
Morven Museum & Garden Princeton
Historic mansion and gardens, former Governor's mansion, offering art, history, and unique events like afternoon tea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Wisteria and cherry blossoms bloom

Morven Museum & Garden Princeton
Best Time
Wisteria and cherry blossoms bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic mansion and gardens, former Governor's mansion, offering art, history, and unique events like afternoon tea.
"A little known treasure with a wonderful garden and significant history."

🐾 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Leashed dogs are welcome in the beautiful gardens, but not inside the museum buildings .
☕ Book Tea in Advance
The popular Secret Tea Room is a pop-up and requires advance booking, often selling out quickly .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Morven Garden
Exterior Grounds
A serene escape with seasonal blooms, historic cherry blossoms, and a peaceful ambiance. Dogs welcome!

Historic Mansion Interior
Museum Building
Discover centuries of New Jersey history, from Declaration signers to governors, through engaging exhibits.

Secret Tea Room Experience
Designated Area within Morven
Indulge in a charming afternoon tea amidst fairytale-like surroundings, a truly magical pop-up event.

Mid-Century Modern Pool House
Rear of the Property
A surprisingly stylish and unique architectural gem tucked away on the historic grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Garden Strolls & Mansion Tours
Special Events & Tea Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Leashed dogs are welcome in the beautiful gardens, but not inside the museum buildings.
☕ Book Tea in Advance
The popular Secret Tea Room is a pop-up and requires advance booking, often selling out quickly.
🎒 Stroller Parking
Strollers aren't allowed inside; there's a designated parking area, so consider a baby carrier.
📸 Capture the Pool House
Don't miss the unique mid-century modern pool house at the back of the property for a cool photo op.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Gardens
Leashed dogs are welcome in the beautiful gardens, but not inside the museum buildings.
☕ Book Tea in Advance
The popular Secret Tea Room is a pop-up and requires advance booking, often selling out quickly.
🎒 Stroller Parking
Strollers aren't allowed inside; there's a designated parking area, so consider a baby carrier.
📸 Capture the Pool House
Don't miss the unique mid-century modern pool house at the back of the property for a cool photo op.
🚶♀️ Combine with Princeton
Morven is a great addition to a day exploring Princeton, including nearby historic sites and cafes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Morven Museum & Garden as a significant historical landmark with a rich past, highlighting its importance to both national and New Jersey history. The beautiful gardens are a major draw, offering a peaceful escape and stunning seasonal blooms. The unique offerings like the Secret Tea Room and the unexpected mid-century modern pool house add to its charm.
"We went there just to spend some time in Princeton and found a gem there. The museum is very well organized. There is plenty of history presented to you, so if you are looking for something new to learn about tge state and American history, this place is for you. I learned a new piece of information about Mark Twain, which i did not know begore at all. Garden is very beautiful too."
Елена Якимович
"A National Historic Landmark, Has significant National and New Jersey History. Built in the 1700's it has seen signers of the declaration of Independence, forefathers, presidents and governors of NJ. Well worth the stop. A little known Treasure, it also has a wonderful garden."
Antone Piver
"PRINCETON: Morven Museum & Garden is a must-visit historic site, once home to Richard Stockton, a prominent New Jersey figure who donated land for Princeton University, became the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, and practiced law. Being a prominent figure in American history, Stockton University bears his name. Morven also served as the New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion and is now recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
The beautifully preserved grounds welcome leashed and friendly dogs (note: dogs are not permitted inside any buildings). Visitors can stroll through vibrant gardens and admire historic buildings, with seasonal blooms and plantings throughout. Events like the Spring Garden Party, plant sales, Fourth of July Festival, and other seasonal celebrations make this space come alive year-round. The path leading up to the monument is lined with cherry blossoms, truly a sight to see, and even more special during the blooming season.
Just next door is the Princeton Battle Monument, a striking memorial featuring a relief of George Washington and his troops during the American Revolutionary War. The grounds also include other notable pieces like the Princeton Bell, which served aboard six Navy ships, and a replica of the sculpture The Little Vintner of Colmar. A perfect place to soak in nature, history, and beauty all at once."
Monmouth Dog NJ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Morven Museum & Garden is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options include NJ Transit buses and trains to Princeton, followed by a short taxi or rideshare to the museum. The museum is also a pleasant walk from downtown Princeton.
Yes, there is on-site parking available for visitors at Morven Museum & Garden. This makes it convenient for those driving to the location.
Absolutely! Morven Museum & Garden is located within walking distance of downtown Princeton, making it easy to combine with exploring the town's shops and restaurants.
For special events like the tea room or festivals, consider arriving a bit early to find parking. Rideshares are also a convenient option, especially if you plan to enjoy any refreshments.
Yes, you can reach Princeton via NJ Transit trains and buses. From the station, a short taxi or rideshare will take you directly to Morven Museum & Garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The gardens at Morven are free to explore. However, there is a fee to enter the museum interior for exhibitions and tours. Senior admission is noted as $10.
For general museum entry, tickets can often be purchased upon arrival. However, for special events like the Secret Tea Room, advance booking is essential as they sell out quickly.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and any special events. It's best to check the official Morven Museum & Garden website for the most up-to-date information on hours and exhibition schedules.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, or members. Check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter for current pricing and any available concessions. Senior admission is mentioned as $10.
Yes, the beautiful Morven Garden is accessible to the public without an admission fee, making it a wonderful free activity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic mansion with its art exhibitions and learn about New Jersey's past. The grounds feature beautiful gardens, including seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms and wisteria, and a unique mid-century modern pool house.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the outdoor garden areas, but they are not permitted inside the museum buildings.
Yes, families can enjoy the gardens. While strollers are not allowed inside the museum, there's a designated parking area, and children often enjoy the exhibits.
Morven is a National Historic Landmark, having been home to Richard Stockton (a signer of the Declaration of Independence), senators, and five New Jersey governors. It also served as the state's first Governor's Mansion.
Morven hosts various events, including art exhibitions, historical talks, seasonal festivals (like the Festival of Trees ), and a popular pop-up Secret Tea Room.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Morven itself may not have a full-service restaurant, they often partner with local eateries for events. For example, they've collaborated with Maman for holiday visits. The Secret Tea Room offers afternoon tea service.
Picnicking is generally not permitted within the formal garden areas. However, you might find designated areas or can enjoy dining at nearby cafes in Princeton after your visit.
Yes, Morven is located in Princeton, which offers a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. You can easily find places to eat before or after your visit.
The Secret Tea Room offers a delightful afternoon tea experience, typically including fine teas, scones, and other sweet and savory treats.
Morven Museum & Garden may offer venue rental options for private events. It's best to contact their events department directly to inquire about catering and event possibilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Personal photography is generally allowed in the gardens and public areas of the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibition spaces to protect artifacts. Commercial photography may require a permit or fee.
The blooming cherry blossoms and wisteria in the garden are stunning photo opportunities. The historic mansion exterior, the unique mid-century modern pool house, and the elegant interior spaces (where permitted) also make for great shots.
Professional photoshoots may be permitted, but often require advance arrangement and may incur a commercial photography fee. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to confirm their policy and book a session.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and museums to ensure the safety and preservation of the property and its visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the museum.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for outdoor photography in the gardens. Mid-day can be harsh, but is still good for capturing architectural details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
🐶 Dog Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into New Jersey's Past
Today, Morven functions as a museum, offering a curated look into the past through its diverse exhibitions. These exhibits often delve into the everyday lives of those who resided and worked at Morven, including the often-overlooked stories of enslaved people who were part of the estate's history. The museum aims to provide a comprehensive narrative, making history accessible and engaging for all visitors.
The Enchanting Morven Garden
Beyond the spring spectacle, the gardens are meticulously maintained, offering beautiful plantings and serene pathways. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and appreciate the historic landscape. Notably, the gardens are dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their leashed canine companions along for the experience. This makes Morven an ideal destination for a peaceful outing with family and pets alike.
Unique Experiences: Tea and Architecture
Adding to its allure is the discovery of a mid-century modern pool house tucked away on the property. This unexpected architectural gem provides a fascinating contrast to the historic mansion, showcasing a different era of design and offering a quirky, photogenic spot for visitors. These distinctive offerings contribute to Morven's reputation as a multifaceted destination.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit