Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
About
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a historic, Victorian mansion located in the heart of Old Louisville on St. James Court. It is one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and was the masterpiece of famed local architect Arthur Loomis of Clarke & Loomis. Surrounded by a beautiful courtyard neighborhood at the center of the largest collection of Victorian Homes in the US, "Conrad's Castle" featured all the latest innovations of its day, including interior plumbing and electric lighting. Known for its beautiful woodwork and parquet floors, this massive Bedford limestone home, covered with gargoyles, beautiful archways, and elaborate stone designs, incorporated 7 types of hardwoods and magnificent stained glass windows in the interior design, making it one of the most stunning homes in Old Louisville. The Museum has been lovingly restored to the Edwardian Age, housing a massive collection of period items including many original pieces.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Old Louisville
Best nearby
Restaurants
467 within 3 miles
Attractions
175 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
703 reviews
Excellent
605
Very good
83
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Christy H
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
We toured this gem of a Victorian house during the St. James Art Fair. Barbara Caldwell Huber and her sister along with cousins and other family members covering five generations served as passionate docents. The family memories of the house made the visit very special. Gordon Caldwell would be so pleased with their desire to carry on the legacy of his childhood home. Don’t miss this one the next time you’re in Louisville, KY.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
N0rmalee
Bossier City, LA617 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
This is a fantastic home on a street full of gorgeous homes. There were about 8 of us on the tour and our volunteer guide was the great granddaughter of a former owner, so had a lot of both factual and family stories to tell. There are 3 stories plus a double attic and basement, it’s a rags to riches tale of a man who came to this country with nothing and worked hard to be successful. She had stories of her father and aunt going there for meals once a week and always getting into trouble for sliding down the banisters. Since the family had money, the drapes are “puddled” and there’s even a gas fireplace in addition to a radiator on one of the landings. They were early to get electric lights and indoor plumbing. Home is over 10,000 sq ft. This was a wonderful home and tour, highly recommend it!
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clint
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
We had an amazing time exploring the estate! Barb, a descendent of the Caldwells, went above and beyond to inform us of the history of the home AND surrounding neighborhood. We spent three hours here and still feel like we were only scratching the surface. Barb let us know that sometimes she will notice a detail she’s never seen before. The work done by the original craftsmen is truly astounding.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melissa W
Herriman, UT1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Solo
Don’t miss this one!!! This was the highlight of a business trip to Louisville. I dropped in last minute and was able to get on a tour (single) Barb was my tour guide. She was the great granddaughter to the 2nd occupant and had many personal stories about the house and her family. Cherished heirlooms fill the rooms and it feels like a residence. The detail and glamour of this exceptional home is worth the small tour fee. I think they could charge 2x as much for this home / tour.
I’ve been to many old homes as I’ve traveled around the country. The architecture, and history was unmatched from other, even larger, homes of this age / era.
I would jump at the chance to visit this home again. (I only had about an hour and a half due to travel limitations). If you go, be sure to walk the lamplight district this home resides in.
I’ve been to many old homes as I’ve traveled around the country. The architecture, and history was unmatched from other, even larger, homes of this age / era.
I would jump at the chance to visit this home again. (I only had about an hour and a half due to travel limitations). If you go, be sure to walk the lamplight district this home resides in.
Written March 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Explorethis
New York City, NY88 contributions
Jun 2021
We recently took a tour here, and it was very enjoyable for our entire party. Our tour guide was very informative and took the time to answer all of our questions. You could tell that she loved what she was doing and was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed all of the funny stories she told us about the people who used to live there. It is a beautiful house that has been well kept. Our only complaint was the upper floors were pretty hot, but I guess their air-conditioner wasn't working that day. Overall we had a GREAT time and we are glad we visited.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
907blaked
Tampa, FL1,323 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
The tour lasted about 90 minutes. The building itself is beautiful, with lots of intricate woodwork, flooring, etc. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the house. I would not recommend this tour for kids under the age of nine. We had a family with us with two younger kids, and they gave up about halfway through. Our kids, however, ages 9 to 16, said they enjoyed it. Good value for the money. House is located in a beautiful section of Louisville, right next to Central Park.
