Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate Reviews

Our recent trip to Kykuit was such a treat! Our guide, Karen, made the history behind the mansion come alive. I didn't expect to love it so much! This home of the Rockefellers defies expectations. It's not grandiose, but beautiful in oh so many ways. The art - when have you ever been this close to a Picasso, a Rodin, and a Toulouse Lautrec? - is distributed throughout this elegant home. The view from the windows overlooking the Hudson is truly magnificent as are the grounds. Thank you, Karen, for your warmth, humor and delight in sharing your knowledge about this marvelous place.

Beautiful home with gorgeous gardens even when nothing was in bloom (will come back in the spring). Our tour guide Linda was very informative and energetic. Incredible art pieces, and the barn with the old horse carriages and old cars were great to see!

We splurged and bought the grand tour ticket. So glad we did. We also booked the first tour of the morning and ended up with only 6 people in our group. Linda our tour guide was outstanding. She actually worked at Kykuit in the 1960's and had a lot of information and stories to share on the tour. The house and grounds are immaculate. Although a National Trust house today, this was a home in which the Rockefeller families actually lived. There is a lot of art to appreciate and the gardens and grounds were beautiful and pleasant to stroll through. The shuttle bus that drove us to the site from the ticket office was air conditioned, comfortable, and quick.

The tour is well organized. The shuttle ride is about 15 minutes, so the Classic tour, of 2 1/4 hours, is really 1 3/4 hours, which is plenty for the average person. In fact, I would have been fine skipping the auto barn. The docent was well-rehearsed, if not too friendly. I would not recommend for children, or for people with mobility issues.

In summary: beautiful home and grounds but the 3 hour Grand Tour was very frustrating, rushed at points while slow at others, aggressive policing of guest activities, and clear bias in how the Rockefeller family is presented.

Extremely controlling and nitpicky, very little freedom to actually see and absorb the art, landscape architecture and design. Rigidly timed and rushed during the highlights of the tour (the priceless modern art collection including a mad 5 minute dash through the entire gallery, and the main rooms in the home) while lots of time was spent walking and meandering to look at small, inconsequential things outside. The website nor ticket purchasing process is not clear or upfront about the “absolutely no photos inside” policy but the tour guides are sure to aggressively remind you at every chance they get, as if a 110 year old estate belonging to one of the most famous families in history that is open to tours is a massive and private secret that must be preserved at all costs. I’m a photographer so this was my main desire for even taking the tour and such a blanket rule is frustrating. For $60 you’d think you could get 5 minutes of peaceful enjoyment of the grounds and maybe one photo per room, but you do not. Lastly, you can very much tell the Rockefellers fund the organization giving the tours as the focus is on their amazing unimpeachable unquestionable taste and their endless goodwill and philanthropy (aka amassing ungodly amounts of wealth, buying lots of land, and then donating some of it so it can have their name on it and calling it a service to humanity). If you are looking for a reasonable, relaxed, historically accurate and balanced tour that allows you to enjoy your surroundings and maybe get a few photos, this is not it. Glad I saw the grounds but I could do without visiting again. I recommend staying on the Metro North up to Poughkeepsie and touring the FDR home and library instead.

The view from the Hudson the so wonderful. The home is pure history of the Rockefellers , the tour was very informative , and learned quite a lot about the family and how generous they have been with their wealth! A really nice tour, we did get our tickets ahead on the internet. they have a nice gift shop!!

We just did the Grand tour of the Kykuit Estate. The place was absolutely stunning. The 9 children with us (ages 8-17) said they loved the tour (albeit being 3 hours long). But I can see other children might get bored if they are not used to exploring museums and historic places.
Our group absolutely agreed that our guide, KATHLEEN B., made our tour extra special. She was very informative, and a wonderful story teller (I didn’t feel like I was listening ton a boring history classroom lecture). She gave us enough time to take in the scenes and beautiful surroundings, as well as time to take lots of pics- and I say tons. We didn’t feel hurried at all.

It’s definitely one of the places I would take our of town visitors to see. If we’re lucky enough, we might get Kathleen again.

Our tour guide was Charli, she was wonderful and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed our time with her. Thank you Charli! The estate was simply amazing. A beautiful house with amazing view and one of the best art collection. A must for art lover. We only wish we booked the "grand tour" instead of classic. Highly recommended!

In 1991 the late NY state governor donated this intact entire estate...house/contents, coach building, grounds , sculptures to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Now the visitor can view JDR's, John Jr.'s and Nelson's harmonious touches etc. House is quite modest. Views of the Hudson River Valley are awesome.Grounds are tasteful (The top of th hill was leveled.). Art collection exemplary. I was privileged to return. Do take the three hour tour and hopefully Carol will be your guide. She adores interactions with her guests. Reservations are needed as you are bused from the visitor center to the estate across private properties. .

This is a great house with a lot of fine art. I would recommend doing a bit of reading on the Rockefeller's first, to deepen the experience. One evening, they had a party, then stood and walked away, leaving the house and grounds for the public to enjoy.

I have toured a lot of mansions and castles in my life, and I think this might be my very favorite. The grounds and the setting are beautiful. The house is gorgeous and the artwork is impressive. Definitely worth seeing.
Make sure you don’t make the same mistake we did and drive directly to the house itself. You have to go to the visitor center and then they bus you to the property. Also, we did the classic tour which was great but we wished we had done the extended tour so that we would have been able to see the upstairs.

We made a very early start to catch the train heading out to Kykuit from NYC. The place was breath taking, the art collection is as good as any first class museum, the grounds are amazing with sculptures every where, and we were so happy we took the early tour. The tour for 2 1/2 hours was perfect. I have toured many mansions and Kykuit has the most fantastic art work of all. The tour guide was a delight and easy to listen to and had lots of stories to tell us.

The tour was very interesting and our tour guide Pam was fantastic. I was nervous after reading some of the reviews but she was great and encouraged questions. I didn't feel rushed at all. The grounds were beautiful. I am not much into art but it was ok to see. I wish I would have done the longest tour.

We visited in the Fall of 2019, but I guess I forgot to write a review when we got home. I've done a considerable amount of mansion tours over the past 30 years including in RI, but I think this may have been my favorite mansion tour on the east coast. The mansion was spectacular, the art collection was phenomenal but the gardens, grounds, sculpture art, views. . . just breathtaking!! I loved every moment, even the carriage house and large vehicle collection. I was only sorry that the children's playhouse was not available to tour. It's a little pricey to tour, but well worth it. I understand it was closed during Covid, so I would certainly make sure the place is open for tours again before going.

It was very interesting; the home is definitely more of the 3rd generation than the earlier ones, as a lot of the house was changed by Nelson R. I would recommend the Classic Tour, as the 3-hour Grand Tour was actually a bit long.

I took a late tour with a smaller group. It was interesting and the tour guide hit all subjects. There is no restroom available so be warned for a 90 minute tour. Also there is no water available once you leave the tour office, so take your own bottle.

I enjoyed the tour. I thought it to be a little overpriced considering, $28 per person. I felt it was overpriced, as we were not shown the entire house or property. There was a lovely tea room which you were permitted to just look in the window. I'd also suggest giving tourists an opportunity for a few minutes in certain locations of the tour to snap some photos before moving on. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable.
The house was beautiful, I enjoyed the views of the Hudson. If you are interested in art collections you will enjoy this tour.

The home is outstanding and the children's playhouse is outrageous. But the grounds are the real show stopper, between the views and the landscaping it is absolutely stunning. Overall, it is an overwhelming place to visit. I could not imagine having lived there. Het your tickets at the Phillipsburg Manor and take the shuttle from there.

We took the Classic Tour (2 1/4 hours). The tour included more topics of interest than expected including: history, politics, sculpture, modern art, Chinese antiquities, architecture, landscape, automobiles, horses, and philanthropy. The tour involves a short bus ride from the visitors' center while there probably are public bathrooms at the house, the guide didn't mention any and no one asked, so remember to use the bathroom at the visitors' center before you board the bus.

It is a beautiful estate that will make you gasp. Our group enjoyed having Kateri as our guide since she gave us so much useful information.

As part of a brief weekend tour of the Beautiful Hudson Valley in New York, we visited Kykuit. We were short on time, so we opted for the 90 minute abbreviated guided tour. We happened to be the only one's to book that time slot, so it was a private tour. Barbara, our guide, was extremely informative about the family, the house, and the grounds, including background on the many pieces of art. The view of the river and the Palisades is breath-taking. The eclectic collection of artwork includes sculpture, painting, and ceramics, especially from several different eras.
Highly recommended.

We've visited Biltmore, Hyde Park, The Breakers, Sunnyside, and many other notable mansions BUT for the first time, this large house and beautiful grounds felt inviting. Magnificent in so many ways: the art, the buildings, the garages filled with goodies and beautiful gardens. Our tour guide was from Brooklyn and was extremely knowledgeable, at home with the site and visitors, great sense of humor - one of the best we've experienced. This is a bucket list member for sure - enjoy.

Our tour guide K MacDonald was excellent. She had a depth of knowledge about the Rockefeller family, the estate including its art work. Answered all of our questions.

We visited on a beautiful Friday morning with the mansion dressed in Fall and Halloween splendor. We were lucky to have a small group of only about 12 people on our 2 1/4 hour classic tour. After meeting at the Phillipsburgh Manor Visitor Center, we took the 5-minute shuttle ride over to the Estate while learning a bit about the Rockefeller family.

The tour began on the portico steps with an introduction to the home's three generations of inhabitants and how it evolved over the years. We also admired the facade's architecture before turning our view towards the Hudson and the beautiful sculptures that had been placed along the grounds to highlight and play off the landscape.

Continuing inside the house, we admired the beautiful architecture of the rooms and how the way that the art was chosen and placed made the rooms come alive. We learned about changes over the course of the three generations lives there, and how the lived and entertained.

Going outside to the back gardens and pool areas, we marveled at the grounds and views and the strategically placed modern sculptures which only enhanced the classic forms of the gardens designs. From the rear you can see the house is much bigger than it appears from the front, as the elevation is such that you do not see the first two floors from the entrance, where you, in fact, enter from the third.

We then toured Nelson Rockefeller's indoor basement modern art gallery, especially liking the Calders and Picasso tapestries. There is just so much art to see here, one could easily spend hours alone in these galleries.

We also learned several secrets about the estate, that I will let you discover on your own and enjoyed our visit to the Coach House where a good variety of classic automobiles from the early 1900s until the 1960s are displayed.

Our tour guide, Lynda, was so knowledgeable and charming, and took time to answer all our questions and gave the tour and energy that made it feel like she was discovering all the beauty for the first time herself! She was one of the best guides we have ever had, and we have taken tours of classic homes and palaces all over the world.

We plan on returning to take a more extensive tour that would include the second floor rooms and the Japanese gardens. Not to be missed!

Our guide was Barbara for the Landmark Tour (the ground floor of the house and the surrounding gardens (a 2 1/4 hour tour). She was extremely knowledgeable about the original construction of the building, who acquired what art, and how the landscaping changed over the years. Family anecdotes helped us view it as a home, not the museum it is today.
A few comments - the tour was set at a brisk pace, and while we were in the house we could see and hear the groups before and behind us. As another reviewer mentioned, there wasn't much time for photos.
We heard so much information, it was hard to take it all in after an hour or so. I'd suggest having some shorter tour options, including one that included the upper floors of the house.

