frequently asked questions

Morven Museum & Garden is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The garden is open from dawn until dusk.

Morven is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ 08540, a short walk from downtown shopping and dining as well as Princeton University.

There is free visitor parking available on-site. The parking lot is located at the end of Morven’s gravel driveway accessible from Stockton Street. Bus parking is available for group visits with advanced notice.

The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Parts of the first and second floors are only available via stairs. For more information, visit our ADA & Accessibility page.

Morven may delay or forgo opening due to severe weather conditions. In the event of a delayed opening or unplanned closure, notice will be posted on Morven’s website by the close of business the previous day. Any visitors or program attendees with pre-registered tickets will be contacted via email.

Yes, visitors can re-enter the museum on the same day as their initial visit. You will be prompted to present your ticket  upon re-entry. Morven reserves the right to prioritize timed admission tickets over re-entering guests if admission capacity is limited at that time of re-entry. 

Tickets may be purchased online on our admissions page or on site in the Museum Shop, located directly behind the museum.

The Museum Shop accepts cash, most major credit cards, and personal checks. Online reservations must be made with a credit or debit card.

Yes, the cost of your admission may be applied towards a membership ONLY on the day of your visit. Please note that you must present your original receipt to be eligible.

Yes, Morven offers discounted admission to veterans and active members of the military. As a participating Blue Star museum, Morven also offers free admission to active duty military personnel from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Morven participates in NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum) which offers visiting NARM members free admission and a 10% discount in the Museum Shop. Bring your NARM sticker to check in for admission in the Museum Shop; at this time NARM members are not able to reserve online in advance.

Morven is honored to be a part of New Jersey’s Family First Discovery Pass Program. New Jersey Residents who are active participants of Family First or the New Jersey WIC program can visit Morven for FREE during our open hours with proof of participation.

As a part of Morven’s partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, “Museums for All” program, all non-New Jersey residents who are actively receiving SNAP benefits can purchase admission, for up to 4 people, to the Museum for $3.00.  

Libraries participating in Morven’s Library Pass program receive passes from Morven to be lent to their patrons. These passes include general admission to the museum and its docent-guided tours when available. Contact your local library to confirm participation  in our Library Pass program.

No, library passes are not applicable to programs or special events, which are subject to capacity restrictions and oftentimes additional fees.

No, library passes cannot be applied to group tour reservations.

Yes, Morven offers docent-lead tours of the museum' s first-floor exhibition, dependent on docent availability.  If you are interested in a guided tour, contact our Visitor Services department during business hours to confirm a docent is available.

Our docent-led tours are approximately 45 minutes in length and present an overview of Morven's permanent exhibition Historic Morven: A Window Into America’s Past. Tours are offered at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. 

Morven’s special exhibitions are self-guided.  Special gallery walks and talks are often scheduled throughout the run of an exhibition.

During the Festival of Trees (mid-November through first week in January), no formal tours of the museum are offered. 

Private tours of the museum may be scheduled by submitting an inquiry on our Group Tours page.

Garden Tours are available during spring and summer months with advanced registration. Please visit our Group Tours page to learn more and inquire.

No, reservations are not required for regular tours. The availability of a tour is dependent on docent availability, and may not be available everyday.

Garden, special exhibition, and other private tours require advance registration.

Morven can accommodate school or homeschool groups with advance notice. Please visit our Group Tours  page for more information. 

Morven is no longer the Governor’s Mansion of New Jersey. While it served as the official residence from 1945 to 1981, housing five governors during that period, it has since been repurposed. In 1982, Drumthwacket, located nearby in Princeton, was designated as the new official governor's residence. Morven underwent extensive restoration and reopened as a museum and garden in 2004, now serving as a cultural and historical site open to the public.

While the museum is not geared towards young children, families with children of all ages are most welcome to visit Morven. We offer scavenger hunts and an activity guide for younger visitors. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while visiting the Museum. 

Morven does not allow strollers in the museum. However, they may be left on the back porch of the museum, or if space is available, inside the coat closet in the museum.

Yes, Morven is open to private facility rentals for select occasions, including weddings and private or corporate events.

Morven offers focused seasonal internships for a number of departments, including Collections and Exhibitions, and Education and Public Programs. For more information, visit our ‘Work With Us’ page.

Morven Museum & Garden offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in history, horticulture, and community engagement.

Yes, Morven will hold items found on premises for 6 months before they are discarded. If you believe you or someone in your party may have lost something while visiting Morven, please contact Morven’s information line at 609-924-8144, extension 103, or by email at info@morven.org, with details about your lost item.

No, Morven does not serve food or beverages. We do offer boxed lunches in some of our Group Tour packages, but those must be scheduled in advance. Downtown Princeton  has plenty of places to eat and drink within walking distance of Morven; you can learn more by visiting our 'Explore Princeton' page.

No, visitors are not permitted to take any plants or flower cuttings from our garden.