Adult & Senior Groups
Take advantage of Hill-Stead’s variety and depth. Your group will tour the 33,000-square-foot Pope Riddle House, considered one of the country's finest examples of Colonial Revival domestic architecture. View renowned French Impressionist paintings, Japanese woodblock prints and decorative arts, displayed among original furnishings. Walk the paths of the Beatrix Farrand-designed c. 1920 Sunken Garden. Explore meadows, wetlands & woodlands, see original farm structures, and hike three miles of blazed trails on the grounds.

Choose one the Tour Options below; pick the Tour Theme to go with it, then Book Your Tour and you're ready to go!

TOUR OPTIONS

1. TOUR HILL-STEAD
$9 adults, $8 seniors*
A 1-hour introductory tour to the museum, perfect for groups with time constraints or multiple destinations.
Includes:
• Admission Savings– Groups of ten or more people who pre-book their tour receive a $1 discount off Adult and Senior regular admission fees
• Welcome by Education Department staff
• Tour– 1-hour historic house tour with your choice of tour theme (see below)
• Member-for-a-Day Discount– All participants receive a 10% discount on items in the Museum Shop (excluding certain consignment items)

*A minimum of 10 participants is required. Groups of 60 people can be accommodated in the house at one time. For groups larger than 60 people, please contact Sharon Stotz, Manager of Interpretation, to make special arrangements: 860.677.4787 ext 140 or stotzs@hillstead.org.


2. AN OUTING TO HILL-STEAD
$30 per person*
A memorable day touring Hill-Stead's historic house or enjoying a guided nature walk, followed by lunch.
Includes:
• Welcome by Education Department staff
• Tour– 1-hour historic house tour with your choice of tour theme (see below); OR a 1-hour guided Nature Walk with the estate naturalist
• Lunch– Enjoy a delicious boxed lunch in the museum's Makeshift Theater
• Member-for-a-Day Discount– All participants receive a 10% discount on items in the Museum Shop (excluding certain consignment items)

*A minimum of 10 participants is required. If your group has fewer than 10 people, you will be charged the full fee for 10 ($300). Maximum group size is 60 people.


3. HILL-STEAD ESTATE TOUR
$50 per person*
Offered June 1–September 30
A 3-hour experience of Hill-Stead, perfect for members of a garden club, as well as art and nature enthusiasts.
Includes:
• Welcome by Education Department staff
• House Tour– 1-hour historic house tour with your choice of tour theme (see below)
• Estate Tour– 1-hour tour of the museum's Sunken Garden and grounds
• Lunch– Enjoy a delicious boxed lunch in the museum's Makeshift Theater
• Member-for-a-Day Discount– All participants receive a 10% discount on items in the Museum Shop (excluding certain consignment items)

*A minimum of 10 participants is required. If your group has fewer than 10 people, you will be charged the full fee for 10 ($500). Maximum group size is 60 people.

TOUR THEMES

Hill-Stead: People, Architecture & Art
Tour the period rooms of the 1901 Pope Riddle House. View the Alfred Atmore Pope Collection, comprised of French Impressionist paintings, decorative arts, Japanese woodblock prints, ceramics, and furnishings. Hear about Hill-Stead's history, architectural significance, and the lives of its original occupants.

Focus on Art
This tour goes beyond giving visitors a peek at the museum's extensive art collection. Hear about Alfred A. Pope, businessman and avid art collector, and fellow art collectors J.H. Whittemore and his son Harris. View correspondence between the Popes and artists Mary Cassatt and James M. Whistler. Look at select pictures up close, such as Degas' Dancers in Pink and Whistler's The Blue Wave, Biarritz.

Focus on Architecture & Interior Design
This tour focuses on the design and construction of Hill-Stead, inside and out. Hear the stories of the people involved, from Theodate Pope, one of the nation's first licensed woman architects, to the young, local builder Richard Jones. Peer into closets, cabinets and other hidden features not viewed on regular tours.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

Reservations
All groups of ten or more people must make a reservation for their group. Please reserve at least two to four weeks in advance of your trip.

Admission Discounts
Other discounts do not apply to group tours, i.e., AAA discount, library passes or coupons.

Allow Ample Time
General house tours are 1 hour. We suggest giving your group at least 2 hours at Hill-Stead, so that in addition to the guided tour, individuals may see the 12-minute orientation video, explore the grounds and gardens, and visit the msueum shop and restrooms.

Accessibility
The first floor of the historic house is accessible. The Sunken Garden, restrooms, Makeshift Theater are all accessible. There is designated parkign.

Amenities
Free on-site bus and car parking, reserved handicapped spaces, museum shop, restrooms and a patio cafe serving snacks, juices, water, coffee & tea.

Restaurants
Please request our list of nearby restaurants when you are here, from sandwich delis to dining establishments on the Farmington River, or visit Discover Farmington / Restaurants on our website before your visit.

To Arrange Your Tour
Please contact Sharon Stotz at 860.677.4787 ext 140 or stotzs@hillstead.org; Marcie Charest at ext 142 or charestm@hillstead.org; or leave a message at the museum's main number, 860.677.4787.