I went to Kykuit today with my parents and we had no idea what to expect! I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the house, the knowledge of our tour guide, and the pride that is still taken in the home. The grounds are exquisite, my mom is an avid gardener and this was special for her, the art is breathtaking, and the views.....can't beat em! I want to give a special shout-out to our tour guide Christina, she has been giving tours for 7 years and her passion was wonderful! She is so knowledgeable and patient with our questions, I would absolutely return and request a tour with her again! Please please visit, the Rockefeller family has done so much for many around the world, it is incredible to see how welcoming the home is in person. Money well-spent ❤️

The Rockefellers house was the most beautiful interesting place. I'm glad that we are able to see all the statues and paintings and their way of living.

Took the train out to Sleepy Hollow to go and tour Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate. Called that morning and was told that yes there were plenty of tours available. Got to the visitor center around 9am to find out that what they said on the phone was not true and there were no more tours available. There were several other disgruntled people dealing with the same situation. One couple had even been given the wrong directions and because of this they’re prepaid tour was already half over. The staff was not only unhelpful, they had an attitude of “too bad, we really don’t care”. Several people had travelled from out of state and were just out of luck as we were. We didn’t even get an “I’m sorry” from the staff. I don’t think they generally cared one way or another. Needless to say our day was ruined for that so instead we went to tour the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery which was pretty cool.

This was the Rockefeller estate. It was very large estate, very well-kept. The most impressive piece of what I saw there was the art collection. The rooms were filled with lots of furniture in just as the Rockefellers would have used while occupying the mansion, lots of elegant, expensive, unique pieces all over the house. I took the grand tour which was very informative. It covered lots of ground which included the gardens, the art collection, the carriage house, the main house covering different floors. The art collection included many different pieces a lot of Picasso’s (tapestries, paintings and metal work) and other famous artist but most of the collection was reproductions. Most of everything that was in the collection was modern art. However there was some renaissance art. The gardens were unique in the idea that they had lots of art that helped emphasize the gardens such as sculptures in other types of art forms one of the things that I thought was very interesting was a table and chairs that was in the form of mushrooms. Where the mansion was built was unique in the fact that everything was aligned artistically so looking out the windows you looked at the Hudson river over the tops of trees that made it look like a painting. Another thing that I found interesting was the different rooms that were very technically advanced for the period. The rooms had lighting that was not available to the average person. The mansion also had an intercom system in every room which connected directly to the domestic helps’ quarters which was close to kitchen.

Our guide Peter provided a lovely overview of Kykuit and the Rockefeller family. For a grand estate, it is very intimate and the art (a collection of classic and modern) provides a personal, fresh element. Parking is a bit confusing as the overflow parking lot was not obvious however on-street parking was available. Tour prices are not cheap but the tour was organized professionally and included transportation out to Kykuit.

We did the 2 1/2 hour tour and the house and artwork is just breathtaking. I've been to some of the houses in Newport, RI and I think the restraint and views of this house make it unique. I would echo what someone else said about making sure you're early so you have time to park and get to the visitor center without rushing for the bus that takes you to the house. Even when we went in early November the lower parking lot was almost full and tours were selling out.

Beautiful gardens and art, be sure to see the Picasso tapestries. the tour was a bit dull, too much about the names of the art and the artist, not enough about the art itself or the Rockefellers. A very pleasant morning.

The mansion, grounds, and views were spectacular. Unfortunately our tour guide was dull. You could barely hear her, especially outside, and she kept saying "OK?" after every other sentence. She had a lot of knowledge, but wasn't able to convey it in an exciting, entertaining manner. The rest of the group looked absolutely bored. And unlike most estates I've been to, they do not let you wander the grounds freely to take photos. You stay with the tour guide until you go back on the bus. Much too rigid for me. I'm glad I went, but I probably won't do it again.

Great experience with our tour guide Karen Zaslow. She gave an excellent overview of the grounds and also the history of the Rockefeller family. Great way to spend the afternoon in the Hudson Valley.
We did the 2hr classic tour.

Beautiful house and grounds. Normally I’m not a big fan of guided tours but this one very interesting, with a lot of history and family details. Overall great experience

The Rockefeller estate is beautiful and the Classic tour was very nice. The guides give a wonderful history of the family and the estate. The weather (rain) did put a damper on the grounds, but there is so much inside. The art gallery in the basement was amazing, especially the Picasso tapestries.

Went on a beautiful day in November for the classic tour of house and garden. The house is so very elegant and the tour interesting. Prepare yourself for some frustration because all the rooms are roped off so in some cases all you can do is peak inside or jostle with other tour guests for a peak. It's quite frustrating. It would have been nice to see a glimpse of the upstairs area but not possible on our tour. The views outside (assuming the weather is good) are incredible - hence the location of the house. It's well worth visiting and I would highly recommend it, but just be prepared for some frustration at not being able to take pictures or sometimes get to see everything.

My husband & I took the Time Saver tour which lasted 1 1/2 hours including the short shuttle rides to & from the estate. We bought our tickets on line & arrived at the center 1/2 hour before the tour where you check in & they give lanyards to wear during the tour. There is a nice gift shop & a coffee counter there. Our docent has been giving tours of Kykuit for 18 years. She was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic & friendly. She has personally met some of the Rockefeller family members as she has lived in the area for generations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is wonderful non-profit organization & we are happy to support their mission!

The site was wonderful. Our guide, Dana, was who made it extraordinary, by adding a background of detail and context that really brought the place to life. It was like walking through a documentary film of Rockefeller history.

Try to get a tour with Karen Zaslow- she is highly knowledgeable on all aspects of the tour and she is delightfully personable as well. Three hours of pure delight viewing the incredible home and gardens in this hidden gem. It's a must see, you will be spellbound. Art and beauty every step you take, in every direction you look.

Lots of history, beautiful art, furnishings and gardens, but we felt rushed doing a mandatory tour which did not cover everything.

