Guided Davis Mansion tours are offered March through December:
Friday through Monday, at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
The Morven Park Mansion
In its 240-year history, Morven Park’s mansion transformed from a modest fieldstone house into the impressive Greek Revival building we see today. From 1903 – 1942, the mansion was home to Westmoreland and Marguerite Davis. During their residency, Marguerite Davis filled her home with eclectic and opulent antiques from her world-wide travels. The Davis furnishings, which include 16th century Belgian tapestries, Spanish cassones, hundreds of silver pieces, Hudson River Valley paintings, and Asian treasures, remain on display throughout the mansion.
Guests touring the Davis Mansion will hear stories of the civic and social lives of former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife, Marguerite, during the first half of the 20th century. The Davises’ personal items and extensive collection of arts and antiques acquired during their travels throughout the world are on display as guests pass through living areas that include a lavish entry hall, ornate drawing room, elaborate dining area, grand billiard room, and well-stocked library, as well as an expansive kitchen and charming personal quarters. Other rooms reveal stories of the employees who were responsible for the daily work necessary to keep the estate running.
Tours of the mansion lead guests through the fully furnished 1st and 2nd floor rooms while sharing stories of the Davises’ social and civic lives during the first half of the 20th century. There are no ropes or barriers within the mansion museum rooms and visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome. Please allow 45 minutes for the guided tour of the mansion.
The Museum of Hounds & Hunting of North America
In honor of Morven Park’s equestrian heritage, and the Davises love of foxhunting, the Museum of Hounds & Hunting of North America is located in three rooms of the Davis Mansion. The museum preserves the art, artifacts, and memorabilia of foxhunting’s rich history. For more information about the Museum of Hounds & Hunting of North America, visit their website: www.mhhna.org
