morven museum and garden

Nellbluebell

We attended a fundraiser in this elegant Colonial home and enjoyed an extensive exhibit of early needlework done by New Jersey schoolgirls in the early 1800s. The gardens are serene and the exhibition rooms are spacious enough to avoid crowding. The ever changing exhibits keep you coming back.

KCW25

I've been to Morven a few times for the yoga in the garden series offered in the summer (for free), so I had always wondered how the museum itself was... We drove in on a rainy day, and although the website indicates tours go every hour on the hour, we were able to do a self-guided tour without waiting for the hour to hit. There are some interesting paintings of previous owners and you can learn a little more about the history of NJ. However, there isn't a whole lot to look at and you could not easily spend a decent amount of time here... One redeeming factor in this visit was the Festival of the Trees. There were several artificial trees decorated by local groups and then you were able to vote on your favorite. The display of stitching was interesting, when you realized most were created by pre-teens. Walking through was quick and the house is beautiful. However, go with the groupon (essentially buy one get one free admission) or go when you can also tour the grounds.

LH672

Our family wanted to get together and do a holiday tour. Morven Museum had each room in the home decorated with a Christmas tree and each tree had a theme. Some trees were elegant and absolutely gorgeous. Other trees were whimsical and cute. After touring all the rooms and viewing the trees you got to vote on your favorite tree. There were guides in several of the rooms that could answer questions or make suggestions on what to see. Upstairs there was an impressive selection of samplers that gave you insight into the history of the people and the area. There are sometimes stairs between rooms (3 steps) and a main staircase to the 2nd and 3rd floors.I believe the cost for 4 adults and 2 children was $25.The museum is very close to shops and restaurants in Princeton. I would walk if the weather was nice but there are parking garages in town.

eruadh

Our guide knew everything - he was great. This house is beautiful, and encapsulates so much of the area's history.

Pnemiller

We went to Morven while visiting Princeton with no information about it, but learned much during our visit. The house was built in the 1750s and was the home of a numberof the New Jersey Stockton family, incluing Richard, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Robert Wood Johnson lived there and built a pool and tennis courts and from 1945 to 1982 it was the official home of the Governor of NJ--5 governors lived in the house. We had an informative tour by Kim who knew the history of the house and people who lived there. Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for seniors. One recommendation for the museum--the entrance has a loud, squeaking door. It was a distraction during the tour because it was very loud and constant. Get a can of lubricant and use it on the door.

CavalierJCS

Morven combines deep history affording special insights into the Princeton past with a marvelous program of special exhibitions that increasingly achieves real synergy with the setting and sense of place. Exhibitions often focus on the regional (such as painted New Jersey seascapes, or historic embroidery made by schoolgirls), and are a lovely addition to the state scene. Well worth a stop!

52mannyc

I rely on Tripadvisor to guide me to fun places to visit, but this is one attraction where I was underwhelmed & got bored fairly quickly. The staff was great and the tour was informative, but calling this place a gem is a stretch. The home is small & you are inundated with tidbits of history if that's what you're into. While I like a historical overview, the tour was a lot of talk confined into a small place (not much to see and not much room to move around). In contrast, I loved the historical overview when I toured with the Princeton Tour Company...history told with enthusiasm and lots to see! The garden was uninspired and below average when I visited in late summer, but it may be nicer during other seasons when other things are blooming. I wouldn't recommend planning a special visit to Princeton to visit Morven Museum & Garden, but it may supplement an afternoon out if you have an hour or so free.

gastrogal51

Such a tradition to visit during the holidays when the entire museum is dressed up for the holidays! Love to roam from room to room seeing what each decorator brought to the trees. Also, the Kennedy exhibit was lovely - photos of the President and his young family that had preciopusly not been seen.The shop is really terrific and the staff, very accommodating and friendly. Lots of special finds.The Moven in May does a great job and is a super place to pick up your spring plants!

LGBTtraveler

It's a small museum focused on the history of the house (house is of a NJ signer of the Declaration of Independence, later a governor's mansion) requiring a guided tour (which is very interesting). The tour is about 30 minutes and you can then check out the gardens and the gift shop. They have plenty of parking, although it is walkable from downtown Princeton.

Stanner57

Museum is former Governor's residence. There is a small but nice gift shop behind the museum. Richt now they have a small, but nice colleciton of maritime antiques and paintings.

EBTraveler17

Our guide, Greer, was absolutely wonderful! She told us so many interesting things about the history of this home and about its inhabitants, beginning with Richard Stockton, the original builder and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. She welcomed questions, told us interesting little tidbits along with the major historical facts and imparted her enthusiasm for her subject to us. When we visited, an exhibit of Jersey Shore Impressionist paintings was on display. Prior to our visit to Morven, we hadn't even known of these artists. Especially after the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, it was even more gratifying to enjoy these paintings of the Jersey shore. Even in October, the gardens were lovely. We plan to return in December to see the decorated Christmas trees and next summer to see the gardens in full bloom.

515christines

This little museum is about 3 minutes from our home and we never tire of going. Besides the historic home with it's authentic decor, gardens, and gift shop, Morven houses several wonderful art exhibits per year. We love attending the seasonal events, such as "Judging the Jack o Lanterns", "Observing the Christmas Trees with Carolers", and "Fourth of July Craft Day". With all this and their weekly schedule of activities, there is always something fun to attend. Well worth the visit at any time.

Daliowa

We visited Morven on Free Museum Day. There is a fascinating tour given in the museum that recounts the history of the Stockton family and all their different personalities and idiosyncracies. The tour & talk was interesting and humorous. Morven was for some time the governor's mansion in NJ.You'll see the Stockton family paintings and furniture which include such items as a large mirror which was a gift from George Washington.They also have several rooms for special exhibits. We saw artists of the Jersey Shore, and the exhibit was larger than I expected, and besides the beautiful paintings it also had detailed descriptions about the painters.I did notice that Morven has an elevator, but there are also small steps between some rooms which could cause difficulty to anyone with a disabiility. Also , the museum's days and hours are limited, be sure to check the website.The grounds around Morven are very nice to walk around. I recommend Morven for anyone interested in history or art. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

moongirl

We read about this little known museum due to the fact that they were hosting an art exhibit of paintings done by women from NJ who painted in the impressionistic style. What a surprise to find out that the house itself has such an interesting history going back to pre Revolutionary times. The family who owned the property stored artifacts before the war, so the house is full of great items, paintings, etc. Definitely worth a trip and take a tour of the house. The property is lovely and they host afternoon tea. Just check the schedule. Great town to browse in as well.

travelingrm

We went here primarily to see the art exhibit about the NJ Impressionists who painted the Jersey shore. "Coastal Impressions: Painters of the Jersey Shore, 1880 -1940" was a fine experience! I am sure you have heard of the Hudson River School, the New Hope School but I never knew about the NJ artists who studied in France and painted such fine works. This exhibit deserves to be at the Newark or Montclair Museum. Princeton is a lovely town and the Morven home, formerly the NJ governor's mansion is interesting history for any NJ citizen. The grounds are beautiful. This is a beautiful way to spend a day.There is an "afternoon tea" that would make Morven a great destination this summer.