Hidden from plain view, Bartow-Pell Mansion has been sitting inside what is now modern-day Pelham Bay Park—New York City’s largest park at 2,772 acres—since 1842 after 6 years of construction. You’ve probably passed right by it along Shore Road as you pass Split Rock Golf Course taking the back road into Westchester or simply on your way to Orchard Beach. It is a place steeped with history that not only occupies the mansion but the land it rests upon and even Pelham Bay Park itself. The last remaining mansion and estate of about 20 that once occupied the park—until Robert Moses thought it would be best to just demolish them—preserves an important part of Bronx and national history. Back in 1654, Thomas Pell purchased 9,000 acres from the Siwonay Native Americans stretching from most of the East Bronx up to Lower Westchester County. Stepping into the house you immediately leave the 21st century and enter the early 19th century. The only traces you immediately notice that you’re still in 2016 is the obvious electrical outlets, lighting, and other modern conveniences that are hidden away. Although no furniture or personal items survived from the Bartow-Pell family, the house has been meticulously restored down to the color of most rooms using paint analysis. The furnishings have been selected from careful historical research of the era to recreate what the various rooms might have looked like and even some of the items are on loan from some of the city’s major museums. All of the rooms along with  the mansion are enhanced by the simplicity of the grounds. Behind Bartow-Pell you will find a beautifully landscaped, perfectly symmetrical yet simple, walled garden with a reflecting pool at its center. The garden is quite special as it is one of only a few landmarked outdoor spaces in the city. Beyond the garden you can take one of the paths which begins right at the burial ground of the Bartow-Pells and proceed along what’s left of Pelham Bay. The bay was destroyed by Robert Moses when he created Orchard Beach by filling it in to create the crescent-shaped Bronx Riviera and further filling it in creating the expansive parking lot of the beach. This connected Hunter and Twin Islands to the mainland, although Twin Islands become actual islands during high tide. As you walk along the trails through the estate, you can see the remnants of the other homes that occupied the lands of Pelham Bay Park. There are so many hidden gems in The Bronx away from the eyes of the rest of New York City residents and the world but even to its own residents. It’s easiest to reach Bartow-Pell by car but a hop on the 6 train to Pelham Bay and then the 45 Beeline bus gets you there just as well. I decided to take the train and then bike over which was a nice 15 minute ride at most, so you do have many options in getting there.

Known about this place for a while now. It's right in my own backyard in the Bronx about 10 minutes away. I decided to go check it out on a nice Sunday afternoon. First off, it is a little tough to find. Navigation was going a little nuts trying to find the place. Their website advises to use the Golf Club as a destination point, but even with this its tough to find. The best way to describe it is...that there is a gated entrance to the driveway of the mansion on the right along Shore Road, about 1/10 of a mile after passing the Golf Club traveling East. It may be a good idea to check out the location on Google Maps before driving there. After entering the gates the driveway leads to the mansion. There are a bunch of parking spaces, but those are sufficient according to the staff there since this place never really gets "busy". We entered the mansion and there was a young man in front collecting money. The surrounds grounds are free to tour but the mansion itself is privately owned. The fee for touring the mansion is $8 for adults and $6 for children. Though on that day, they were nice enough not to charge for my 8 year-old, so I only paid for myself. ($8) The mansion itself is interesting. Like many museums, they have lots of old items and "appliances". The difference here is that this was an actual functioning house so you can see how the rooms were divided. Small details like the call bells in the attic which ran throughout the house and common game room were interesting. Also, reading some of the writings and the language used back then was nice. There are binders in each (most) rooms with information about the items in the room which was nice. Behind the mansion is a beautiful garden. There are also a few hiking trails you can take from there. Overall we had a great time. I myself found it interested, but my 8 year-old, not as much. I would imagine if you are into history or museums, this may be a good place. The younger ones may not be as interested. All staff we encountered that day (only 2 on that particular day) were very nice, knowledgeable and helpful.

