Visit the Emlen Physick Estate
Cape May’s only Victorian House Museum
Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the period, reflecting one Victorian family’s lifestyle, and detailing the way the Physick family and their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time. Built in 1879, the 18-room mansion is an architectural wonder built by famed American architect Frank Furness and is one of the best examples of Victorian Stick Style architecture in the country. Guided tour themes change annually.
Angi.com picks the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate for New Jersey’s “This is the Most Beautiful Building in Your State.”
The first floor of the Physick House Museum is fully accessible. Free on-site parking/RV-friendly
$20 adults,
$15 children (ages 3 to 12)
25% off for members – Find-out more!
FEATURED TOURS
EMLEN PHYSICK ESTATE TOUR
Take a guided tour of the first and second floors of the 1879 Physick House Museum, for an in-depth look at Victorian architecture and the period, reflecting one Victorian family’s lifestyle, and detailing the way the Physick family and their household lived, worked and spent their leisure time. From dancing to fishing, golfing, and concerts, this tour explores various activities that entertained visitors and the Physick family in the Victorian era. Learn how Victorians “beat the heat” with ocean bathing and ice cream. Gain insight into architectural features within the house designed to combat the summer heat, providing a unique perspective on the ingenuity of the past. In 2024-25, the tour is titled “Down the Shore: Summers in Cape May”
VOICES FROM BEYOND HOUSE TOUR
Experience an unusual tour in Cape May MAC’s 1879 Emlen Physick House. In the Voices from Beyond Tour, you will hear actual spirit voices captured by Cape May MAC staff over the past 10 years. View historical photos of the Physick family and their staff alongside photos of apparitions seen inside the house. Learn about the equipment and tools used throughout history in paranormal research. Who could these voices belong to and what is keeping them connected to the Physick House Museum? Draw your own conclusions on this new and exciting paranormal tour.
STRANGE VICTORIAN OBSESSIONS
Victorians were fascinated with mystery and illusion and this tour through first floor rooms in the 1879 Physick House Museum shares that fascination. Learn about the famous Harry Houdini who captivated Victorian audiences with his intricate escapes, the Goddess of Mystery, Ionia, a Belgian beauty who Victorians worshipped for her spectacles of magic, The Great Lafayette, who became known as the world’s greatest magician, and Pepper’s Ghost, an illusion still used today, with Sherlock Holmes, Jack the Ripper and more.
CLUELESS AT THE PHYSICK ESTATE
Back to the beginning!
Everyone is suspect during Clueless at the Physick Estate, a “whodunit” similar to the popular board game. Join fellow amateur sleuths and encounter characters inside the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., as this original mystery unfolds from room to room. Who is the culprit? Is it Professor Graystone or Pearlie White? Mrs. Parrot or Cherry Bombe? This year is a revival of the first, the original Clueless at the Physick Estate mystery from 2012. Don’t miss this chance to challenge your imagination and deduction skills in a one-of-a-kind historic Cape May setting. Accessible with advance notice.
HISTORIC HAUNTS HOUSE TOUR
Tour select rooms with your guide and learn about Victorian Spiritualism in Cape May’s only Victorian house museum, the Physick House Museum, widely reputed to be haunted. Guides will explore the concepts of spiritualism and the occult, both of which were wildly popular topics in the Victorian Era.
GARDENS OF CAPE MAY TOUR
Here is your invitation to explore Cape May’s unique natural areas and the private plants, blooms and landscape designs of area gardeners. See both public and private gardens and take home ideas for your own garden. Smell and see what’s blooming and flourishing in several different seashore locations dominated by sunlight, ocean breezes, and sand and salt, each uniquely situated. Cape May’s Emlen Physick Estate gardens are included, the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate will host nature and garden-themed local vendors, plus a complimentary wine tasting by Cape May Winery.
PHANTOMS OF THE PHYSICK ESTATE
“THE LIVING LIBRARY”
Immerse yourself in a world of horror and suspense reimagined from the great authors of the Victorian Period. Classic terrifying tales unfold around you as you move from room to room within the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate. Do you know how these stories will end, or is there another twist you could never see coming?
Free Experiences
PHYSICK ESTATE
SCAVENGER HUNT
Have an adventure the whole family will enjoy at the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate! Use our map to explore the grounds and find answers to questions about the estate in this educational scavenger hunt. Available daily at the Hill House office or the Carriage House Visitors Center at the Physick Estate. Includes map and clues.
FREE. Available in English & Spanish.
Donations Accepted
CARROLL GALLERY EXHIBITS
hroughout the year, the Carroll Gallery is home to changing exhibits that bring Cape May history to life. Visit scenes from the Victorian era or explore Cape May’s African American heritage; reminisce on years past or become a kid again when the Gallery turns into a holiday wonderland.
STORY STOPS AT THE
PHYSICK ESTATE
Look for various story stops on the grounds and listen to first-hand accounts of life at the Physick Estate during Victorian days in Cape May.
FREE
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Emlen Physick Estate Photos
