Bellamy Mansion Museum Wilmington
Explore a grand antebellum mansion in Wilmington, NC, with restored slave quarters and Victorian gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Bellamy Mansion Museum Wilmington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a grand antebellum mansion in Wilmington, NC, with restored slave quarters and Victorian gardens.
"Truly one of the most interesting old mansion tours we’ve done."
Guided Tour is Worth It
Opt for the guided tour for engaging stories and fun facts from knowledgeable guides.
Self-Guided App Available
Use your smartphone with QR codes for a flexible, self-paced tour experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Mansion Interior
Main House
Explore 22 rooms showcasing antebellum and Victorian architecture, innovative features like early indoor plumbing, and unique Belvedere views.
Restored Slave Quarters
Grounds
Gain a poignant understanding of history by visiting the restored slave quarters and learning about the craftsmen who built the mansion.
Victorian Gardens
Exterior Grounds
Stroll through beautifully maintained Victorian gardens, offering a serene contrast to the mansion's historical narratives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Guided Tour is Worth It
Opt for the guided tour for engaging stories and fun facts from knowledgeable guides.
Self-Guided App Available
Use your smartphone with QR codes for a flexible, self-paced tour experience.
Free Parking Onsite
Convenient free parking is available, making your visit hassle-free.
Check for Events
Enjoy summer jazz concerts or other special events hosted at the mansion.
Tips
from all over the internet
Guided Tour is Worth It
Opt for the guided tour for engaging stories and fun facts from knowledgeable guides.
Self-Guided App Available
Use your smartphone with QR codes for a flexible, self-paced tour experience.
Free Parking Onsite
Convenient free parking is available, making your visit hassle-free.
Check for Events
Enjoy summer jazz concerts or other special events hosted at the mansion.
Plein Air Painting Spot
Artists can find inspiration in the gorgeous grounds and architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bellamy Mansion Museum for its rich history, informative tours, and beautiful grounds. Many highlight the engaging docents and the unique insights provided into both the lives of the wealthy family and the enslaved people who lived there. Some note the lack of full accessibility, but appreciate the alternative video presentation.
"Visited while we were in town in July. My husband and I love history and decided to tour the mansion. We paid the extra five dollars for the guided tour and it was well worth it. Our guide was full of information and fun facts, and had a great personality!
Truly one of the most interesting old mansion tours we’ve done."
Colleen Moore
"Very informative! The volunteers are amazing. The history seems just not that long ago. Unfortunately, a few sad parts of history that must be known. It gives you insights on how short a time ago things have changed. Its worth the history knowledge to see it."
Rachel Cain
"This was the coolest manshion museum I've been too! There were numerous innovative items I've never seen before: windows into kids rooms, indoor plumbing, etc."
Amanda Farrington
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bellamy Mansion Museum is located at 503 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401. It's easily accessible in downtown Wilmington. Many visitors find it convenient to drive, as there is free parking available on-site. It's also a stop on historic walking tours of downtown Wilmington.
Yes, the Bellamy Mansion Museum offers a free parking lot for visitors, making it convenient for those driving to the museum.
Absolutely! The Bellamy Mansion is a key landmark on historic walks through downtown Wilmington, making it easily walkable from many downtown hotels and attractions.
Exploring the historic downtown Wilmington area on foot is highly recommended. You can combine a visit to the Bellamy Mansion with other nearby historic sites like the Latimer House and Burgwin-Wright House.
While not explicitly mentioned as a stop on all ghost tours, the Bellamy Mansion is known for its historical significance and has been noted for paranormal activity by some visitors. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but a standard tour typically costs around $15-$20. There's an additional fee, often around $5, for the guided tour experience, which many visitors find well worth the cost.
It's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially if you're interested in a guided tour, as popular times can fill up. Self-guided tours offer more flexibility.
The Bellamy Mansion Museum is typically open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and any special closures.
