Maymont and Carytown Walking Tour (Self Guided), Richmond

Maymont is to Richmond what Central Park is to New York. It includes a historic mansion, petting zoo, gardens, and wildlife, all near Carytown. The park is built on the property of a 19th-century Victorian estate. It covers over 100 acres down to the James River.

The house at Maymont was built in 1893 for James H. Dooley and his wife. Dooley was a local lawyer and philanthropist, and they willed their estate to the people of Richmond. The property includes more than 25 original buildings and structures. Most notable are the Carriage House, the Stone Barn, and the Water Tower. Smaller structures include the Dooley's mausoleum, bridges, gates, and various gazebos throughout the gardens. Styles range from Italian Neoclassical, rustic, and Victorian.

The grounds surrounding the estate have opulent themed gardens. There is also the Maymont Farm, with horse and cow pastures, and a petting zoo. There are also several habitats for native wildlife. The Robins Nature Center features exhibits on the ecology of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay, with over 30,000 gallons of aquariums.

Why You Should Visit:
Maymont was named as one of the top ten public spaces by the American Planning Association.

The grounds at Maymont are beautiful. The Japanese Garden, in particular, contains a koi pond and waterfall. There are numerous rock gardens and red maples. The Italian Garden has a pergola, fountains, and urns in the style of 16th-century classical gardens. More than 200 species of trees are included in the arboretum. In all, there are ten specialty gardens to explore. These spots are popular outdoor wedding venues.

Inside the Carriage House, you will find a collection of horse-drawn vehicles typical of a Virginia country estate from the turn of the last century. There are more than 20 vehicles that have been collected or donated.

The 12,000 square-foot mansion has never been occupied or altered since it was the Dooley's home. It's one of the best-preserved mansions in the country from the Gilded Age.

Tips:
There is a lot to see and do at Maymont, so you might want to plan several trips if you can. Tours of buildings are subject to availability, so check the Maymont website for updates.

The New Pump-House, also known as the Byrd Park Pump House, is a significant historical site located in Byrd Park, Richmond. Constructed between 1881 and 1883, this Victorian Gothic-style granite building is a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the late 19th century. Designed by Col. Wilfred Emory Cutshaw, a notable Richmond city engineer, the Pump House originally functioned as the central waterworks for Richmond, drawing water from the James River and the Kanawha Canal to supply the Byrd Park Reservoir.

The building’s design incorporates a steeply pitched roof, projecting gables, Gothic arches, and lancet windows, adding to its historical and aesthetic appeal. In 1905, a one-story, L-shaped annex was added, enhancing its functional space. Other significant structures on the property include the 1924 Hydro Electric Pumping Station in Beaux-Arts style and the 1881 Worthington Steam Pump Building, an Italianate-style construction, both contributing to the site's historical value.

Historically, the Pump House was not only a utility building but also a vibrant social hub. In its heyday, it featured an open-air dance floor on the top floor, above the pump room, where the community gathered for social events. This dual function highlights its importance both as an industrial and a cultural landmark.

Currently, the site offers more than just a glimpse into Richmond's past; it is surrounded by wooded trails, historic canals, granite canal locks, and an 18th-century archway commemorating George Washington's visit. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, the future of the Pump House looks promising with plans to transform it into a visitor's center for the park system or a museum dedicated to the James River.

Just southeast of Carytown, you'll find the 300-acre Byrd Park. This beautiful wide-open space features everything from walking trails to tennis courts. There's an amphitheater for live shows and lots of green space to stretch your legs and reconnect with nature.

One of the most prominent features of Byrd Park is the Virginia War Memorial Carillon. The tower is the Commonwealth's official memorial to the 3,700 men and women from the state who died in World War I. The monument was dedicated in 1932. It is a 240-foot tall Georgian-revival tower complete with 53 bronze bells. The carillonneur plays the instrument with a pedal keyboard located just below the bell chamber.

Along the river at Byrd Park, you'll find remains of the first canal system in the United States. Pump House Park contains trails and several historic sites related to the canal system, including two stone locks for canal boats and the Byrd Park Pump House. The pump house is an enormous and distinctive Victorian Gothic-style building was built in 1882. Check the James River Park website for more details about the canal and the pump house.

The Byrd Theatre in Richmond is a historical and cultural icon in the Carytown neighborhood. Opening its doors on December 24, 1928, the theater was named after William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond. Known affectionately as "Richmond’s Movie Palace," Byrd was one of the first cinemas designed for sound motion pictures, equipped with advanced sound systems including Vitaphone and Western Electric, during the transition from silent films to "talkies."

The architecture and design of the Byrd Theatre contribute significantly to its charm and historical significance. Designed by Fred Bishop in the French Empire style, the interior was elaborately decorated by Arthur Brunet Studios of New York. It features luxurious elements such as eleven Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers, Italian and Turkish marble, velvet drapes, and murals depicting Greek mythology. A standout feature is the 18-foot, two-and-a-half-ton chandelier over the auditorium, with 5,000 crystals illuminated by colored lights. The theater also includes innovative features from its time, like a central vacuum system and a natural spring in the basement used for air conditioning.

Today, the Byrd Theatre continues to be a center for cinematic and community engagement. It offers a diverse selection of films, from classics to cult favorites, organized around monthly themes. Family movies are shown on Saturday mornings, often beginning with a performance on the theater's original Mighty Wurlitzer organ, one of the few remaining in existence. This organ, with its custom-built console and intricate cabling system, adds a unique auditory experience that complements the visual splendor of the films shown.

The Byrd Theatre remains a vital part of Richmond's cultural landscape, hosting local film festivals and serving as a beloved venue for movie enthusiasts of all ages. Its preservation and continued use highlight its importance as not only a historical site but also a living piece of community heritage.

Richmond's Carytown is a revitalized art and entertainment district. You'll find dining, shopping, and nightlife options for every budget and style here. Southern Living named Carytown the Best Shopping Neighborhood in Virginia because there is just about every type of boutique shop imaginable here. You'll also find lots of local artists.

The area was opened in 1938 as Richmond's first strip shopping center. In about a one-mile stretch, there are over 230 shops and restaurants. Its central location near the Museum District and downtown means that this hip-spot is one of the most famous streets in town. The tiny shops and one-off restaurants and galleries give the area a small town village vibe—a challenging feat to pull off in a city as big as Richmond.

Significant attractions in Carytown include the Byrd Theater, Richmond's movie palace from the 1920s. Byrd Park and Maymont, outdoor parks with a variety of attractions, are nearby. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is also only a few blocks away.