Mansion

The Centerpiece of the Montpelier Experience

James and Dolley regularly welcomed guests to Montpelier and the centerpiece of the Montpelier experience is the Mansion. The guided first floor tour takes visitors through the Drawing Room, filled with art and conversation pieces and the dining room where they hosted dinner parties for distinguished guests, friends and family. Also included is the Presidential Library, which is filled with books and maps that reveal the brilliant mind of James Madison.

With much more to see and do, you may continue self-guided to the second floor, which includes the War of 1812 exhibit and on to the cellars to see Dolley’s kitchen.

Just outside the mansion is a 17th century cooking demonstration and a craft tent for a hands-on experience with tools that were used during Madison’s time.

Next, take a moment to reflect at Mr. Madison’s Temple, a neo-classical design that stands above what used to be the property’s ice-well. Then stroll the Annie duPont formal garden. Originally established in Madison’s time as a house garden, it was redesigned in the early 1900s by Annie duPont with flowerbeds, walkways, marble statures and urns.