Looking for a spot that sneaks in culture with outdoor fun? Take a visit to the Morven Museum & Garden, just steps away from downtown Princeton, where you’ll discover lush, walkable gardens and a museum that’s just the right size for short attention spans. Situated on five acres, this former New Jersey Governor’s Mansion will transport you back in time with interactive exhibits that provide a firsthand glimpse into how residents of the Garden State lived decades ago. And with a calendar of kid-friendly educational events that take place throughout the year, it’s a place you’ll return to again and again. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect when you visit Morven Museum & Garden, and if you are looking for more gardens and nature centers in New Jersey, the Garden State is full of options. (featured photo credit: @morvenmuseum)

Spend The Day At Morven Museum & Garden

Step back in time

Formerly the home of Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, who built the mansion, and later was the home of five governors from New Jersey, Morven Museum features five permanent galleries. Within each gallery, you’ll discover how Morven played a pivotal role in the nation’s independence during the Revolutionary War and in the years that followed, as well as the stories of everyone who lived and worked at Morven, including women, children, and immigrant servants who later became staff members. Each gallery is filled with photos, artifacts, and stories to bring this history to life. There are also temporary exhibits on display, such as “Morven Revealed: Untold Stories from New Jersey’s Most Historic Home,” which shares some lesser-known tales about Morven’s history.

Take a stroll

After taking in the rich history of Morven, grab the family and head outdoors to enjoy the grounds. As you make your way through the immaculately manicured and landscaped garden, you’ll come upon the historic sections, including the front yard where Richard Stockton laid out the present horseshoe-shaped drive, as well as the paved section in front of the house. From there, check out the Annis and Commodore Beds, where the flowers and shrubs seen today were drawn from 19th-century descriptions and photographs. There is also the backyard, the terraced garden, the pool house, the orchards at Morven, and the demonstration garden. Along with the gorgeous flowers and shrubs, you can also walk along and peek into the grotto of Annis Boudinot Stockton, completed around 1768. Interested in a guided garden tour? These are available in-season by reservation. 

Attend an event

With events happening all year round at Morven, be sure to check the calendar for the day you plan to visit. The popular Monthly Morven Revealed Tour, led by one of Morven’s knowledgeable docents, takes visitors on a journey through the unique stories that fill the Morven Museum & Garden. A few of the other events include Plein-Air Panting Workshop, a book talk, a gallery tour, and afternoon tea. There are also special garden tours, yoga classes, and trivia events during the year. In November and December, stop by the Festival of Trees to enjoy the festive atmosphere, featuring decorations throughout the museum and a selection of trees on display.

What to know before you go

Morven Museum & Garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM and is closed on all major holidays. Tours of the permanent exhibits are offered daily from 11 AM to 2 PM, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer to explore independently, you are welcome to do so. Because the museum building is historic and dates back decades, the museum is only 80% wheelchair accessible. Please keep this in mind if you require accessibility during your visit.

Additionally, strollers are not permitted in the museum, but they can be left on the back porch while you explore. Admission prices are $12 per adult, $10 per senior (age 60 and above), student (with valid ID), and active military personnel or veterans (with valid ID). Children under 6 and members are free. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site at the Museum Shop, located behind the museum.

To learn more about Morven Museum & Garden, visit their website, Instagram, or Facebook.

Morven Museum & Garden
55 Stockton Street
Princeton, NJ 08540

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