Lockwood–Mathews Mansion

Museum Gilded Age mansion museum showcasing 19th-century interiors

Second Empire mansion in Norwalk, Connecticut operated as a house museum; visitors tour 19th-century interiors, learn about period architecture and preservation efforts.

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Lockwood-Mathews Mansion is a large Second Empire-style 19th-century mansion in Norwalk, Connecticut, completed in 1868 and built for financier LeGrand Lockwood. It is regarded as one of the earliest and grandest examples of Second Empire domestic architecture in the United States.

The house is operated as a historic house museum presenting restored formal rooms, period decorative arts, and architectural features such as ornate ironwork and stained glass. Public programming includes guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and special events that use both the main house and the surrounding grounds.

Construction began in the mid-1860s under owner LeGrand Lockwood and the house was designed by architect Detlef Lienau; ownership and uses changed over time and the property underwent major preservation work in the 20th century. The building was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1971 in recognition of its architectural and historic significance.

The mansion sits in the South Norwalk area of Norwalk, along the Norwalk River in southwestern Connecticut, roughly 60 km (about 37 miles) northeast of New York City.

  • National designation: Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1971.
  • Tours: Guided tours of restored rooms and period interiors are the main way to see the mansion; check the museum website for hours and tour times.
Lockwood–Mathews Mansion
295 West Ave, Norwalk, CT 06850, United States
41.1101, -73.4171
Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, closed Mondays
Adults $12-15 (USD), check website for discounts and memberships

How to Get to Lockwood–Mathews Mansion #

Located at 295 West Ave in Norwalk, Connecticut, the mansion is reachable by car from I-95. The nearest rail access is Norwalk’s South Norwalk (SO NO) or Norwalk stations with a short taxi or rideshare to the mansion. Parking is available onsite or nearby.

Tips for Visiting Lockwood–Mathews Mansion #

  • Book a guided tour to see otherwise closed public areas; the mansion's architecture and period rooms make tours particularly rewarding.
  • Check for special events-Victorian-themed events and period-appropriate demonstrations are scheduled several times a year.
  • Arrive early to avoid school groups and to enjoy the mansion's grounds in quiet.

Best Time to Visit Lockwood–Mathews Mansion #

Spring through autumn for the best combination of gardens, events, and accessible grounds.

Spring
Apr-Jun · 8-20°C (46-68°F)
Gardens bloom and outdoor areas are pleasant for strolls.
Summer
Jul-Aug · 18-28°C (64-82°F)
Event season and outdoor programming.
Autumn
Sep-Oct · 8-18°C (46-64°F)
Cooler temperatures and attractive foliage.

Weather & Climate near Lockwood–Mathews Mansion #

Climate

Lockwood–Mathews Mansion's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1221 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (114 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 26°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
18° 29°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 28°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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