, visitors can admire the curved staircase, marble mantels, and original bronze chandeliers. The museum is furnished with period antiques, offering a glimpse into upper-class residential life in 19th-century Mobile. Knowledgeable guides share stories of the Richards family and the city's past, providing insights into the social, economic, and cultural life of the time. The house remained in the Richards family until 1946 when it was sold to the Ideal Cement Company. In 1973, the City of Mobile acquired the property and leased it to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for operation as a museum. The four DAR chapters in Mobile jointly operate and maintain the house.

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