Kempf House Museum
Explore a restored 1890s Greek Revival home in Ann Arbor, featuring a Steinway grand piano and historic gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Museum is open
Kempf House Museum
Best Time
Museum is open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a restored 1890s Greek Revival home in Ann Arbor, featuring a Steinway grand piano and historic gardens.
"A step back into Ann Arbor Yesterdays. Charming."
🎯 Check Sunday Hours
The museum is typically only open on Sundays. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid missing out!
🎶 Ask About Music
Inquire about any special musical events or demonstrations, especially concerning the Steinway piano.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Steinway Grand Piano
Music Room
Marvel at the magnificent Steinway grand piano, a centerpiece of the music room, reflecting the Kempf family's musical legacy.
Restored 1890s Home
Entire House
Step back in time exploring the beautifully restored rooms of this historic Greek Revival house, showcasing Victorian-era living.
Historic Garden
Exterior
Admire the well-maintained historic garden surrounding the house, offering a glimpse into the period's landscaping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Hours
Book Guided Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Sunday Hours
The museum is typically only open on Sundays. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid missing out!
🎶 Ask About Music
Inquire about any special musical events or demonstrations, especially concerning the Steinway piano.
🏛️ Appreciate Architecture
Note the Greek Revival architecture and cast iron grilles on the exterior.
👗 Dress Up for Events
Consider dressing in period attire for special events like the Valentine's Day tea for a unique experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Sunday Hours
The museum is typically only open on Sundays. Confirm hours before your visit to avoid missing out!
🎶 Ask About Music
Inquire about any special musical events or demonstrations, especially concerning the Steinway piano.
🏛️ Appreciate Architecture
Note the Greek Revival architecture and cast iron grilles on the exterior.
👗 Dress Up for Events
Consider dressing in period attire for special events like the Valentine's Day tea for a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kempf House Museum for its well-maintained exterior and knowledgeable staff, offering a charming step back into Ann Arbor's past. However, many have been disappointed by its limited opening hours, often finding it closed upon arrival.
"This site was approved in 1973 and the historical marker was erected in 1988. The marker states:
" Cast iron grilles in an ancient Greek floral motif
highlight the frieze of this temple-front Greek
Revival house. Built in 1853 for Henry D. Bennett,
secretary and steward of the University of
Michigan, it became the home and studio of local
musicians Reuben H. and Pauline Widenmann
Kempf in 1890. Trained in Germany, Mr. Kempf
(1859-1945) taught piano and organ. Mrs. Kempf
(1860-1953), a graduate of the Cincinnati
Conservatory, taught voice. The city of Ann Arbor
purchased the house in 1969, and in 1983 it
became the Kempf House Center of Local History""
Arielle
"Outside is well maintained. Unfortunately they were not open today. I went on a whime."
Lisa Minnick
"Interesting to see how the Kempf family lived. Great staff! Very knowledgeable."
Border Collie Dunsworth
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kempf House Museum is located in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options within Ann Arbor can also be utilized. +1
While specific parking details can vary, downtown Ann Arbor generally offers street parking and public parking garages. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or use a parking app.
Yes, the Kempf House Museum is situated in a walkable area of downtown Ann Arbor, making it easy to combine with exploring other local shops and attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Kempf House Museum has limited hours, typically opening only on Sundays. It's crucial to verify the exact opening times on their official website or by calling ahead, as many visitors have arrived to find it closed.
While advance booking might not always be mandatory, it's a good idea to check if tickets can be purchased online, especially for special events. This can save you time and ensure entry.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended to fully experience the museum. Knowledgeable staff provide insights into the history of the house and the Kempf family.
Admission fees can vary. It's best to check the official Kempf House Museum website for the most current pricing information.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore a restored 1890s Greek Revival home, admire the music room with its Steinway grand piano, and walk through the historic garden. Guided tours offer in-depth historical context.
The museum offers a glimpse into historical living, which can be educational for older children. However, it's a quiet, historical site, so supervision is recommended.
The house was built in 1853 and later became the home and studio of musicians Reuben H. and Pauline Widenmann Kempf, who taught piano, organ, and voice. It's a key part of Ann Arbor's local history.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask for permission from museum staff before taking pictures inside the historic house.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Kempf House Museum is located in downtown Ann Arbor, which boasts a vibrant food scene with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering diverse cuisines. +1
Ann Arbor offers a wide range of culinary options, from pizza and Mexican to coffee shops and international cuisine. Many spots are popular with students and locals alike. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Greek Revival house with its unique cast iron grilles and the surrounding historic garden offer picturesque photo opportunities. The Steinway piano inside is also a notable subject.
For professional photoshoots, it's essential to contact the museum in advance to inquire about their policies and any associated fees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a day when the historic garden is in bloom, providing a pleasant outdoor space for children to explore briefly. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding interactive exhibits, as the focus is on historical preservation and interpretation. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting the artifacts and the quiet atmosphere of the museum.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
During your visit, pay close attention to the details of the music room and inquire about any historical context related to musical performances or teaching that took place within these walls. The museum offers a tangible link to Ann Arbor's musical history, allowing visitors to connect with the past through the lens of its artistic residents.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Ann Arbor's Past
The house gained its name and historical significance from the Kempf family, who resided there from 1890. Reuben H. Kempf, trained in Germany, was a respected piano and organ instructor, while his wife, Pauline Widenmann Kempf, a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory, taught voice. Their presence transformed the home into a hub for musical education and appreciation in Ann Arbor.
Today, the city of Ann Arbor preserves this legacy by maintaining the house as a museum. Visitors can explore the restored rooms, gaining insight into how a prominent musical family lived. The presence of a Steinway grand piano in the music room serves as a tangible reminder of the home's rich musical past, making it a must-see for history and music enthusiasts alike.
Experiencing the Kempf House Museum
Beyond the interior, the historic garden surrounding the house offers a tranquil space to reflect on the era. While the house itself is the main attraction, the well-maintained grounds contribute to the overall atmosphere of stepping into a bygone period. It's a chance to appreciate not just the domestic life but also the surrounding environment as it might have been.
It's important to note that the museum's limited opening hours, often restricted to Sundays, mean that careful planning is essential. Many visitors have found themselves arriving only to discover the house is closed, underscoring the need to confirm operating days and times before making the trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit