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Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum: A Gilded Age Masterpiece

Experience Gilded Age opulence at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, a National Historic Landmark showcasing Victorian architecture and innovation.

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Step back into the Victorian era at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, a stunning Second Empire style country house in Norwalk, Connecticut. Built in 1864-1868 for LeGrand Lockwood, a railroad and banking magnate, this National Historic Landmark showcases the opulence and technological innovations of the Gilded Age.

A brief summary to Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets in advance online to ensure availability for guided tours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking and standing.
  • Photography is permitted inside the mansion without flash.
  • Consider visiting during special events or exhibitions for a unique experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is located within Mathews Park, easily accessible on foot from various points in Norwalk. From the Norwalk Green, head west on West Avenue for approximately 1 mile. The mansion will be visible on the right within the park grounds. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 20 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Norwalk Transit offers bus services that stop near Mathews Park. Check the Norwalk Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Norwalk Transit Hub, take any bus that services the West Avenue corridor. The fare is $1.75 per ride. Get off at the stop closest to Mathews Park and walk a short distance to the mansion.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Norwalk. A ride from the South Norwalk train station (SoNo) to the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is approximately 2 miles and costs around $10-$15, depending on demand and surge pricing. Specify the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum at 295 West Avenue as your destination.

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Discover more about Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Victorian era. Constructed between 1864 and 1868 for LeGrand Lockwood, a prominent financier and railroad tycoon, the mansion is an exceptional example of Second Empire architecture. Designed by Detlef Lienau, the 62-room, 44,000 square feet mansion features elaborate interiors by notable designers such as the Herter Brothers, Léon Marcotte, and George Platt. The mansion was a technological marvel for its time, boasting indoor hot and cold plumbing, gas lighting, ventilation, and a central heating system. These features, combined with the mansion's architectural splendor, set a new standard for opulence in American homes. After Lockwood's financial difficulties, Charles Drelincourt Mathews purchased the mansion in 1876, and his family resided there until 1938. In 1941, the City of Norwalk acquired the property and designated it a public park. Threatened with demolition in the 1960s, local preservationists rallied to save the mansion, leading to its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Today, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum offers guided tours and educational programs, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and splendor of the Victorian era.

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