We opted for the Classic 2 hours tour and you cannot go wrong with this level of tour. You get paired with a very knowledgeable guide (ours was Barbara) and you get to see the opulent main floor, sprawling gardens, the carriage house, and the art gallery on the first floor. Barbara was very thorough and engaging and we really enjoyed the comprehensive understanding she gave us of the Rockefeller family. As an art lover, I really appreciated the description of some of the pieces of art, how they were procured, and the meaning behind their placement among the rooms/gardens. A really enjoyable experience.

Had a wonderful retired gentleman as a tour guide. He was patient with all questions and certainly knew everything about the estate inside and out. Though the inside is magnificent, we enjoyed the gardens more.

We loved everything about this tour! My husband is from the area. He had took the opportunity for granted. He is so glad I wanted to do this so bad! It is a stunning estate and lots of details.

Visited Kykuit and took the "Classic" tour as others were already sold out for the day. The home, the grounds and the views were fantastic and well maintained. Also, we had a stop at the carriage house prior to returning to the visitors centers and saw an impressive collection of the Rockefeller's carriages and cars. The location itself is a 4/5 star venue, but I must say the tour organization was a bit disappointing. Our tour guide was very nice and information, but our tour did start later than scheduled due to a late bus pick up. After exiting the shuttle and before going into the mansion, the next tour had already arrived and was behind us waiting to start their tour, while the tour in front of us was still in sight of the first stop inside the home Our tour guide was very information, but we did have the feel of being a bit rushed and "herded" through the tour of rush and wait. There were other tour monitors at different points during the visit that curtly verbally asked guests to keep move along, assuming to make up time lost on the schedule. I guess we can chalk it up to a busy day and folks doing their best to manage a tight schedule. They do this day in and day out so I am sure most days run more smoothly. If you enjoy historical architecture (as well as the Rockefeller history) its a good place to put on your list to visit.

Wow! What an amazing place with a wonderful story. Our tour guide, Kateri Scott-MacDonald, knew everything about the Rockerfellers. We took the Grand Tour, and it was worth every penny. Our party would easily do the tour again because there was so much information given that there was no way to process it all.

If you will be in the Sleepy Hollow area and like history and art, then this is a must see. We took the classic tour and it was a very enjoyable experience. The explanations provided regarding the design and architecture of the mansion were spot on and the background of the various pieces of art was fascinating.

I loved our visit here. Nestled in a beautiful spot, Kykuit, is a beautiful place to visit. I loved learning about the Rockefeller family from our excellent tour guide. (Not sure if they’re all this good, but ours was.) Amazing grounds, lovely house, art gallery. Well organized tour. Only complaint was that we couldn’t linger on the grounds. Would love to return one day.

We took the Classic Tour (first floor and grounds) on a beautiful day in August. You must park at Phillipsburg Manor (and check in at the gift shop) and then take a shuttle and leave virtually everything behind; only the tiniest of purses or bags are allowed. Our tour guide Barbara was excellent -- she spoke extensively about the estate, multiple generations of the family, the art and the grounds without any notes! The two hours passed quickly with so many interesting and beautiful things to look at. We were lucky to have just 4 of us on the tour, which made it even nicer, as we could ask all the questions we wanted and had a front row view in every room. I downgraded my rating from 5 only because I would have really liked to wander the grounds a bit after the tour or just stand on the terrace and admire the view, but this was not permitted, as everyone had to return together on the shuttle. Overall a lovely afternoon full of history and beauty.

We spent an amazing few hours visiting this beautiful Rockefeller estate. Our guide Linda - who used to work for the family, gave us a wonderful and very interesting tour- full of amusing anecdotes of the times when she worked there. The house, gardens and grounds were beautiful as well as the fabulous art collection. My only criticism was that we were rushed through the house and grounds - we were not left anytime to appreciate the works of art or the spectacular view of the Hudson. I felt that we were on a conveyor belt. However, it is definitely worth a visit!

I took your magnificent Grand Tour a few weeks ago. Our guide, Brian, was superb in every way. All was wonderful until the end, when we were faced with the giant Black Lives Matter mural in the car garage. As Brian explained, John D.'s wife was active in social equality, which was terrific. But to have the BLM mural and a Critical Race Theory poem, which derided people with white skin, in the car garage was highly inappropriate and disappointing. They removed us visitors from the estate's beauty and time period and threw us into today's specific politics and social issues. It tainted the tour for me, and I overheard others in my group say the same.

My wife and I had tickets bought online for the two-hour "Classic Tour," which was wonderful -- but we wished we had more time to visit the gardens, especially the Rose Garden. Please, Hudson Historic, take less time at the coach/car barn, and less time at the entrance -- we could have done without the photos of the Rockefellers being displayed one at a time. Also, given that most in our party were 65+, the house and gardens need somewhere to sit other than the occasional stepstool-like chairs a foot above the floor in the art rooms.

This was my 2nd guided tour of Kykuit in 6 months. Each time I did the Classic tour. The docents are well trained and knowledgeable. The tours are precisely organized for groups every 15 minutes. The tour is 2.5 hours of the first Floor of the home in the lower level which is an art gallery designed by Nelson Rockefeller. It is extremely impressive! The grounds are spectacular as well. The bus takes you back on the shuttle To tour the former stables/carriage/cars Building.

Tour guide was wonderful. Site and grounds were amazing, but they don't let you see the area of property. I think they should shuttle you around the grounds for the $40 ticket. The house is amazing but the tour is very tightly controlled. It is probable because it is very easy to damage or steal valuable items.

This is a wonderful stop along the Hudson Valley. The three-hour tour of the two floors and the grounds is worth doing. They do move you a bit quickly but doesn't feel very long. The history of the Rockefeller's and what they did for the USA - and world - is important to remember. The grounds are just beautiful.

Make sure you buy your ticket BEFORE you go as they are timed and numbers limited.

Saw this estate from afar and it looked magnificent! Would love to go back and tour the house and gardens on my next trip.

We chose the classic 2 hour tour which concentrates on the the art, sculptures and lower level of the mansion and grounds. Our guide was quite knowledgeable about the estate and the family. It was a rainy, cool, overcast day but it did not deter from the spectacular views this property offered.

The Rockefeller's home and estate is so beautiful, it is hard to even fathom how it all came to be. If you take this tour, you will see exquisite sites inside and out, learn fascinating facts about the history of the family, home, and era, and get to see unbelievable architecture, gardens, period furniture, and art. It is a walking tour inside and outside of the house and there are some steps to navigate, but overall, not very strenuous. We took a "classic" tour which included the house, art gallery in the basement, gardens, and the horse stables which also housed an extensive horse buggy/carriage and car collection. This should definitely should be on your to-visit list while in the area!

Wonderful to visit Kykuit because of it’s beauty, grace and Hudson River View’s which we’re spectacular. We took the 2 hour tour and found it perfect! GO....

Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate is an absolutely gorgeous destination that features a beautifully designed Classic Revival Georgian Style mansion and a prolific collection of breathtaking gardens and statues.

The mansion was designed by pioneering architects, Chester Holmes Aldrich and Williams Adams Delano while the gardens and grounds were designed by renowned architect, William W Bosworth.

Located in Sleepy Hollow, New York and fully constructed in 1913, Kykuit served as the principal residence for four generations of the Rockefeller Family, a leading industrial, influential and philanthropic family, and owners of one of the world’s largest fortune.

The home was first occupied by family patriarch, John D. Rockefeller Sr. a highly prominent 19th & 20th Century industrialist & philanthropist & founder of Standard Oil, followed by his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr. a successful 20th Century financier and philanthropist. Following Jr’s death in 1960, the home would later get owned and occupied by Nelson Rockefeller, a multi-term NY Governor and Vice President under Gerald Ford and his spouse, Happy Rockefeller along with their children. In accordance with Governor Rockefeller’s will, the estate was bequeathed to the National Trust For Historic Preservation. Today, the estate is open to the public for tours conducted by the Historic Hudson Valley.

In August of 2025, on a beautiful sunny day on Sunday, I brought and treated my wife and myself for the guided “Grand Tour” of Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate and we very much enjoyed every moment of our tour experience!!!

We highly recommend the “Grand Tour” because you’ll obtain additional time on viewing the artwork and gardens as well as the opportunity to visit and explore the mansion’s second floor.

When visiting and touring Kykuit, both my wife and I were immediately captivated by the awe inspiring mansion, particularly the well crafted wisteria that covers its exterior facade. We also enjoyed the scenic views of the estate’s landscape and the Hudson River, the stunning collection of art and antiques, which include pieces by Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Picasso. We also had fun exploring the estate’s diverse and magnificent gardens.

Our tour guide was a consummate professional and did a brilliant job on enlightening us on the great success and immense contributions of the Rockefeller Family. She discussed the history of Kykuit and its various occupants, pinpointed the estate’s vast collection of art and antiques,and provided us with multiple opportunities to take pictures of the estate’s landscape and examine its various treasures.

Due to its rich heritage and distinct architectural and landscape features, Kykuit is listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places and was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Kykuit is unquestionably a testament of the incredible power and wealth of the Rockefeller Family and their deep love and fascination for both art, nature and outdoor scenery.

Both my wife and I highly recommend that everyone take the time to visit and explore this outstanding historic landmark!!!

We enjoyed the grand tour of the Rockefeller estate yesterday. We saw many beautiful vistas, lots of art and sculpture and a mansion from the past.
We took the 3PM tour with Christina and she covered everything. She was a lovely host to a very interesting property.

Even though I visited on a rainy day, it did not dampen the beauty of the gardens and the home.
The gardens are formal and full of amazing sculptures. It’s stunning! The views of the Hudson River are spectacular!
The staff are friendly and informative. The site is full of history and intrigue.
Don’t miss!

It is recommended to travel to add culture, knowledge, add the biography and bibliography of the Rockefeller family's place of origin along with their past, present and future...

The Rockefeller estate nestled in the Hudson Valley offers spectacular views of the area. After getting our tickets at Phillipsburg Manor the tour bus brought us to Kykuit. Our tour guide, Carol, provided an excellent description of each part of the tour, regaling us with delightful stories about the Rockefellers. She really brought the history of this gem to life!!! The grounds are full of beautiful gardens, sculpture, fountains, and spectacular views!!! What a delightful way to spend a day!! We took the Classic Tour but would take the Grand Tour next time.

I toured Kykuit (Rockefeller estate) on a recent trip to the Hudson Valley Region. The tour focused on 3 generations of the Rockefeller family - John D., John D. Jr (referred to as "Junior" during our tour) and Nelson (who was a governor of NY as well as a US Vice President). We toured the house (first floor and basement/art gallery), the gardens and the auto barn. The guide was well informed and gave us a view of changes in lifestyles according to the generation inhabiting the mansion. I also discovered that Nelson had a sense of whimsy that was evident as several points during the house tour. For instance, the area that houses the art gallery was where the children once road their bikes - one of the sculptures Nelson selected for the gallery is, what else? - a cyclist. I enjoyed the art gallery (preferring some works of art much more than others); this was a high point of the house tour for me. The grounds/sculpture garden are lovely. The only damper on the tour was the torrential downpour that hit just when we entered the outdoor area. So much for the views of the Hudson. Guess I have to travel back some time when skies are sunnier.

The tours start at the visitors center (for Philipsburg Manor) in Sleepy Hallow (where you can purchase tickets) and from there you take a shuttle to the estate. You cannot carry large items on the shuttle - rather, the visitors center has free lockers to hold your valuables until your return. No photos are permitted within the house - just on the grounds. Likewise, you can't carry your umbrella with you into the house (you check them at the door). They do furnish you with site umbrellas to use during the outdoor portions of the tour in the event of inclement.weather. There is a nice gift shop at the visitors center and food options. The website for the estate indicates that it will be closing within a few days and not open until spring - it may be too late to plan a visit for this year but Kykuit is worth the stop if you are in the area next spring or later.

My husband and I had Grand Tour on Saturday afternoon in August. It took almost 3 hours, and it totally worth it. it is too sunny and hot outside, but we still really enjoyed every bit of tour. I highly recommend this tour.

Make sure you put visitor center address in your navigation, not Kykuit. You will be there in Shuttle bus from visitor center.

There are many tours to take, we did the "classic" which was a little over 2 hours. You see the house, art gallery, grounds, and car/stables. Our tour guide Carol was superb. It is a fascinating place and ironic how the Baptist Rockefellers "toned it down" compared to others of the Gilded Age. Hopefully they will open the "play house" to tours at some point, that would be worth going back for.

I've been planning to visit for awhile and I'm so glad I finally did! Our tour guide was outstanding and gave a really lively and informative tour. There is so much to see between the house, gardens and carriage house. There is so much to see between the art, architecture and the history. This is well worth it. If it's not on your to do list, it should be!

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Kykuit. You definitely should order your tickets online to ensure your tour is locked in. We chose to do the Classic tour which is about 2 1/2 hours but definitely a good tour. It was perfect for us, not too long but plenty long enough to give us a great taste for the Rockefeller family and their mansion.
The tour was very informative, our guide was Laura who actually lived on the premises for a while and actually came in contact with the family as a little girl. Her stories were so intimate and helped to bring the tour to life. Be warned, the tour could get a bit warm, no AC while on the top floors, so if it is hot be prepared to sweat but not a big deal. The grounds are so beautiful. The art and sculptures all throughout the home and grounds are amazing. I highly recommend a visit to this place, you won't be disappointed. We took our 5 year old grandson and he absolutely loved it, Laura was great in engaging with him and ensuring he had fun while we toured the Home. Nice touch!
The one complaint I had was the souvenir shop which unfortunately had very little options. We love to purchase mementos of the places we visit and the options were slim to none. Regardless we loved the tour and highly recommend it.

The grounds were beautiful and well manicured. The house tour was very interesting. Lots of history in our own backyard. Would definitely recommend you take the tour.

I had looked forward to visiting Kykuit primarily because the gardens looked spectacular from what I had seen online. You have to take a tour of the house to finally see the gardens. We took the shorter tour option. We went on the day when the temps were in the upper 70s, but humid. This was the main problem. There is no air conditioning in the house, and no windows were open. There were a couple of inadequate oscillating fans going. The rooms were smaller than you might expect, so all these factors combined made the house feel stifling and it got to the point where I couldn't wait to get out of there. Once in the garden, I felt like it was ok. We had to stay with the group and we didn't end up seeing some things that would have been interesting. I know a lot of people love this tour. It definitely would have been a more positive experience on a cooler day, or if they had found a way to make the house more comfortable. They tell you in advance there's no air conditioning but there should have been a way to get better airflow in there.
Compared to other tours I have taken of historic homes, this was not as enjoyable.

Returned to Kykuit for the Grand Tour, having visted twice before but many years ago. Again was struck by the beauty, ingenuity, and unique character of this extraordinary Hudson River Valley property. The architecture; art collections, both indoors and out; and landscaping are exceptional for their quality and thoughtfulness. Everything is beautifully maintained. All of this was brought to our attention by Priscilla, certainly the very best tour guide I have had over the years there. Her knowledge of Kykuit's history, its collections, and its inhabitants is delivered in a vibrant and delightful manner. She is a great story teller. As you well know, the guide makes or breaks the tour, and Priscilla makes this tour. A wonderful experience in every way.

This was excellent. The information about the generations of Rockefellers was fascinating. They were a VERY philanthropic family. This should be a definite visit if you are coming to Eastern NY. If you love modern art, this is a show in addition to the spectacular estate.

We decided to take the classic tour of Kykuit & were glad we went! To say the house & landscape were beautiful is an understatement. The view off the back porch/patio is unbelievable! The history that we learned regarding the Rockefeller’s was very interesting. Highly recommended tour!

Kykuit (pronounced KAI-CUT) is a former Rockefeller estate in Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County of New York. Three generations of Rockefellers lived here from the founder of Standard Oil (John D. Rockefeller) to Nelson Rockefeller, 3 term governor of New York and former vice president under President Ford.
Historic Hudson Valley offers tours of differing lengths, depending on how much time you want to spend: Selected Highlights 90 minutes $25, Classic Tour 2 hrs 15 mins $45, and the Grand Tour 3 hours $65. Check it out and book at hudsonvalley.org.
We took the Grand Tour and saw two floors of the mansion, the grounds and gardens, the art gallery, and the car barn where they keep the vintage cars and horse carriages. Our tour guide was Barbara Eckel, who was very knowledgeable.
We highly recommend the Grand Tour but just know that it is a long one so if you have young children, this may not be the tour for them. Also, try to book the early tours because there are many tours and they have to coordinate various groups moving through the house.

6.17.18 Awesome tour with intelligent incite and humor on the 3 generations of Rockefeller families that lived at the estate. Incredible views of the valley and river below. Brilliant art and design of gardens and home. Tom Gordon our tour guide was great and had provided a tour that morning to Rockefeller family members that were vista the play house. Such a great experience can't wait for our next visit! Highly recommended!!!

We've toured numerous mansions, and this one was our FAVORITE. We took the "Classic Tour" which we highly recommend. There's a LOT of walking, but the place is so breathtaking that it's worth it. Think that it was a 3-hr tour. Dress comfortably!!!! Sneakers / walking shoes a must. Patti & Anthony (Wallington, NJ)

We took the Classic Tour last week. Our tour guide (Madeline?) was excellent, with lots of interesting information about the estate and the Rockefellers. There is so much art to see on the grounds, on the walls, and in the basement gallery. It would be impossible to point out every piece on the tour, but she was able to knowledgeably answer questions about any art that wasn't part of her presentation.

