Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

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Norwalk, CT
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

A National Historic Landmark American craftsmen, along with many immigrant artisans, were employed in the construction of the house.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is regarded as one of the earliest and finest surviving Second Empire Style country houses ever built in the United States. The 62-room mansion was built by banker-railroad tycoon LeGrand Lockwood, who in 1864 began construction of his estate on the Norwalk River in Norwalk, Connecticut. Designed by European-trained, New York-based architect Detlef Lienau, the m

ansion, which was completed in 1868, is considered his most significant surviving work. In 1876 the Mansion was purchased by Charles Drelincourt Mathews, a wealthy provisions merchant. His son, Charles Thompson Mathews, won an international competition for the design and construction of the Lady Chapel at St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC in 1899. Following the death of Miss Florence Mathews in 1938, the house was first leased and then sold to the City of Norwalk for "park purposes." When the City announced their plans for demolition, the Common Interest Group sued the City of Norwalk and the Mansion was saved in 1964; in 1971, the Mansion was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Today, the Museum is a cultural gem which highlights the lives, styles and technology of the Victorian Era. Tours are offered early April through early January, Wednesday-Sunday. Tours are conducted on the hour at 12, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Please visit the Museum’s website for tour schedules and pricing: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/programs.

09/01/2026

Don't miss this enchanting evening! Broadway stars Raissa Katona Bennett and Arbender Robinson are back by popular demand in a dynamic show focusing on the creation of The Great American Songbook from 1776 to the present day. The concert will highlight contributions by immigrants who became Americans, American-born composers, as well as songs from “across the pond,” that have become deeply embedded in the fabric of American standards.
For tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-musical-melting-pot-at-the-mansion-tickets-1998377750647?aff=oddtdtcreator
Photo credits:
Raissa Katona Bennett and Arbender Robinson singing: Stephen Sorokoff
Raissa Katona Bennett headshot: Gene Reed
Arbender Robinson headshot courtesy of the artist

08/18/2026

The Old-fashioned Flea Market at the Mansion will feature close to 90 booths! Be sure to stop by our White Elephant Table to browse unusual and highly prized collectibles. Highlights include vintage Japanese "spaghetti" ceramic poodles, stunningly colorful decorative glassware, and a rare 1950's perpetual motion clock. Join us on September 13th from 10am to 4pm!

08/13/2026

So riveting! Come celebrate Halloween with us with the exciting talk, “Grave Objections: A History of Body Snatching for Science,” on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. featuring James Henry, a New York City tour guide and a nine-year veteran docent at Brooklyn's historic Green-Wood Cemetery. For more information: https://lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/event/grave-objections/
Artwork: Thomas Rowlandson, “Grave-robbers, with death pictured as a nightwatchman” (1755), pen and ink, with watercolor (Courtesy of The Public Domain Archive, Wellcome Collection, England).
Photo: Mortsafes in Logierait Kirkyard, Martyn Gorman-wikicommons.
Photo of James Henry Courtesy of James Henry.

08/09/2026

Big crowds at the Mansion! Our recent Bowery Boys/Gilded Gentleman tour was a huge success. We welcomed 42 guests led by Carl Raymond aka The Gilded Gentleman and Craig Nelson from the Bowery Boys. A big thank you to our Docents Midge and Jeff, and Trustee Kathy Olsen. Our docents loved sharing our history with guests who were enthusiastic about "the Mansion that launched the Gilded Age." We hope to host another tour again soon!

08/06/2026

Stepping Stones Museum for Children CEO Franklin Vagnone and his husband Johnny loved shopping at our annual Old-fashioned Flea Market last year! Here's Frankie holding a lovely red windmill he purchased at our Flea and placed at the Museum as part of their Village Display.
https://lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/event/19th-annual-old-fashioned-flea-market/
Photo courtesy of Franklin Vagnone.

08/04/2026

It is all in the details…and there are so many stunning ones on view at the Mansion! Join us for a tour and let your eye spot some unfamiliar treasures.
Photos Courtesy of Sarah Grote and Juliana Bravo

08/02/2026

We were truly honored to host the Norwalk Historical Commission for their July 2026 meeting right here at the Mansion! We thank the Commission and the City of Norwalk for their amazing work in keeping Norwalk’s rich heritage alive, and for their continued and generous support of the Mansion.
Photo credit Michelle Andrzejewski

07/26/2026

Mark your calendars! On September 13th, our popular annual Old-Fashioned Flea Market will return to Mathews Park. Event co-chairs Lisa Pisano Henderson and Heather Dunn said, “We are bringing together the region's top vendors, antique cars, and trendy food trucks for a day of family fun." The Mansion’s volunteers will generously host a White Elephant Table managed by Rose Carroll featuring items donated by supporters.
Don't miss it! For more information: https://lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/event/19th-annual-old-fashioned-flea-market/
Photos courtesy of Gus Apazidis and LMMM.

07/21/2026

Looking for something special? The Gift Shop at the Mansion is stocked with expertly curated keepsakes, heritage books, custom fabric totes, elegant scarves, logo-centric tableware and stationery, and much more. Located inside the Mansion at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk, our shop is the perfect place to find a unique treasure. Our friendly and knowledgeable Gift Shop Manager, Robin, and our amazing Volunteer Sales Associates are ready to assist you.
We look forward to seeing you!
Photos Courtesy of Juliana Bravo and LMMM.

07/19/2026

The Mansion as a movie set... In 1970, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion served as a filming location for the iconic movie, "House of Dark Shadows." Here are a few rare behind-the-scenes images of the set from the Mansion's archives. Visit us at https://lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/event/the-red-carpet-gala/ and learn more about our exciting "Red Carpet Gala," which will celebrate the Mansion's 56 years of film history.

Address

Mathews Park, 295 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT
06850

Telephone

+12038389799

Website

http://www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/, https://linktr.ee/lockwoodmathews

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