One side of the outside - MASSIVE Porches!
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Mathews Park

4.6
·799 reviews·Norwalk, United States

Explore a magnificent Gilded Age mansion and enjoy green spaces, playgrounds, and live events at Mathews Park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends, 4-6 PM

Live performances like Broadway in the Park

CrowdMedium
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One side of the outside - MASSIVE Porches!

Mathews Park

Best Time

Weekends, 4-6 PM

Live performances like Broadway in the Park

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a magnificent Gilded Age mansion and enjoy green spaces, playgrounds, and live events at Mathews Park.

4.6
(799 reviews)

"A Gilded Age jewel offering stunning architecture and refreshing parkland."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Mansion Tour Times

Verify tour schedules for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion as it may be closed for events or renovations . :ticket:

No Dogs Allowed

Mathews Park has a strict no-dog policy, which may impact your visit if you have a pet . :noentrysign:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

Within Mathews Park

A stunning Gilded Age mansion, meticulously restored to its original glory. A masterpiece of architecture.

Broadway in the Park

Broadway in the Park

Mathews Park Amphitheater

Enjoy live performances, often featuring Disney and Broadway hits, with talented artists .

Instagram+1
Children's Museum & Play Areas

Children's Museum & Play Areas

Within Mathews Park

A restored mansion and a children's museum offer engaging experiences, alongside sports and play areas.

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Planning Your Visit

Mansion Tours & Park Access

The historic Lockwood-Mathews Mansion is a highlight, but check tour availability as it can be closed for renovations or private events. The park itself offers green space and playgrounds, though some areas like the playground have undergone renovations.Instagram

Dog Policy & Park Etiquette

While cars can drive through, dogs are not permitted in Mathews Park, a point of contention for some visitors.Reddit Be mindful of this if you plan to visit with a pet. The park is generally a clean and refreshing space for a quick stop.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekends, 4-6 PM
Why
Live performances like Broadway in the Park
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter park experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW ‼️ See the amazing @girl.in.a.crown and @jordynfreetage perform “Into the Unknown” THIS SATURDAY at MATHEWS PARK from 4-6 PM! You do not want to miss this! ❄️ #GOTREES #frozen #broadwayinthepark #intotheunknown
thenorwalkconservatory
839 likes • 22.8K views

Check Mansion Tour Times

Verify tour schedules for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion as it may be closed for events or renovations.Instagram :ticket:

No Dogs Allowed

Mathews Park has a strict no-dog policy, which may impact your visit if you have a pet.Reddit :noentrysign:

Some freestyle fun at mathews park with the homie! the freedom flying gives you is amazing,started the flying season off with a bang, now needing to swap my motors loll needing to get some drone hardware to swap the old motors lol been at a stand still sadly. 🕺🏻🤷🏽‍♂️ • • #fpv #drone #fpvfreestyle #gopro #apexframe #freedomwithflight #birdseyeview #tbs #ethixprops #droneworld #dronestagram
skardy8_fpv
22 likes • 421 views
Broadway in the Park at Mathews Park is back and we are happy to be there again this year! We loved it last year, and hope this year will be even better. We’ll have a table with glitter tattoos available, as well as royal visitors each day. Come join us and celebrate Disney and broadway! Full details over at @thenorwalkconservatory 💙 ✨ ✨ #ctparties #kidsCTentertainment #kidsentertainment #ctmoms ...
kopartiesct
141 likes • 9.9K views

Enjoy Live Performances

Catch 'Broadway in the Park' for music and entertainment, often featuring popular shows.Instagram+1 :musical_score:

Quick Refresh Stop

Great for a short break during a road trip; toddlers enjoy the open space and chipmunks.Reddit :runner:

Details below!💕 1. Art space cafe: located in the Norwalk Art Space 2. Mathews Park: home of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion (mansion closed to tours currently) 3. Maritime Aquarium: $31.95 per adult ticket 4. Spacecat Brewing Company 5. Calf Pasture Beach 6. Good Hope dumpling & Ramen #norwalkct #norwalk #connecticut #daytrips #ctlocal #aquarium #norwalkaquarium #weekendtrip #cafe #brewery 🎥 to fo...
talk2meny
33 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Mansion Tour Times

Verify tour schedules for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion as it may be closed for events or renovations.Instagram :ticket:

No Dogs Allowed

Mathews Park has a strict no-dog policy, which may impact your visit if you have a pet.Reddit :noentrysign:

Enjoy Live Performances

Catch 'Broadway in the Park' for music and entertainment, often featuring popular shows.Instagram+1 :musical_score:

Quick Refresh Stop

Great for a short break during a road trip; toddlers enjoy the open space and chipmunks.Reddit :runner:

Drone Flying Fun

Experienced pilots can enjoy freestyle flying in designated areas.Instagram :drone:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(799 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the stunning architecture of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion and the refreshing green space of Mathews Park. The 'Broadway in the Park' events are a highlight for entertainment. However, the strict no-dog policy is a notable drawback for some.

"Gilded Age lovers don’t miss our local gilded age jewel, The Lockwood Matthews Mansion Museum."

Diane Mongiardo

"This park allows cars to drive through but not dogs?!
We are thinking of moving to Norwalk but the area lacks walkable space with our dog. Why would you prevent residents with dogs who have every intention to pick up after their dog and help the park maintain a clean space so that they can enjoy it? Fun fact: cars can run people over but not dogs…."

Emily Y

"This house is massive! Nothing to go out of your way to see but if you're close by its cool to check out. You can literally park your car in the lot the house is sitting on. You can walk around the entire house and even walk right up to the house to get a closer look."