The view of the Hudson is magnificent. The weather forecast wasn't good, but we lucked out - heavy rain while were in the house, partly sunny/cloudy in the garden part of the tour, then rain again at the end. Even with the overcast sky, the grounds and view were beautiful.

I would have liked a little more time in the art gallery and the garden, which is included in the Grand Tour and Landmark Tour, so next time!

We were touring mansions and historical sites in NY and PA and were glad to tour this estate. In some ways, it was the most impressive of all we saw. We enjoyed the most informative (shortest) tour of the house and grounds. The day we visited, it rained but staff provided umbrellas to everyone for use throughout the tour which included outdoor walkways and some gardens.
The guide had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Rockefeller family, the building of this mansion, and particularly the extensive art on display throughout the house and gardens. The guide did a fantastic job of providing historical context of the Rockefeller family, their values, and the construction and uses of the mansion prior to it becoming a historical destination. He was amazing.
Compared to some mansions of the Gilded Age, this was a real home of understated elegance, refinement and real family life. The gardens were the best among all others we toured. The art, both in the home and the gardens, was unrivaled among the other mansions toured. This place is one that whets the appetite to learn more about the era and the people who built it and lived here. Highly recommended and well worth the tour price.

Beautiful landscape and vistas. Incredible art. Fascinating antique and classic car collection. Excellent guide (Brian).

I have been to the Rockefeller Estate three times now, each time experience something new and wonderful. I have been on the Classic Tour (which includes the extensive basement art gallery & the coach barn with it's carriages & antique car collection), the Landmark Tour (which focuses on the house, the beautiful gardens and outdoor sculptures) AND the Grand Tour (which is the Classic Tour PLUS a rare visit to the 2nd floor bedrooms, and in our case, the seldom shown "Stone Grotto" at the end of the art galleries)

I highly recommend the Grand Tour, although it doesn't run as many times a day, it is well worth the small up-tick in price and fewer scheduled times. Even the bus-ride into the property is wonderful, as you pass many of the larger garden sculptures spread throughout the estate property away from the mansion itself. The underground art gallery contains many periods of art, from 1960's pop to the only Picasso tapestries in the world. The gardens are amazing, and include the Temples of Venus and Aphrodite, The Tearoom, the Fountain of Poseidon, and outstanding views of Hudson Valley and the Hudson river.

If you love art & sculpture, historic homes & mansions, or beautiful English gardens, there is something for everyone.

we thought the mansion was great. Lots of history and items the family had purchased. The house was well used and lived in making it a great hose to visit. The tour guide lingered a bit much in rooms. Would be more ideal to see more rooms and grounds in a little less detail as this was the time saver tour.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was entirely correct: "The rich are different from you and me". A visit to Kykuit will prove him correct. Built by J.D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, as a weekend/winter getaway, Kykuit sits on 250 of the 3500-pristine acre estate in the Lower Hudson Valley town of Pocantico Hills. The house is a National Historic Site so designated by President Ford in 1976. The history of the estate intertwined with the history of the Rockefellers makes for a fascinating afternoon.

We took the 1 1/2 hour tour and it was plenty for us. We didn't get to see all the rooms, but the guide was very knowledgeable and we saw the bottom floor and the gardens. It is impressive but not ostentatious like the Newport mansions in Rhode Island. Good time if you like history and great views! (One note - can get very chilly because of the breezes!)

I live in the area but had never visited. The tour, the art, and the historical prospective offered by our extremely knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide made this visit well worth it.

Apparently, though the Rockefellers were wealthy, they were not "showy" people due to their religious upbringing. The house and grounds are lovely. Our guide, Linda, was a former employee and gave us a lot of personal info as well as general facts about the family. Beautiful artwork and sculptures in and out. We took the classis 2.25 hr tour, which was nice. Would maybe go for a longer tour if we decide to visit again.

Beautiful estate with lush gardens. I thought enough time was given on my Classic tour to appreciate most areas. It was nice that we went outside in-between different areas - saw the gardens and sculptures before visiting the art gallery in the basement. I hadn't noticed that we were to visit the coach house which was interesting but my main focus was on the house itself.

Wow! What an amazing experience visiting Kykuit: The Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow. Originally built by John D. Rockefeller the mansion is amazing, the indoor and outdoor artwork is amazing, and the grounds are amazing. I took the three-hour Grand Tour, instead of the one hour or two hour tours, so I saw all that you can see. Mark, the tour guide was amazing. He knew the titles of all the artworks and the artists. Nelson Rockefeller's art gallery is mind blowing. Fantastic views of the Hudson River. Be prepared for climbing up and down many, many steps both inside and outside. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited in the mansion.

I grew up in the area and always wondered what was :"Back There". Finally got to see. WOW! Gives a good insight into the family. Very understated for their wealth compared to their peers. Amazing views of the Hudson. Handicapped friendly and very accommodating!!

Buy tickets online to get tour appointment. We went on the 12:50pm 1h30m quick tour (home and small garden only) for $28 adult; $26 child. Park car at visitors Center to take the shuttle to the home.

No photos allowed inside the house. Lots of Asian art from 9th century China, Japan... lots of sculptures in the garden. Very interesting!

This was my very first AAA tour with a group. We did the 2 1/4 hour tour. Kathy Burke was our personal tour guide at the estate. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the Rockefellers. We were not allowed to take pictures while inside the home; but, we could take as many as we wanted of the house and the grounds. The art work was phenomenal. The other building we toured, housed automobiles and carriages. That was an extra treat of the tour. Kathy did a great job. You park at the Phillipsburg Manor parking lot and take a shuttle over to the estate.

I had an outstanding experience on my first visit to this site, mostly thanks to our guide, Karen Z. She was extremely knowledgeable, pleasant and committed to making our experience fabulous. She answered all of our questions, interjected interesting facts and made an effort to connect with each one of us. The estate is beautiful, the views from it are stunning and everyone with whom I came in contact was very pleasant and efficient. Many thanks to all and a ton of gratitude to Karen!

