Maymont 2025
100 Years As A Public Space
As Maymont approaches its 100th anniversary as a public space, Maymont Foundation is embarking on a campaign to enhance the guest experience, expand accessibility and capacity, and build resiliency for the future — Maymont 2025.
Building on a series of recent infrastructure improvements, Maymont 2025 will leverage a combination of public and private funding to ensure Maymont continues to delight, educate and inspire guests for another 100 years.
Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to promote and expand regional tourism, the project encompasses two distinct scopes of work. One scope will replace the roof of the Mansion and modernize its ventilation, fire suppression and safety to protect the building and its collections as well as guests. The other scope will enhance visitor experience and guest engagement with the wildlife habitats that house rescued, post-rehab native Virginia species. Habitats for two additional species are part of the plan, which will upgrade and retrofit seven distinct wildlife habitats, connecting them together more fluidly and expanding the public viewing areas to accommodate more visitors and enhanced education opportunities.
ABOUT MAYMONT
Maymont is a well-preserved, 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived here from 1893 to 1925. Today Maymont is open year-round, free to the public, with miles of scenic walking paths through landscaped gardens; an award-winning arboretum; self-guided audio tours of the well-preserved Mansion and grounds; a Nature Center filled with aquaria and interactive displays about the James River ecosystem; rescued native wildlife habitats and farm animals; and a full calendar of educational programming and community events.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
In July 2022, Maymont was honored to receive an $8 million grant from the EDA through its American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program to promote and expand regional tourism and outdoor recreation in Virginia. A perennial top attraction for tourists to the Richmond area, the nonprofit Maymont Foundation earned the grant for infrastructure improvements to Maymont Mansion and the animal habitats designed to enhance the guest experience and expand access to more visitors. The Foundation will supplement the dedicated funds with an additional $2 million raised through other sources to complete the projects.
This grant will allow Maymont to build upon recently completed enhancements, including the renovation in 2022 of the 1908 Stone Barn as a new welcome center and active learning classroom, self-guided audio tours and updates to the exhibition spaces in the Mansion in line with our African American Voices Initiative, all supported by a special Commonwealth grant to enhance the public’s appreciation of Virginia’s diverse history. Prior to that, a multiyear, multimillion-dollar Spirit of Generosity capital campaign funded a major renovation and expansion of The Robins Nature Center in 2020 and renovations to Maymont Farm in 2017.
Prospective Contractor Contact: Shea Willis, swillis@maymont.org
EDA Grant Media Contact: Melissa Abernathy, mabernathy@maymont.org
TOURISM MAGNET
With over 600,000 visitors annually, Maymont consistently ranks as one of Central Virginia’s top attractions. Located in the heart of Richmond, near a vibrant restaurant and shopping area, Maymont is a must-see destination for visitors interested in enriched outdoor experiences and connecting with our shared history. Maymont earned a 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award from Tripadvisor, placing it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide for consistently positive visitor reviews.