Yes, the Bellamy Mansion offers self-guided tours using your smartphone and QR codes, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
While specific discount information isn't always readily available online, it's worth checking the museum's official website or inquiring about potential discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the 22-room antebellum mansion, which features a blend of architectural styles, innovative historical features like early indoor plumbing, and a Belvedere with great views. The grounds include restored slave quarters and Victorian gardens.
The historic nature of the mansion presents accessibility challenges. While the main house is not fully handicap accessible, they do offer a video presentation of the history for those who cannot use the stairs.
Built in 1861, the 10,000 sq ft mansion showcases Greek Revival, Neoclassical, and Italianate styles. It was funded by Dr. Bellamy's profits from plantations producing tar, pitch, and turpentine.
Some visitors and content creators have reported experiencing or sensing paranormal activity within the mansion, with mentions of orbs and unexplained presences. +1
The mansion is surrounded by lovely Victorian gardens that offer a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Bellamy Mansion Museum itself does not typically offer food services. However, its location in downtown Wilmington means there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance for dining options.
Downtown Wilmington boasts a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. You can find everything from seafood to Southern cuisine just a short walk from the mansion.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before/after your visit to respect the historic site. Check with the museum directly for their policy on picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. While interior photography might be restricted to protect the artifacts and decor, exterior photography of the mansion and gardens is generally permitted and encouraged.
The exterior of the mansion, the Victorian gardens, and the Belvedere at the top offer fantastic photo opportunities. The unique architectural details inside also make for compelling shots if permitted.
Yes, photography of the restored slave quarters is permitted and encouraged as it's an important part of the historical narrative.
As with most historic sites and public spaces, drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited to ensure the safety and preservation of the property and for the comfort of other visitors. It's best to check with the museum directly.
Plein air painting and general architectural photography are popular. Some visitors also explore the mansion's history through a paranormal lens.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
🎨 Art & Photography Lovers
The intricate details of the mansion's interior and exterior offer numerous opportunities for captivating photographs, from grand architectural shots to close-ups of historical elements. 🎶 Music Aficionados
It's an excellent opportunity to combine a cultural experience with a pleasant evening out, making it a great option for couples or groups of friends looking for a memorable activity. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Antebellum Life
Beyond the opulent interiors, the mansion's history is deeply intertwined with the realities of the time. The restored slave quarters on the grounds provide a stark and important counterpoint to the grandeur of the main house. Learning about the black craftsmen who built the mansion and the conditions they endured is a crucial part of the visitor experience, offering a more complete and honest historical narrative.
Dr. Bellamy's wealth, derived from plantations producing vital naval stores like tar, pitch, and turpentine, funded the construction of this impressive estate. A unique feature is the Belvedere, a cupola-like structure at the top of the house offering panoramic views, a feature not commonly seen in other historic homes.
Experiencing the Bellamy Mansion: Tours and Events
Beyond the standard tours, the Bellamy Mansion frequently hosts special events that enhance the visitor experience. During the summer, the mansion grounds come alive with a live jazz concert series, providing a delightful opportunity for a date night or an outing with friends against a beautiful historic backdrop.
These events offer a chance to enjoy the ambiance of the estate in a different, more festive light. The museum also serves as a venue for other events, such as art exhibitions and private functions, showcasing its versatility as a cultural hub in Wilmington.
Whether you're interested in history, architecture, music, or simply a beautiful setting, the Bellamy Mansion offers a variety of ways to engage with its rich past and vibrant present. Architectural Significance and Unique Features
One of the most notable features of the mansion is its Belvedere, an elevated observation room offering commanding views of the surrounding area. This unique architectural element provides visitors with a different perspective of the estate and the city.
The construction itself is a testament to the skilled labor of the era, including the contributions of black craftsmen whose stories are now being highlighted.
The combination of its architectural complexity, historical context, and unique features makes the Bellamy Mansion a compelling destination for anyone interested in history and architecture. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit