
Van Cortlandt House Museum
Explore the oldest house in The Bronx, a 1748 Georgian mansion steeped in Revolutionary War history, set within a vast urban park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Van Cortlandt House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the oldest house in The Bronx, a 1748 Georgian mansion steeped in Revolutionary War history, set within a vast urban park.
"A nice hidden gem museum where you get to tour different rooms in the house from the attic to all the floors."

Culture Pass for Free Entry
:ticket: NYC residents with a library card can get free tickets via the Culture Pass program! :star:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park to reach the house. Plan for it!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Oldest House in The Bronx
Van Cortlandt Park
Step back in time at the oldest surviving house in The Bronx, built in 1748. A true piece of NYC history.

Revolutionary War History
Interior rooms
Discover fascinating facts about the American Revolution and George Washington's stay within these historic walls.

Unique Interior Design
Various rooms
Admire the blend of old and new world interiors, including Dutch roots and symbolic color palettes.

The Dollhouse
Interior display
A surprisingly captivating detail that many visitors find particularly memorable.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Van Cortlandt House
Getting to the House and Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Culture Pass for Free Entry
:ticket: NYC residents with a library card can get free tickets via the Culture Pass program! :star:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park to reach the house. Plan for it!
Self-Guided Tours
:scroll: Explore at your own pace with informative descriptions in each room. Very insightful!
Limited On-Site Parking
:car: Park along the park border and walk. Public transport is an option but requires a long walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
Culture Pass for Free Entry
:ticket: NYC residents with a library card can get free tickets via the Culture Pass program! :star:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
:athletic_shoe: You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park to reach the house. Plan for it!
Self-Guided Tours
:scroll: Explore at your own pace with informative descriptions in each room. Very insightful!
Limited On-Site Parking
:car: Park along the park border and walk. Public transport is an option but requires a long walk.
Combine with Park Activities
:park: The massive Van Cortlandt Park offers plenty to do. Make a day of it!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Van Cortlandt House Museum as a delightful hidden gem offering a significant glimpse into NYC's colonial and Revolutionary War history. The affordable admission, especially the free Culture Pass option for residents, makes it an accessible historical experience. While the house itself is charming, the surrounding vast park provides ample opportunities for recreation, making it a great value for a day trip.
"Van Cortland House museum was great! It’s a nice hidden gem museum where you get to tour different rooms in the house from the attic to all the floors. You learn a lot about history and cool facts even about the American revolution. It also doesn’t cost too much, tickets are around $3-$5."
Tasnia Shah
"Small place that offers a good glimpse into history. My favorite is the doll house. I completed a self guided tour in the last 30 mins. Street parking is difficult to find. plan lots of other activities to make sure you enjoy your day. Van Cortland Park is huge, lush and green. Prepare for a long walk just to get to the side of the park where the house museum is. They have programs. And there's lots to do in the massive Bronx Park. Of course, you can simply read a book with some tunes and relax while you enjoy the people do the same. It's a great way to spend a lot/no cost gorgeous afternoon."
Tax Professional
"My son visited the Van Cortlandt House Museum. I have always read about this family and their place in US history in good and bad. I always made sure my sons knew about history, particularly the city they live in. Very great experience. Plus the park around his also magnificent"
Pierre Lungu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Public transportation options include subway lines 1 and A, followed by a walk. Driving is possible, but parking is limited near the house itself, so be prepared to park along the park's edge and walk.
Direct parking at the museum is very limited. Visitors typically park along the border of Van Cortlandt Park and then walk to the house. Plan for a significant walk, especially if you're coming from a parking spot further away.
The 1 train to 242nd Street or the A train to 207th Street are good starting points. From there, you'll need to navigate through Van Cortlandt Park to reach the house, which can be a considerable walk.
Yes, Van Cortlandt Park has trails like the Putnam Trail, which can be used for biking. You can cycle to the vicinity of the house, but be mindful of park rules and pedestrian traffic.
The museum is located in the Bronx, which is north of Manhattan. Travel time can vary depending on your starting point in Manhattan and your mode of transport, but it's generally accessible within an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around $5 for adults. Some sources mention a donation of $1 or $3-$5 for tickets. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes! NYC residents with a valid library card can get free tickets through the Culture Pass program. This is a fantastic way to experience the museum at no cost.
The museum is generally open Tuesday through Sunday. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events.
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, especially if you're visiting on a weekday. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to check their policy.
The historic nature of the house might present challenges for strollers, especially on the upper floors or in tighter spaces. It's recommended to inquire directly with the museum about stroller accessibility.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a self-guided tour through various rooms, showcasing period furnishings, heirlooms, and historical artifacts. Highlights include the dining room, the dollhouse, and rooms with Revolutionary War significance.
Yes, it can be an educational experience for children, offering a glimpse into history. The park itself also provides ample space for kids to play. Some visitors have brought their children and found it to be a great experience.
A self-guided tour of the house itself can take about 30-60 minutes. However, many visitors spend additional time exploring the vast Van Cortlandt Park, so you can easily make a half-day or full-day outing.
While self-guided tours are common and well-supported with room descriptions, the museum may offer guided tours or special programs. It's best to check their schedule or contact them directly for information on guided options.
It is the oldest surviving house in The Bronx, built in 1748. It played a role during the Revolutionary War, with George Washington even staying there. It was also part of a plantation owned by the Van Cortlandt family.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is often permitted, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the artifacts. It's always best to check for posted signs or ask a staff member.
The exterior architecture of the house is quite striking, especially with the park setting. Inside, the well-preserved interiors, like the dining room or rooms with unique color palettes, offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed in public parks for personal use. However, if you plan to use photos commercially or for professional purposes, you might need special permits.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for interior shots. A wide-angle lens can help capture the full scope of the rooms, while a macro lens might be useful for close-ups of artifacts if permitted.
You can find many photos on Instagram by searching hashtags like #vancortlandthousemuseum or #bronxhistory. TikTok also features videos showcasing the house and its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Van Cortlandt Family and Their Legacy
While the house reflects the wealth and status of the Van Cortlandt family, it's important to acknowledge the complex history of plantations, which relied on enslaved labor. The museum strives to present a more complete narrative, including the stories of those who lived and worked on the estate. This approach offers a more nuanced understanding of the past, moving beyond a singular perspective to encompass the diverse experiences of all inhabitants. The blend of old and new world interiors also speaks to the family's engagement with various cultural influences, including New York's Dutch heritage.
Exploring Van Cortlandt Park
Beyond the trails and pool, the park is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking recreation. You can find areas for picnicking, sports fields, and serene spots for relaxation. The park's sheer size means there's always something new to discover, from wooded areas to open fields. Many visitors combine a trip to the museum with a leisurely stroll or a more active exploration of the park, making it an ideal destination for a full day of enjoyment. The park's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests, from history buffs to families looking for outdoor fun.
Architectural and Interior Design
Inside, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into the interior design of the period, with a notable emphasis on richly patterned fabrics and wallpapers and saturated color palettes. One of the most intriguing aspects highlighted by visitors is the deliberate mix of old and new world interiors, reflecting the Van Cortlandt family's connection to both their colonial roots and New York's Dutch heritage. For instance, an orange painted cupboard against a teal, blue painted wall was intentionally designed to symbolize New York State's flag. These thoughtful design choices provide a unique visual narrative of the family's history and cultural influences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit