Children's Museums

Belair Mansion

Name: Belair Mansion
Address: 12207 Tulip Grove Dr, Bowie, MD 20715, Bowie, MD, US
Telephone: (301) 809-3089
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (106 reviews)

📍 12207 Tulip Grove Dr, Bowie, MD 20715

📞 (301) 809-3089

🌐 www.cityofbowie.org/index.aspx?NID=288

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	Closed
Thursday	Closed
Friday	12–4 PM
Saturday	12–4 PM
Sunday	12–4 PM

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About Belair Mansion

Grand 18th-century governor's residence. Living museum in a 1745 governor's home with collections interpreting local life from 1747–1950. Belair Mansion is a living museum housed in a 1745 governor's residence, interpreting local life across more than 200 years (1747-1950). Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 106 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Historic House Museum
Built: Circa 1745
Admission: Free (donations welcomed)
Hours: Self-guided tours Friday-Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Highlights: Colonial-era artifacts, William Woodward collection, virtual tours available

💡 Did You Know?

🏛️Belair Mansion is a living museum housed in a 1745 governor's residence, interpreting local life across more than 200 years (1747-1950)
⭐The mansion's collection includes a table crafted by renowned Annapolis craftsman John Shaw, an 18th-century portrait by John Wollaston, and paintings of 'The Seasons' given by Lord Baltimore
⭐Belair Mansion hosts seasonal interactive events like a Christmas Elf Hunt that engages families with period-appropriate activities and includes complimentary goody bags for children
⭐The estate features a large historic lawn and grounds that host city-sponsored events throughout the year in addition to museum tours
⭐Offers free admission with optional donations, plus affordable private guided tours ($5-$200 depending on group size) and online virtual tours, making it highly accessible to diverse audiences

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Plan your visit for Friday-Sunday between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. for free self-guided tours of the mansion's multiple floors, grounds, and basement without needing to book in advance.
💡Check the Belair Mansion website before visiting to watch historical videos and view virtual guided tours—this helps you better understand the artifacts and local history, especially the Colonial Revival pieces and Thoroughbred racing heritage.
💡Bring children during seasonal events like the Christmas Elf Hunt, which combines free admission with engaging activities and goody bags—reviews highlight this as a particularly fun and educational experience for kids of all ages.
💡Schedule a private guided tour Monday-Friday for groups of 10 or more at $5 per person to access more detailed historical information from knowledgeable staff beyond what self-guided tours offer.
💬Allow time to explore the grounds and large lawn—the estate is noted as a stark, impressive contrast to the surrounding neighborhood with beautiful gardens and occasional city-hosted events.