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Emlen Physick Estate: A Victorian Time Capsule

Explore Victorian life at Cape May's Emlen Physick Estate, an architectural gem and historic house museum.

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Step back into the Victorian era at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape May's only Victorian house museum. This 18-room mansion, built in 1879, showcases Stick Style architecture and offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent Philadelphia and Cape May family. Explore the house and grounds to discover the history and beauty of this unique estate.

A brief summary to Emlen Physick Estate

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

Local tips

  • Arrive 15 minutes early for your tour, as they start promptly.
  • Check the Cape May MAC website for special events and combination tours.
  • Enjoy free experiences on the estate grounds, such as the scavenger hunt and story stops.
  • Visit the Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom for lunch or afternoon tea (open April through October).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Emlen Physick Estate is located at 1048 Washington Street in Cape May. If you are already in the Washington Street Mall area, head northeast on Washington Street. The estate will be on your right, a few blocks past the main shopping area. Look for the large, Victorian-style house with distinctive stickwork detailing. There is free parking available on the grounds.

  • Public Transport

    During the summer season, Cape May offers a free shuttle service with stops throughout the city. Check the Cape May City website or the Jitney Surfer app for the shuttle route and schedule. Look for 'Shuttle Stop' signs along the street. The City Hall Municipal Parking Lot at 643 Washington St is a shuttle stop. From the shuttle stop, walk a few blocks northeast on Washington Street to the estate. The shuttle is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi services like Uber and Lyft are available in Cape May. Request a ride to 1048 Washington Street. The fare from the Washington Street Mall area typically ranges from $8 to $12, depending on demand and distance. Confirm the fare with the driver or through the app before starting your trip.

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Discover more about Emlen Physick Estate

The Emlen Physick Estate, located in historic Cape May, New Jersey, offers a captivating journey into the Victorian era. Built in 1879 for Dr. Emlen Physick Jr., his widowed mother, and his maiden aunt, the 18-room mansion is an architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Frank Furness. The estate exemplifies Stick Style architecture, characterized by its wood construction, boxy projections, and decorative stick work. Emlen Physick, heir to the fortune of his grandfather, Dr. Philip Syng Physick (known as the father of American surgery), commissioned the home as a country estate. The Physick family resided here until their deaths, after which the estate fell into disrepair under subsequent owners. In 1970, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts (MAC, now Cape May MAC) was formed to save the estate from demolition. The city acquired the property in 1973, and MAC has since restored and maintained it as a museum. A visit to the Emlen Physick Estate provides an immersive glimpse into Victorian life. Tour the first and second floors of the house museum to see period-accurate furnishings and learn about the Physick family's lifestyle, work, and leisure activities. The Carriage House on the grounds features a visitor center, museum shop, the Carroll Gallery with changing exhibits, and Vintage restaurant. The estate also hosts various events and programs throughout the year, including guided tours, living history presentations, and ghost tours.

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