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
A B
2 contributions
Jun 2022
What a treasure / beautiful house / area /story. We enjoyed ever minute of our time there. We paid for a self guided tour and ended up with a tour guide ( Beth ) that is a descendant of William Caldwell. The stories were fascinating and the wood work was spectacular. Must see while in Louisville
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brenda B
Frankfort, KY3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
We stayed at the nearby Bourbon Inn. The tour of the Conrad -Caldwell Mansion was fabulous. The beauty of the home is outstanding. The craftsmanship in the wood work is stunning. Our guide was a descendent of the Caldwells, so she was able to make the home come “alive” with personal anecdotes.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY2,923 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
This was part of the Old Louisville Mansion tour and undoubtedly the highlight of the tour. At the time it was built it was the most expensive house constructed in the city. Normally there would be a guided tour but since this was part of the Old Louisville Mansion Tour you simply went exploring on your own. Fortunately there were docents in some rooms that shed light on the history of this castle of a house. Two of the docents were actually descendants of the Caldwell family. If anyone knows the history of this house it’s certainly these folks. How cool is that? Parking can be a pain as it’s a residential area. I ended up a couple of blocks away. Old Louisville is a beautiful neighborhood and Saint James Court is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the area.
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jade S
White House, TN95 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
What a beautiful home to tour and admire. We stopped in and immediately upon approaching the front steps saw a sign stating that tours were offered daily at 11, 1 and the last tour at 3. It was 3:20. Regardless, we rang the doorbell and hoped for the best. We were greeted and invited inside and were courteously offered a small tour of the downstairs. Our historical interpreter was Beth who was a descendent of the family. She gave wonderful insight to the home and peppered in many interesting details about her family and their lives. Thank you for inviting us in Conrad-Caldwell House and not turning us away. If you’re thinking of touring, please call them ahead of time to verify as the one of the tours isn’t always offered year round I don’t believe. We will be back for the second and third floors.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
978michaell
Birmingham, AL113 contributions
What are your operating hours. Are the guided tour hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday the only hours available for visiting? Thank you for your response.
irene626
Nipawin, Canada102 contributions
Just google it and it tells you the hours for each season.
bolanmoen
Palo Alto, CA1 contribution
We will be staying at the Marriott East, how long and how best to get there. We will have a car but other transportation might be better?
Do we get the tickets when we arrive or better to get them ahead? We will be in Louisville Oct 12-15.
Thank you Lanita Moen
Don G
94 contributions
Best to drive, parking can be found up and down the side streets or across the road a city park, side roads can get full. on a nice day well worth short walk to look at the gorgeous old homes in the area. No problem buying tickets right at the house inside gift shop, wasn't many people a month ago when we went.
Margaret N
Alaska4 contributions
How much is the tour?
Margaret Y
Louisville, KY5 contributions
Our tours are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and active military, and $5 for students. We offer guided tours of the house Wednesday-Sunday at 1pm and 3pm with an additional tour on Saturday morning at 11am.
wildcatgirl1
2 contributions
Is it handicap accessible, my husband is in a wheelchair? Would love to see it
crash718
Chicago, IL11 contributions
Yes, there is an elevator. I just double checked their website to be sure. :)
can u get married here and if so how much does it cost
Conrad C
Louisville, KY
Hi Heather! Thank you for your interest and question. We certainly do have space for both ceremonies and receptions from small gatherings of 50 people or less to larger receptions of up to 150. Our prices vary and we do have packages available as well, please visit our website under the weddings tab or email us and we would be happy to discuss our options with you!
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) (Louisville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle)
- Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) is open:
- Wed - Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle):
- Old Louisville Ghost Tour as Recommended by The New York Times @ 4th and Ormsby (From $25.00)
- Old Louisville Walking Tour Recommended by The New York Times! @ 4th and Ormsby (From $25.00)
- Old Louisville Ghost Tour as Recommended by The New York Times @ 4th and Ormsby (From $25.00)
- Melancholy and Mourning Adults Only Haunted Walking Tour (From $34.99)
- Old Louisville Walking Tour Recommended by The New York Times! @ 4th and Ormsby (From $25.00)
- Hotels near Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle):
- (0.10 mi) Inn at Saint James Court
- (0.18 mi) Central Park Bed and Breakfast
- (0.21 mi) Louisville Bourbon Inn
- (0.10 mi) Historic Neighborhood | Chic | Central Park Views
- (0.10 mi) 416 #3 · Stellar Suites | Charming Old Lou. | St. James
- Restaurants near Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle):
- (0.11 mi) 610 Magnolia
- (0.30 mi) Buck's Restaurant & Bar
- (0.31 mi) Old Louisville Tavern
- (0.29 mi) Pizza Donisi
- (1.23 mi) J. Graham's Cafe