Located in America’s oldest seaport, this 100-year-old castle now serves as an institution for exploration. Housed inside is a large collection of medieval artifacts and the property hosts a variety of old world European inspired events like a Renaissance Faire and Goblin King Ball!
This epic fairytale of proportions at Hammond Castle Museum sits on a hill facing the Atlantic, under 1 hour outside of Boston.
Born from the unexpected
The namesake castle, later converted into a museum is named after John Hays Hammond Jr., a prolific inventor also known as “the father of radio control.” Hammond developed many inventions throughout his lifetime and made progressive contributions to radio control.
Hammond yearned to develop a place that would outlive his legacy and celebrate the curiosity and achievements of human innovation. Hammond himself was a collector and owned a unique and diverse collection of ancient artifacts that aligned with his appreciation of innovation. Many of these are now in display in the castle today which naturally evolved into the museum it is today.
Building Hammond Castle
The castle served as the home and laboratory of Hammond as he pioneered advancements in the study of remote control. His work was so prolific that he held over four hundred patents in his lifetime.
Peers often described Hammond as “a man of the future who chose to live in the past”.
He was an avid collector of art and artifacts. Thus, he created his residence around large stone archways, windows, wooden facades, and other architectural elements from the old world.
About Hammond Castle Museum
The castle merges a unique combination of art, architectural elements, and culture. The architectural styles of the building feature 15th through 18th century architectural elements, and it sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean.
The castle’s most well-known view are its four stone-pillared arches that look like a window to the cove below.
The museum’s evolved over the century, changing ownership and growing in scale, while hosting various events throughout the years.
Today, the castle operates as the Hammond Castle Museum, displaying Hammond’s collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts as well as exhibits about his life and inventions. Highlights of the tour include Great Hall, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped inside Hogwarts, and a gigantic pipe organ, graced by some of the greatest organists in the world.
Renaissance Faire and Goblin King Ball
Staying on theme, the castle hosts various seasonal old world-inspired events. Two upcoming events include the Goblin King Ball and Renaissance Faire, both on the castle’s quarters in fall.
The museum reopens on April 3. Learn more about tickets and registration.
Find Hammond Castle Museum at 80 Hesperus Avenue Gloucester, Massachusetts