This is one of those rare places that deserve a 5 out of 5 star rating. Bartow-Pell Mansion is so unique & beautiful with rich history & beautiful original vintage pieces housed inside the mansion from a bygone era. I was searching for things to do in NYC that are off the beaten path during my vacation from work & this place came up in 2 different articles on Google. Set in the Pelham Bay Park section of Bronx,NY this mansion & it's grounds are straight out of a movie set. The staff was very friendly & welcoming. Our tour guide Robin(if I remember her name correctly) was a sweetheart & thoroughly explained to us the history of the mansion & it's owners. There is a ton of stuff to see here. From the servant quarters to the carriage house to the absolutely stunning spiral staircase this place is mesmerizing. I took my dad with me & he thoroughly appreciated & enjoyed it as well. The museum mansion is for all age groups to young kids to older seniors & everyone in between. It also makes for a cute date spot. If you haven't checked it out already I highly recommend that you do. Entrance is $15 for adults & $13 for seniors. There is plenty of parking available in front of the mansion.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

I have to admit I was feeling a little disappointed at first (could have been the unexpected downpour) but once our tour guide; Margaret Holmes began the tour, that all changed! She was incredibly knowledgeable, not just about the history of the house but also of the time period in the United States. She answered all of our many (many) questions but she also sincerely appreciated the contributions our fellow tour group members offered. If you find that the tours are running late it's probably just because Margaret is busy answering questions and talking about the property's long, storied history. It's obvious that she has a real passion for what she does and we were very grateful to share it with her today. The house is an amazing time capsule from the early 19th century and is definitely a treasure. I would really love to see a comprehensive written guide to the house and grounds, even it it was only available online or for purchase. Thank you and thanks as well for the refreshing water with lemon (a really nice touch on a hot day!)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

My daughter was married this past Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018 and she reserved Bartow Pell Mansion for her photo shoot. She paid in full far in advance and called two weeks prior to confirm her appt. and was told that she did not have to bring any paperwork with her the day of the wedding. When they arrived, a woman came out and told them that they did not have an appointment and had not paid the fee. According to my daughters, she was incredibly rude and downright nasty to them. How dare she act this way to paying customers on such a special day!! My daughters, including the bride, were very upset by the way she treated them. At the very least, they are owed an apology by this vicious woman, as she clearly knows nothing about customer service and treating people with respect on such an important day! Especially since she was wrong in saying that there was no reservation, when there clearly was! I did not find out about this incident until today or i would certainly have come there and made a scene myself! I will be sure to tell everyone I know NOT to use your facility for photos EVER!! If you want to know the woman's name, I will gladly provide it!

I took the opportunity to visit this little "secret" on Sunday, as part of the Open House New York, "OHNY" Weekend! I really found it exciting that I could use public transportation to get there from Manhattan, it was a real adventure for me. I always thought of having to go "Up State" to see anything other than buildings. This is truly an escape from the modern distractions of life. There's a feeling of being transported into another country, or state, or even century! You are practically in the middle of the countryside . This is a wonderful example of what The Bronx originally was.

This is usually unknown by those who live around here. I took my girl scout troop here almost 16 years ago. I also bring family and friends who are visiting. It is like stepping back in time and it is beautiful. It is available for photography and events and that must be spectacular. This is truly a gem that most don't know about. Use your imagination to think about how very different life was all those years ago. There is only one thing that breaks the magical spell and it's the noise from the shooting range, but you eventually get used to it.

I enjoyed my visit. Guided tours are $10 per person. You are taken through the first floor rooms up to the second floor bedrooms, and then the former servants quarters on the third floor, before being taken to the carriage house, where there is a beautiful vintage carriage. Worth the price of admission. The surrounding grounds are free to explore. There are nature trails, a Lenape wigwam, the family burial ground dating back to the 1600s, a fountain, gardens, and decent views of the LI Sound. There is also a gift shop in the mansion.

It was a lovely visit to a mansion of the early 20th century,it has a beutiful garden where you can lay for a while to read or eat something. Inside the house there are plenty of historical artifacts to look at, the only flaw was that the QR codes redirect to very heavy pdf files to read about the details of the rooms and artifacts in them, maybe it is better to read at the history at the house beforehand.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Looking for a wedding venue and the inside is horrible...looks like the place has not been remodel or had maintenance in a while...the bridal suite had a tiny ugly bathroom, torn cabinets and shelfs on the vanity mirror, messed up rug and walls...the bridal suite is the only thing they have for bathroom use so I would have to get portable bathrooms...all they provide is table and chairs, so all the plates, linens, tents, ect is not included...Website pictures are deceiving

I think the term "Mansion" is a little bit of a stretch here. Truth be told I was impressed by the entry gates and driveway but, was even more impressed by the decent "Gate House" - until I realised that the Gate House was the main house! (Not one word of a lie). Still, after that initial reaction I toured the house and grounds which were pleasant. The house is well arranged with period furniture and the entire complex feels like you're far off in the country.

Excellent opportunity to experience wilderness right inside a busy city like the Bronx. Recently we went for a hike. You can park your car in the front parking lot and start your walk from the entrance by the big gate or around the cemetery behind the mansion. About 40 minutes walk, you might feel lost at certain points, do not worry, stay on the trail, soon you will notice that you have completed the loop that goes around the back of the property. I loved it!

They had an easter event, scavenger hunt I paid $20 for my child to attend, the day it came up and emergency happened with a family member in my home, so I could not leave I emailed them and told the situation to get my refund, and I was not even going to ask for a refund of the money, I told them that I would rather put the $20 to another event they will have in the future they charged me the $20 anyway, and they do not pick up the phone

What a Gem. This borough continues to amaze us with all of these hidden gems, full of history and "must see". There are a lot of things to do nearby as well, like golfing, boating and maybe grab a bite at one of the nearby eateries. Knowledgeable staff, serene setting and interesting architecture. Inside NYC's largest park, you will find yourself driving in an almost forest-like setting. Nice place to spend a morning or afternoon.

This is another of my favorite places in the Bronx. I enjoy being able to step back in time to the 19th century as well enjoying contemporary activities such as music, crafts, storytelling, poetry workshops and even derby parties. The staff is quite friendly and informative. The grounds are beautiful almost any time of year. I highly recommend you pack a picnic and/or snacks as they don't have a cafe nor vending machines.

Each year, during Christmas, I visit with family to see the themed Christmas trees and decorations. It is free to walk the grounds, which has a beautiful garden. Admission is required to enter the mansion, which has three floors accessible via its spiral staircase. Beautifully decorated during Christmas with trees in each room, lights, and treats in the dining room.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Upon doing our nature walk we decided to visit the Bartow Pell Museum but once we got there the actual Museum was closed. However we were able to experience an wood like igloo that brought out the kid in us when we discovered you could actually go inside sit stand and take pictures to our amazement. Then we came upon a bench to relax talk and take in such beauty of the entire property, discovering a Gem.

I had the most amazing wedding day on September 26, 2021, at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum. This venue was just what I was looking for! A beautiful outdoor space with an historical building in the backdrop that transcended you out of the Bronx and into a magical garden. The staff was also very professional and very helpful in making sure our wedding ceremony was a memorable one.

Small (for a stately home) and interesting historic house with exceptional tour guide (but sadly today was his last day). Very peaceful property as well. Only open 3 days a week, $15 cash or card to explore the house. Grounds and parking are free.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$11–15

The tour guide was great and informative! You’ll see Aaron Burr’s desk, and the original and authentic Lannuier bed. The tour also includes the third floor which is the servants room and a visit to the carriage house. Beautiful garden, too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$6–10

It is beautiful inside but a bit smaller than I expected and not too many flowers blossoming at the moment. But I really enjoyed my time and the people working there are nice, friendly and accommodating. They take cards. You don't need more than two hours there, unless the weathet is beautiful and you can relax outside looking at the pond.

A hidden gem in the Bronx. I often come here just to relax or work on my writing. The house and the property can be used to host events or receptions. But, if you’re just tired of the hustle and bustle, or if you l’re just tired of the noise, I’d recommend a visit. Spend some time here, and just take in the beauty.

Interesting place! Full of history and anecdotes. Margaret did an excellent job while guiding my family though the house and gardens. This place is worth the visit if you love history and nature.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Really beautiful garden and picnic area. Very well maintained by staff. Grounds are open to the public all the time. The mansion has a $10 entrance fee. Staff is very welcoming and friendly. Great place to enjoy a nice day outside
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

This is my most favorite place to be whenever I visit the Bronx In search of relaxation. It is a great little get away. You can tour the mansion or sign up for one of the many events including Easter egg hunts, soloist concerts, plant sales, etc. you will seriously wonder why you have wasted time not visiting!

