The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a hidden gem often overshadowed by the equally amazing Newport Mansions which are dressed in a festive twist every December with poinsettia tress, fragrant garlands, and sparkling gold lights. Situated in the quaint Western Connecticut town of Norwalk, 2.5 hours south of Boston, is the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum-named after the financier and railroad tycoon LeGrand Lockwood and the succeeding owners Charles D. Mathews and his wife Rebecca.
USA Today released a curated list of the “10 best historic home tours for the holidays” along with other “10Best” winners like theme parks and holiday light shows. The list is first narrowed to 20 finalists curated by travel experts and USA Today editors and the final 10 winners are determined by the popular vote of USA Today readers. The publication writes of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum which came in at number 6 on the list:
The historic Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum opens this holiday season with an exhibit featuring a festive holiday dinner party, elegant gowns, and historic-era trees.
Taking the number one spot on the list is of course the renowned Graceland, the former home of king Elvis Presley. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is the only representation of New England on the list:
- Graceland – Memphis, Tennessee
- The Stetson Mansion – Deland, Florida
- Meadow Brook Hall – Rochester, Michigan
- Wildwood Manor House – Toledo, Ohio
- Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens – Akron, Ohio
- Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum – Norwalk, Connecticut
- Filoli Historic House and Garden – Woodside, California
- Brucemore – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Preservation Resource Center Holiday Home Tour – New Orleans, Louisiana
- Crane House and Historic YWCA – Montclair, New Jersey
Visiting the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, Connecticut
The museum is open year-round for touring is you want to explore the splendor of this Victorian Era Mansion built in 1868. It is regarded as a technological marvel of the 1800s with “indoor hot and cold plumbing, gas lighting, ventilation, and a central heating system that burned a ton of coal a day” according to the mansion’s website.
For the holidays, the abode is completely transformed into a “Holiday Wonderland.” The special exhibit, in its inaugural year, runs from November 25 to December 31.
Curated by Museum Consultant Stacey Danielson with the assistance of Trustees Mimi Findlay and Paul Veeder and the LMMM Curatorial Committee, the exhibition will capture the magic of the holiday season with historic-era tree displays, an enchanting winter wonderland featuring a 19th-century skating scene, a festive holiday dinner party, magnificent gowns, and more.
There will also be 1800s holiday fashion on display in addition to floral decor, mantel displays and historic holiday decor that create a blast from the past.
Find it at 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850
Hourly tours from Wednesday-Sunday from 12-3 PM
Closed December 25 and 26
Holiday exhibit until December 31