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The Mark Twain House & Museum: A Glimpse into Literary History

Step back in time and explore the meticulously restored home of Mark Twain, one of America's most celebrated authors, in Hartford, CT.

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Visit the meticulously restored Hartford home of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and immerse yourself in the world of America's greatest author. Explore the stunning Victorian architecture and discover where he penned some of his most iconic works.

A brief summary to The Mark Twain House & Museum

  • Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you don't miss out on exploring this historic home.
  • Arrive early to allow ample time to explore both the house and the museum center, which features exhibits and a café.
  • Consider visiting during the holiday season (late November to January) to see the house decorated in Victorian style.
  • Check the museum's website for special events, lectures, and workshops that may be taking place during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Woodland Street, walk west on Farmington Avenue for approximately 0.2 miles. The Mark Twain House & Museum will be on your left. The entrance to the parking lot is one block before the Mark Twain House. There are no costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    CT Transit buses 60, 62, 64, and 66 connect downtown Hartford and West Hartford Center with The Mark Twain House & Museum. A transit shelter is conveniently located adjacent to the museum at Farmington Avenue and Woodland Street. A single-ride fare costs $1.75.

  • Driving

    From I-84 East or West, take Exit 46, Sisson Avenue. At the traffic light, turn right onto Sisson Avenue. Continue four blocks to the end of Sisson Avenue. At the traffic light, turn right onto Farmington Avenue. Continue three blocks (approximately 2/10 mile) on Farmington and look for the sign on the right at the entrance to the museum's free parking lot. The museum offers ample free parking for cars and buses in its Farmington Avenue lot and an additional smaller lot off Forest Street.

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Discover more about The Mark Twain House & Museum

The Mark Twain House & Museum, a National Historic Landmark in Hartford, Connecticut, offers a captivating journey into the life and works of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, the legendary Mark Twain. This meticulously restored 25-room Victorian mansion, designed in the American High Gothic style, was home to Twain and his family from 1874 to 1891. It was within these walls that he penned some of his most celebrated novels, including *The Adventures of Tom Sawyer*, *Adventures of Huckleberry Finn*, *The Prince and the Pauper*, *Life on the Mississippi*, and *A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court*. As you explore the house, you'll be transported back in time, gaining insight into Twain's family life, his writing process, and the social and political landscape that shaped his work. The stunning architecture, featuring a grand hall, lush conservatory, and the billiard room where Twain famously wrote, showcases the opulence and innovation of the era. The house also features interior decor designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including elaborate stenciling and carved woodwork. The experience extends beyond the house itself. The LEED-certified Webster Bank Museum Center features a permanent exhibition on Twain's life, a video introduction by Ken Burns, and rotating exhibits exploring his enduring influence. Visitors can also browse the Museum Store for Twain memorabilia and enjoy refreshments at The Nook Café. Allow at least two hours to fully appreciate the house tour and museum center. Reservations are highly recommended. From late November to January, the house is decorated for a Victorian holiday, offering a particularly enchanting experience.

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