In the 1820s and 1830s, men and women would travel from crowded downtown Manhattan up to "the country" of East 61st Street and the Mount Vernon Hotel to spend the day enjoying fresh air and leisure-time activities: socializing, listening to music, playing games, reading, dancing, taking carriage rides, and feasting on a hearty meal with the finest delicacies of the day. This 1799 carriage house, one of the oldest structures in Manhattan, was once one of approximately 50 day hotels operating in and around New York City, and is currently the only historical site to focus on these unique places.
Our trained docents will help visitors travel back in time as they explore eight historical rooms and hear fascinating stories of New York City history, from what people ate and wore, the music they listened to, their favorite pastimes, how they flirted, and what it all meant about how society was changing. Look for the portrait of George Washington, still present in most public spaces at that time, and other intriguing historical details.
Tours are currently offered Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:30, 12:00, 1:30, and 3:00; Wednesdays at 1:30, 3:00; Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30 and 12:00; exceptions will be made for special events or other programs.
Limit of ten people per tour; advance tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite up to 1 hour prior to tour start-time.
Walk-ins can pay at the door 5 minutes prior to the tour start-time.
Visit our newly-renovated gift shop; our garden is also open to visitors; details at https://mvhm.org/visit/.
1799-2024: Celebrating 225 Years!
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