Sduk3406

What People Like

Beautiful Gilded Age mansion
Restored architecture
Refreshing park space

What People Dislike

No dogs allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mathews Park is accessible by car and is located in Norwalk, Connecticut. While cars can drive through, parking is available for visitors to explore the grounds and the mansion.Reddit Public transport options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method.

Yes, there is parking available at Mathews Park, allowing visitors to access the mansion and the park's amenities.Reddit

Walkability to Mathews Park depends on your starting location in Norwalk. Some residents find the area lacks sufficient walkable space, especially with dogs.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mathews Park itself is generally open to the public. However, tickets are required for tours of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. It's advisable to check their official website for current ticket prices and tour availability.Instagram

The park grounds are typically open during daylight hours. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum has specific operating hours for tours, which can vary. Always check their official schedule before visiting.Instagram

Yes, Mathews Park hosts various events, including 'Broadway in the Park' featuring live performances.Instagram+1 Keep an eye on local listings and the conservatory's social media for event announcements.

No, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion may be closed for private events or renovations. It's crucial to confirm tour availability in advance.Instagram

Entry to Mathews Park grounds is generally free. There is a fee for tours of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Mathews Park offers a variety of activities, including exploring the historic Lockwood-Mathews Mansion, enjoying green spaces, and visiting playgrounds. There are also sports areas and occasional live performances.Instagram+1

Yes, Mathews Park has playgrounds and open spaces that are great for toddlers and young children to play and explore.Reddit The children's museum also offers engaging activities.

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted in Mathews Park, which is a point of frustration for some visitors.Reddit

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion itself is a stunning architectural subject for photos. The park's green spaces and any event stages also offer good photographic opportunities.Instagram

Absolutely! It's a refreshing spot for a short break during a road trip, offering a pleasant environment to stretch your legs.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion is the star attraction for photographers, with its intricate Gilded Age architecture. The park's landscapes and any event setups, like stages for 'Broadway in the Park,' also provide great shots.Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed in public park areas. However, for professional shoots or specific areas within the mansion, it's best to inquire with the management beforehand.

The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photographing the mansion and park landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but still works for capturing the grandeur of the architecture.Instagram

Drone flying is permitted in certain areas of Mathews Park, as seen in some FPV freestyle videos.Instagram However, always check local regulations and park rules regarding drone usage to ensure compliance.

Architectural photography of the mansion is very popular. Visitors also capture family moments, event highlights like 'Broadway in the Park,' and scenic park views.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mathews Park is a fantastic destination for families. The playgrounds are a major draw for toddlers and young children, offering ample space for them to burn energy and have fun.Reddit The children's museum within the park also provides engaging and educational activities. While exploring the grand Lockwood-Mathews Mansion might be more suited for older children or those with an interest in history, the park's open green spaces are perfect for games like hide-and-seek.Reddit

Keep in mind the park's strict no-dog policy if you're planning a visit with a pet. For families looking for entertainment, keep an eye out for events like 'Broadway in the Park,' which can be a delightful experience for all ages.Instagram+1 Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited depending on the event.

🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is the primary reason history and architecture enthusiasts will want to visit Mathews Park. This meticulously restored Gilded Age mansion is a prime example of late 19th-century architectural grandeur, featuring stunning stonework and intricate interior carvings.Reddit Tours offer deep dives into the mansion's history, its owners, and the era it represents.

Even if you don't take a full tour, walking around the exterior of the mansion provides ample opportunity to appreciate its scale and design. The park setting itself adds to the ambiance, allowing you to imagine the estate in its original context. Be sure to check the mansion's tour schedule in advance, as it can be closed for private functions.Instagram

📸 Photographers & Drone Pilots

Mathews Park offers diverse photographic opportunities. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion is an iconic subject, especially during the golden hours for soft, dramatic lighting. The park's landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for portraits or scenic shots.Instagram

For drone pilots, Mathews Park has been a location for FPV freestyle flying, offering unique aerial perspectives.Instagram Always ensure you are aware of and adhere to any local drone regulations and park rules before flying. The 'Broadway in the Park' events also present dynamic subjects for event photography.Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion: A Gilded Age Gem

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is the crown jewel of Mathews Park, representing a significant piece of American Gilded Age history. This magnificent stone structure, built in 1868, showcases the opulence and architectural prowess of its era. Visitors can marvel at the intricate carved wood interiors, original furnishings, and the sheer scale of the estate.Reddit The restoration efforts have brought the mansion back to its former glory, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs.

Exploring the mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of its prominent former owners and the societal trends of the late 19th century. While tours are the primary way to experience the interior, the exterior itself is a breathtaking sight. You can walk around the entire house and get up close to appreciate the detailed stonework and design.Reddit It's a testament to the craftsmanship of the past and a valuable cultural asset for Norwalk.

It's important to note that the mansion may occasionally be closed for private events or renovations.Instagram Therefore, checking the official schedule for tour availability is highly recommended before planning your visit. The experience of stepping back in time within these historic walls is truly unique and rewarding.

Mathews Park: More Than Just a Mansion

While the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion is a major draw, Mathews Park itself offers a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages. The park features playgrounds that are a hit with families and young children, providing a space for them to run, climb, and play.Reddit For those interested in sports, there are dedicated sports areas within the park, catering to various activities.

The park also serves as a venue for community events, most notably 'Broadway in the Park.' These performances bring local talent and vibrant entertainment to the park, often featuring popular show tunes and themed productions.Instagram+1 These events create a lively atmosphere and offer a chance to enjoy outdoor performances in a beautiful setting.

For drone enthusiasts, certain areas of Mathews Park have been utilized for freestyle flying, showcasing impressive aerial maneuvers and bird's-eye views.Instagram It’s a testament to the park’s diverse appeal, accommodating both historical appreciation and modern recreational pursuits. Remember to be aware of park rules and regulations, especially concerning pets, as dogs are not permitted in the park.Reddit

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