Maymont

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and public park located in Richmond, Virginia. Originally the Gilded Age home of James and Sallie Dooley, the property was bequeathed to the city of Richmond upon their deaths in the 1920s and opened to the public in 1926.

The centerpiece of Maymont is the opulent 33-room Maymont Mansion, a Romanesque Revival-style house completed in 1893. The mansion is now a historic house museum showcasing the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age, with many of its original furnishings and decor preserved.

Surrounding the mansion are meticulously maintained gardens, including a Japanese Garden with a koi pond and waterfall, and an Italian Garden featuring classical statuary, fountains, and a pergola. The grounds also include an arboretum with over 200 species of trees and woody plants from around the world.

Maymont offers various wildlife exhibits, including a nature center focused on the ecology of the James River. Visitors can observe native Virginia wildlife such as black bears, bison, and birds of prey in naturalistic habitats. The Children's Farm allows for close encounters with domesticated animals.

The park provides educational programs, guided tours, and hosts various events throughout the year. Maymont is open daily to the public, with free admission to the grounds, though some attractions like the mansion and nature center may have separate fees.