If you like visiting historic homes, add this one to the list. Free tour led by knowledgeable staff included with admission. Nice nature trail to Long Island Sound an added bonus.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

We wanted to see inside the house, rang the doorbell at 1pm on a Saturday, no response. Took our dogs hiking the grounds instead, which was nice, completely uncrowded and we even saw some deer by the hiking trail! Still wish we could have seen the house, maybe it's just closed due to COVID?

Excellent, thorough and friendly tour guide, informative tour, some very special details too. Well worth visiting this Bronx gem if you love history like I do!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

Pell-Bartow Mansion Museum was very history informative. The grounds weren't so great, but the guided tour was very interesting. Very informative. Great place to visit. And I like that our your guide was extremely knowledgeable. Definitely worth the trip and $10 admission.

Great place to enjoy quiet time, i love the Victorian Vintage feel especially For taking pictures during special occasions like weddings which is what I did and I have beautiful memories to look back on with a nice vintage feel. I got married here !

Slowly getting restored to its former glory, this is an excellent escape from New York city. The tours are free and entrance is only $5 and its well worth it! The landscaped gardens are gorgeous. The interior has some really interesting artefacts.

Was a while back but found the museum in the serenest forest and part of the Bronx one can ever imagine. The guide and everything was very well taken care of. If you picture the Bronx as a loud and dangerous place, you have never come here before.

I absolutely adore this magnificent place !!! My maternal grandmother was from this Pell Family and I am so very proud to be related to this historically amazing, phenomenal family that has been traced back to the 1500's in England …

It is a three hundred years old manson. But it still now new. After visit I knew their life style. How their bed room, diening ,hallroom ? I wondered , they have no bathroom, no toilet.There slaves are help them to take a bath in their bed room.

Great tour of the house, staff very knowledgeable and skilled at sharing the rich history of the house and area
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$11–15

I went on a tour , If you like History of Pell family and America at that time in the 1800 *S this place is for you and you can walking the Mansions Grounds . Gold fish pond in rear of Mansion surrounded by green grass and the woods .

Beautiful, old and peaceful. Thought provoking since it's pretty directly connected to European-American ancestors conquering the land, chasing Native Americans off their land with guns, and destroying their world. But it's pretty.

Beautiful home with friendly staff, gorgeous flora and fauna, and bay/sound views. The grounds are quiet and there's lots of room for exploration. Watch out for poison ivy though, the paths in the woods are covered with it!

This is the place to take your children and grandchildren, as well as anyone who wants to know the history of the park. It will be very informative, this is a very interesting place that helps to learn and feel the history.

Small hidden historical mansion in the middle of Pelham Bay Park! Be sure to bring your camera and enjoy the guided tour if you want to check out the inside! The garden and outside is open for public free of admission!

This is one of the most beautiful places in New York. I go very often in the early mornings to watch the sun rise from the massive gardens out back and I am quite often joined by deer and other woodland creatures.

Nice historic mansion for a trip out of the city.presented every hour but there are also self guided tours.room laid out nicely and good booklets in each room for explanation.Grounds very nice.Staff very pleasant.

It's a great beautiful place to take photos we do need to go when it's open to go inside though and do a tour officially.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I don't think a lot of people know about this place and how beautiful it is to walk the garden (witch is free). Every time we go is pretty much empty. My son and I love it. But be sure to bring insect repellent.

Visited mansion museum at pre-Christmas time. Most rooms are very nicely decorated. No guided tour was offered for this weekend visit. Self-guided tour brochure is poor substitute for live docent tour…

What a beautiful place this is; the gardens are very well kept, and the place has this tranquility about it. This would be a perfect place to visit with friends or family.
Visited on
Weekend

Went for the Easter egg hunt. It's 1 hunt per child, 10 eggs maximum and all the eggs contain a Hershey's kiss chocolate. The surrounding area is nice but the activities are lackluster.

great little gem on the water with lovely paths and gardens too
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$6–10

ppl there were nice and was very relaxing to visit However, pretty much everything explained was under the assumption.. nothing really stood out + The architecture isn't a jewel..

