Enhancing a Richmond treasure
As Maymont approaches its 100th anniversary as a public space in 2026, we are undertaking the largest single investment in historic preservation and guest experience: Maymont 2025. The $11.75 million project will have a lasting impact on two of our most popular features, the Maymont Mansion and Virginia Wildlife Trail — both of which are closed during the enhancements. Reopening celebrations announced on our 100th anniversary page.
THE MAYMONT MANSION
(reopening March 21, 2026)
The 1893 Maymont Mansion is a well-preserved house museum offering a rare connection to stories from the past. The home remained relatively untouched from its opening as a house museum in 1926 until its first major renovation in the 1970s. Under the stewardship of the Maymont Foundation since 1975, the mansion and its collections have been extensively conserved and restored, and today offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the complex intersection of the Gilded Age and Jim Crow Era.
A thorough preservation plan in 2018 identified future conservation priorities, including the roof, certain structural elements and the climate control system. Maymont 2025 will address those priorities by:
- Restoring the 60-year-old mansion roof using historically accurate red slate material
- Strengthening essential structural elements supporting the south façade
- Upgrading the climate control and fire safety systems to protect the collections — and visitors — from variations in humidity and temperatures
- Safely caring for the collections off-site in a climate-controlled fine arts storage facility during the construction period
THE VIRGINIA WILDLIFE TRAIL
(reopening April 18, 2026)
Since the late 1950s, Maymont has fostered connections with the natural world through animal ambassadors — rescued and rehabilitated wildlife that can’t be released to the wild, who are cared for in habitats suited to their species and individual needs. From black bears and bison to a bobcat and an array of raptors, Maymont cares for dozens of rescued and rehabbed wildlife representing Virginia native species from the past and present. These animal ambassadors help educate audiences of all ages about our shared ecosystem, deepening an appreciation for the natural world surrounding us.
The Maymont 2025 initiative will enhance the Virginia Wildlife Trail experience by:
- Adding habitats for two new species, coyote and porcupine
- Expanding visibility and educational engagement with the animals, and upgrading the animals’ habitats
- Reconfiguring pathways along the Virginia Wildlife Trail to accommodate more guests with greater accessibility and enhanced connectivity
- Adding interpretive signage and other features to enrich the guest experience
Click to enlarge map and see how paths will be affected. Haga clic aquí para ver un mapa en español.
JOIN US AT REOPENING CELERBATIONS
The projects are expected to wrap up by spring 2026. Learn more on our 100th anniversary page.
The vast majority of Maymont’s 100 acres remain open and accessible, and all of the popular programs and community events will continue while work is underway. The historic gardens, Maymont Farm, The Robins Nature Center and miles of Maymont’s walking paths are open to be explored. Come discover something new at Maymont!
Maymont 2025 is the latest chapter in our ongoing stewardship of this beloved Richmond treasure. It follows on the heels of a decade-long Spirit of Generosity initiative that enhanced and expanded The Robins Nature Center, Maymont Farm and the renovated 1918 house on Westover Road that now serves as administrative offices and an event venue for weddings and other celebrations.
We invite you to be a part of this exciting new chapter at Maymont by contributing to Maymont 2025. Contact Haley McLaren at 804-358-7166, ext. 313, or hmclaren@maymont.org for more information on giving opportunities. Maymont also welcomes gifts of stock or qualified charitable distributions (QCD) from an IRA.
Press Releases & RFPs
EDA Grant Media Contact: Melissa Abernathy, mabernathy@maymont.org