For decades, it has stood as a mysterious, decaying masterpiece in Elkins Park just outside Philadelphia—a sprawling 110-room mansion that most locals have only ever glimpsed through the iron gates. But this fall, history enthusiasts and architecture lovers are in for the ultimate treat.
For the first time in 84 years, Lynnewood Hall is officially opening its doors to the public.
From September 25 through October 4, 2026, this spectacular Horace Trumbauer-designed estate will welcome visitors inside for a 10-day immersive event that perfectly marries Philadelphia’s rich history with world-class floral artistry.
The Event: Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE
To mark this historic reopening, the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation has partnered with the acclaimed floral show Fleurs de Villes and HBO’s hit series The Gilded Age.
The interior of the legendary mansion will be transformed into a breathtaking botanical exhibition. Local Philadelphia floral designers have created a curated collection of fresh floral mannequins inspired by the lavish costumes and iconic characters of the show. Imagine Bertha Russell’s Metropolitan Opera triumph or Marian Brook’s elegant attire, all painstakingly recreated using thousands of fresh blooms, set against the backdrop of one of America's grandest surviving Gilded Age estates.
A Rare Glimpse Inside
Built between 1897 and 1900 for industrialist Peter A.B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall was once a hub of high society and housed one of the most important private art collections in the world. After decades of being closed off from public view, guests can finally step inside the historic art gallery and explore the principal family bedrooms on the first floor.
For those looking to dive deeper into the history, the event also offers a behind-the-scenes Preservation Tour (accessible via stairs to the second floor), exploring the Widener family’s legacy and the massive, ongoing efforts required to restore this architectural marvel.
Why You Should Go
Beyond the stunning floral displays and the sheer novelty of stepping inside a legendary "abandoned" mansion, attending this event serves a vital purpose. Every ticket purchased directly supports the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation. By visiting, you are actively helping to ensure that this masterpiece can be restored and preserved as a center for culture and education for future generations.
The Details:
- Dates: September 25 – October 4, 2026
- Location: Lynnewood Hall, 920 Spring Avenue, Elkins Park, PA
- Tickets: General admission is $30.50 for adults, with timed entry. Optional add-ons include the Preservation Tour and a Café Gustave Picnic Lunch.
Tickets are expected to sell out incredibly fast for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether you are a fan of HBO’s The Gilded Age, a lover of floral design, or a Philadelphia history buff, this is an absolute must-do event this autumn.
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