Maymont reaches a milestone in 2026: 100 years as a treasured public space. It’s woven into the lives of generations of Richmonders, part of what makes the community unique. Maymont is our common ground to relax, explore, meet animals, admire the seasons, step into history, bring a date, enjoy a concert, take photos, and wow out-of-town visitors. Each day, in so many ways, Maymont continues to delight, educate and inspire all who visit.
This year will be extra special as we wrap up the Maymont 2025 initiative — the largest single investment in historic preservation and enhancing guest experience.
Celebrations
Let’s celebrate together what Maymont means to the community with a series of special events, including the reopening of the restored Mansion in March and the enhanced Virginia Wildlife Trail in April, and a big community birthday bash in June.
Off-site: ArtSpace Exhibit Honoring Maymont's 100th
January 23 - March 21
In support of our 100th anniversary as a public space, ArtSpace is hosting an exhibition of art in various media inspired by and benefiting Maymont. Click here to learn more.
Maymont Moments Over the Years
Submissions from our Maymont Moments oral history campaign. Submit your stories!
A Richmond Icon, 100 Years in the Making
In January 1926, the City of Richmond opened the gates to the Dooleys’ once-private Gilded Age estate and welcomed the public into their newest city park. Visitors were enchanted with the freedom to explore 100 acres of unspoiled riverside terrain and landscaped Italian and Japanese gardens in the heart of the city.
On March 16, 1926, the city opened the mansion with its intact historic collection, and welcomed more than 55,000 visitors in the first year alone. Many more visitors flocked to the grounds for picnics, strolls and Easter parades in the first few years. Over the next few decades the city added paved pathways and restrooms and produced brochures for out-of-town visitors.
Mid-Century
By mid-century, a growing environmental awareness inspired local visionaries and civic groups to add educational facilities and animal habitats to the centrally located park. Care was taken to respect the original landscape and buildings on the historic side of the property. The Maymont Foundation was created in 1975 to help bring these visions to life and raise funds for much-needed restoration and preservation work to the mansion and historic collections, as well as the Japanese and Italian gardens.
A Century Later
Today, Maymont is a favorite place for families to experience picnics, class trips, first dates, weddings, concerts and festivals. Locals proudly bring visitors to Maymont to show off their city’s best features: Walking trails and majestic trees, views of the James River, well-preserved historic architecture and world-class landscape design. Maymont is an urban oasis: a protected 100 acres of ecosystem with native rescued wildlife habitats and an interactive nature center, and a shared space to unwind on a peaceful stroll or while watching farm animals peacefully grazing.
With philanthropic support from across the community and strategic grants and fundraising events, Maymont has significantly enhanced its capacity. Now, over a million people visit annually for the unique experiences that can only happen at Maymont!
Invest in Maymont's future
This special place belongs to all of us and depends on the community for more than 90% of our funding.
Help us care for these 100 acres for 100 more years, and beyond!
Anniversary Merchandise
Limited-edition Maymont merchandise for you to commemorate 100 years!
The Robins Nature Center and Stone Barn Welcome Center gift shops have all this and more.
