In 2026, Richmond will celebrate not one, but two centennial milestones that speak to the city’s enduring love affair with history, gardens and grand design
At the heart of it all is Maymont, the 100-acre estate that has welcomed the public since 1926 and grown into one of Virginia’s most treasured cultural landscapes. Just across the James River, Agecroft Hall & Gardens will also mark 100 years since its remarkable reconstruction in Richmond, bringing a slice of Tudor England to American soil. Together, these landmark anniversaries offer more than a look back; they showcase how two historic estates continue to evolve, blending preservation with fresh experiences that invite new generations to explore, celebrate, and become part of the story.
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Maymont
In 2026, Richmond’s beloved public park and iconic Victorian estate, Maymont, will mark a century since opening the 100-acre estate to the public. Since opening as a public space on January 1, 1926, Maymont has become a remarkable public space, with ongoing upgrades and expansions. Today, Maymont is not just a public park but a historic house museum, an arboretum, an Italian and Japanese garden, a carriage collection, a nature center with wildlife exhibits, and a petting zoo.
Maymont reopened in March after a major preservation project that spanned two years. In addition to the mansion’s new red slate roof, which restores architect Edgerton Rogers’ original bold design, new climate control and fire safety systems have been installed to enhance guest experience and protect the historical collections for many years to come. While the artworks and furnishings were carefully packed and stored off-site, conservators completed several preservation and conservation projects, including a painting that has not been on view in 50 years and detailed work in the swan bedroom, after historical paint analysis.
In April, the Virginia Wildlife Trail reopened with a redesign for greater accessibility, expanded viewing areas, and even more diversity in Maymont’s exhibits, including habitats for porcupines, coyotes, and other rescued wildlife. On June 6, a vibrant community gathering will take center stage, with the “Cheers to 100 Years!” event featuring experts, entertainers, and family-friendly activities. There will be animal keeper talks, guided garden tours, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities spanning across the expansive gardens, trails, and exhibits.
Beyond new additions and hosting events, Maymont offers a range of initiatives that make every visit, on any day, an unforgettable experience. The “Maymont Moments” project lets visitors not just view and enjoy Maymont’s facilities and history but also become part of Maymont’s story for years to come. stories, picnics, and prom photos, to preserve the park’s history as a multipurpose public space in its centennial archives. Inside, the upgraded roof and climate systems invite visitors to step into the beautifully preserved past as the park continues to evolve and offer new experiences.
Agecroft Hall & Gardens
In 2026, Agecroft Hall & Gardens, the historic Tudor manor transported from Lancashire, England, will mark the 100th anniversary of its reconstruction by Richmond businessman T.C. Williams Jr., his wife, Elizabeth (Bessie), and architect Henry G. Morse. Today, Agecroft Hall is a testament to the work of those three to carefully ship parts of the manor across the Atlantic, from Lancashire to Richmond, and of the rich histories, both British and American, within its walls.
Agecroft Hall & Gardens museum is located on 23 acres overlooking the James River in the neighborhood of Windsor Farms, not far from downtown Richmond, Virginia. Agecroft Hall is a 16th-century English manor house that was dismantled and brought to Richmond in 1926. Self-guided museum tours are conducted Tuesdays through Sundays, featuring original 16th-century paneling, armor, a magnificent window bearing the ancient coat of arms, period furniture, paintings, and unique musical instruments.
Kicking off Agecroft’s centennial year strong, Agecroft recently unveiled a new logo, tagline, and website highlighting England’s past through an American lens, with the branding featuring many of Agecroft’s specialties, from nature, history, and the intersection of rich cultures: 16th-and 17th-century English artifacts, and Agecroft’s 20th-century American modern décor. The branding incorporates Tudor architectural elements, historical guided tours, and the estate’s gardens to reflect its heritage.
For historical events, Agecroft hosts a range of year-round offerings, from guided tours to Renaissance fairs to artisan markets; some events may include free admission, workshops, and special thematic tours. For nature and entertainment events, Agecroft has Shakespeare’s Birthday, concerts by the Richmond Concert Band, Yuletides (a historic Christmas celebration), a spring market, and guided tours to the gardens.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
