Maymont’s journey from private estate (1893–1926) to a popular regional attraction and beloved local green space wasn’t always smooth. As time progressed, with no endowment to maintain the property and increasing economic pressures on the City of Richmond’s budget, the condition of the buildings and grounds deteriorated.
In 1975, the Maymont Foundation was established and undertook the overall responsibility for operation and maintenance of the property, and care for the animals that arrived at Maymont in the 1940s. The agreement signed with the City stipulated that no general admission fee would be charged, true to the original Dooley bequest dictating that the grounds be a public park.
Some of the major undertakings of the Foundation to preserve and improve these historic 100 acres include: the restoration and expansion of the Japanese Garden, establishment the Carriage Collection in the historic Carriage House and restoration of the Italian Garden. Extensive conservation and restoration within the Mansion included the opening of the Belowstairs exhibit in 2005, spotlighting the lives and experiences of Maymont’s African American domestic staff who were once rewarded for their invisibility and silence.
In December 1997, ground was broken for a new, expanded nature center. Opened in 1999, The Robins Nature Center at Maymont is the largest educational facility in the Central Virginia region that interprets the flora and fauna of the James River ecosystem, holding close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria.
In 2018, Maymont undertook the transformative “Spirit of Generosity” campaign, raising over $27 million for multiple major projects over a seven-year period. The projects included renovations and classroom expansions at Maymont Farm, and the transformation of an adjacent historic home on Westover Road into a state-of-the-art meeting and event space.
As Maymont approaches its 100th anniversary as a public space, the Maymont Foundation is embarking on a campaign to enhance the guest experience, expand accessibility and capacity, and build resiliency for the future — Maymont 2025. The $11.75 million project will enhance two of Maymont’s most public-facing assets: the Virginia Wildlife Trail and the Maymont Mansion, with a target completion in 2025.
Maymont exists for the community and is supported by the community. 90% of Maymont’s funding comes from individual donations. Maymont inspires those who love it to want to help preserve this landmark as a special place for everyone to discover and enjoy.