Wonderful piece of Bronx history hidden in Pelham Bay Park.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A beautiful historic house, nestled in the natural areas of Pelham Bay Park, absolutely worth a look and a tour, and the grounds are beautiful Well worth the price of admission

They hosted the Red Monkey Theaer Group this week with Sherlock Holmes performances. It's a beautiful location. One would never know you are in the Bronx. This is a hidden gem.

Lovely place and grounds. A hidden treasure in the Bronx! Our tour guide Maxine was fantastic and gave us a wonderful tour.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

A step back in time in to how the other half lived. Not too difficult to access via public transport. They also have interesting events worth checking out throughout the year

I visited this archaeological house with the children and it was a wonderful day and it is the sixth day of Ramadan 2019, I would recommend visiting it

I love to hang out in the back. I’ve been inside and toured before. The history of the property is very interesting.
Visited on
Weekday

A beautiful place very well-kept very peaceful I have visited many times for years ❤️
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Love this place bring a bag lunch . Turn off your phone..take in the view... and please don't tell anyone about this little get away..:)

I liked it because of the Gardens,ponds and beautiful plants there. What I didn't like was the bugs and insects around me /my belongings

Beautiful elegant peek into the past. Lovely historic gardens designed by the famous woman Landscape Architect, Ellen Middle Shipman.

Bartow-Pell Mansion is a gem ! Red Monkey Theatre is the company in residence and I am looking forward to Henry V this month!!

Cool place to take pics. Be mindful of the poison ivy in the surrounding areas. Other than that, it's a nice place to visit...

A safe haven for a beautiful walk down memory lane. The best garden. Rich in history a superb taste of the Bronx revisited

Very very beautiful I love it here nice and quiet I will always come God bless thank you to let me know this place

Lovely mansion and carriage house. Gardens for walking and picnicking, trails for hiking. A gem in the Bronx.

Beautiful mansion and garden just minutes north of Manhattan. Great place to relax in this challenging time.

Well worth a visit, friendly tour guides explain everything about this historic mansion and show you around.

Last of the 17th century mansions that dotted the Long Island Sound. Interesting tour and beautiful grounds.

Beautiful grounds. Very nice to spend an hour or few to enjoy beauty of nature in combine with man made art.

Family mansion from the 1800's in beautiful quiet country setting. Hourly tours and explore the grounds.

I've been coming here for years. It is my respite and best kept secret in The Bronx. I love this place!

attended a book event. cool old house. nice staff. not as grand as some other estates but well kept.

Secret places so pracefull most think it's private it's state park let's keep it clean and Zen hush

A nice place to visit with family or by self to enjoy the day. Who knows you may see a wild turkey!

Just google the story of the mansion. It will be more informative then this museum and short tour.

Beautiful Museum with an amazing history.... Ask about the Lenape History in your own Back yard...

Memorable
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This place is very tranquil, scenic, quiet, and relaxing, it's a lovely place to spend time.

I wasn't in the museum, but alone to walk on the little trails and the garden was so relaxed

At the time we went the Mansion was closed, but we did enjoy walking the beautiful grounds.

Nice and beautiful place.well preserved,beautiful garden in the back well worth the visit.

I enjoy the trails and I really like photographing the birds, wildlife and landscapes.

Because it teached you about history and the house was great and the tour guild to.

Quiet place to sit, relax and enjoy the views. Also have trails you can walk on.

Alicia the docent was wonderful.Loved the tour and loved the house and grounds.

Interesting architectural work fascinating history little known of the Bronx

This museum was like a blast into the past, it was a beautiful experience.

Nice place for a little hike and enjoy the view of the mansion

Beautiful! The gardens are lovely, too. Highly recommended.

Cool piece of history and lovely area to walk through!

Lovely place, run by very nice and responsible people.

Wonderful historic house, definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful place and the tour guide was fantastic!

Beautiful grounds. Very peaceful. Nice staff.

Gem. Very peaceful. Nice walking trails.

Great tour... She did a wonderful job!

Nice place didn't go inside

Amazing place central park

Incredible place to visit

Loved the Museum