Explore the unique 3-story mansion where author Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) lived with his family from 1874 to 1891. See the desk (in a billiards room) where Twain wrote his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.

The home’s  25 rooms across three floors are only shown by guided tour. Join historic interpreters on a 55 minute guided tour or 70 minute living history tour led by an actor portraying a member of the household. Meet the family and friends that shaped Mark Twain’s day to day life and celebrate the hardworking servants that kept the household running, ask questions face to face, and hear their stories in their own words.

Look for design motifs from Morocco‚ India‚ Japan‚ China and Turkey and bumblebee wallpaper in exotic first floor designed by Louis C. Tiffany & Co.‚ Associated Artists. Learn about the then-modern innovations like 1874 intercom systems and one of the first telephones in Hartford. See the nursery and school rooms of Twain’s fascinating daughters and hear stories about the author’s playfulness in the  Conservatory ie jungle and book-packed library.

Tours are limited capacity, advance purchase recommended.

Visit a rotating exhibits and see a 23-minute film by Ken Burns.in the modern part of the museum. Shop for books, toys and more Twain-inspired items in the lovely gift shop.

🍽 The Nook Café is open daily from 11 am to 3 pm.

❓ Monthly Get a Clue Tours use the various rooms (secret passageway, conservatory, billiards room, and more) — and some of the author’s favorite literary characters — as part of an immersive game.