Went for the 2nd time to John D Rockefeller's estate, Kykuit. As the docent explained JDR wanted to build a house to a scale where the people living in the house were comfortable. The piece of property is what one would expect from a man that at the time was the richest man in the world. The house unlike the Newport Mansions is not out of scale or gaudy. Terrific art collection and beautiful landscaped grounds. Definetly worth the time to visit.
Just beautiful!

Timely booking is necessary. We booked the tour “Selected Highlights” 1.5 h incl. Access by shuttle bus from Sleepy Hollow / for children from 10 years.

The name of the house “Kykuit” means view – the house is located 40 km north of N.Y. on a 101 hectare estate. The Neoclassical style house was built in 1913 by John d. Rockefeller's family. It has 40 rooms on three floors and two basements. In the 3. The staff lived on the 4th floor. The guest rooms were on the first floor. Many of the family's rooms are connected by hidden corridors and supply tunnels. One luxury Rockefeller indulged in was "ringing in every room" to call for staff. Our guided tour included visiting the ground floor as well as the fine garden with many sculptures, beautiful trees/plants and various terraces. On the ground floor there is a lot of art in the rooms and little stories about the family that the tour guide tells. The house was renovated and modernized in 1995.

An interesting guided tour – photos are allowed outdoors.

My mom and I went on a tour here and enjoyed it. We weren't very much into the art they had but we loved the outside scenery and took a lot of pictures of the outside. I would recommend it if you are in the area.

We took the 3 + hour tour and our guide, Madeline aka Susie if it was a bad review which it’s not, she told us a lot about the history of those that lived here. It not a huge mansion, more like a Newport Cottage in size and more informal. Worth seeing though. The grounds are the highlight with all the statutes everywhere plus the gallery as well. I recommend going. You learn a lot about the family which has always been somewhat of a mystery. Enjoy.....

Our guide Ginger was outstanding. Visited on busy downtown fall festival day but it didn’t lessen how awesome this visit was. Did the grande tour. A lot of walking. Wouldn’t recommend for handicap or elderly as we covered a lot ground inside and outside. Lots of history and Ginger was a wealth of knowledge. Be sure to use restroom in Phillips Manor as it will be at the 3 hour mark when you have access to a restroom in the carriage barn. Tips: comfortable shoes, layered clothing as 1/2 inside and 1/2 outside . No indoor photos permitted. Allowed to bring a water bottle only. No food or restaurant at Kykuit. Have a great time.

Fantastic! Great grand tour with guide Peter! Loved the detail and it was an interesting tour.

The name of this estate is derived from a Dutch word meaning lookout, or the highest point in the area. For sure it is a high point AND a highlight. We took the classic tour, which was quite comprehensive, but there are several other tours to suit everyone's plan for their day.

We began with a problem - their record of the time of our reservation did not agree with our confirmed time. When they realized their mistake, they quickly got busy to fit all 8 of us into a tour. No small feat, since everything was booked solid on this day. They got us into a shuttle bus, arranged for a private tour guide just for our small group and we got a few extras. Superb customer service - all with a smile.

Our guide was Krystie, who was excellent and had good command of the subject matter. A wealth of information spoken quite naturally and nothing from a script.

The mansion, the multi-million dollar art gallery, antique cars, the golf room, beautiful gardens and the magnificent views from every angle. This is wealth! Who knew that Nelson Rockefeller had such a keen eye and a sneaky sense of humor to use in deciding where to place the many sculptures and art work inside and out. Krystie spoke fluently about every aspect of our tour.

Definitely worth your time to visit Kykuit when you're near Sleepy Hollow.

Expensive guided tour. Beautiful grandiouse hobby mansioun for the .001 % Im glad our country makes this posible.

Very beautiful place. Amazing landscape, beautiful art and architecture, and a true historical place. A good complement when visiting NY City. The guided tour is excellent.

Kykuit tour was super worth it. An amazing property with so many interesting things. We ended up having a group of 4 so it was actually great especially with Nancy as our tour guide. She was phenomenal and made this a must do event in Sleepy Hollow. Thanks Nancy:)

Went here on Sunday afternoon and took the Classic tour which lasted about 2-1/2 hours. Our guide, Jean, was great and left nothing out. We caught a bus from the Visitor’s Center at 11:40 for the 11:45 tour. The gardens and grounds are well-maintained by only three gardeners, and at this time of year, there wasn’t too much blooming but things had started. The view from the back of the house out to the Hudson is itself worth the tour. The house contains many Rockefeller personal items such as furniture, Vice Presidential China and several objets d’art. Nelson Rockefeller was very much interested in modern art, and the “man cave” is loaded with original pieces, including several Picasso tapestries, an urn and a couple of paintings. A lot of the pieces from the family’s collections have been donated to museums, etc, but there is still plenty here. You can take a longer tour that includes some of the second floor, but we were satisfied with the Classic tour. It begins and ends at the Visitor’s Center where there is a wonderful shop and something to eat if you want. I highly recommend Kykuit if you are in the area.

Kykuit was absolutely amazing. There were six of us on the grand tour, which included the house, a large expanse of the gardens, and the "man cave" of incredible art that Nelson R amassed. Oh, and the coach buildings were included as well, full of vintage coaches and cars. Three hours total. Our guide, Janet, was fabulous and highly knowledgeable. Thanks for a wonderful tour!

We were so disappointed with pretty much most of the Hudson Valley from Sleepy Hollow through FDR, Vanderbilt, ValKill, Culinary Institute of America. Everything is CLOSED. Everything. We came from Philadelphia where its now 100% open. Cape May New Jersey and Wildwood - all open. Traveled to Connecticut and up through Maine - OPEN. What is going in in Upsate New York??? What a wasted 300 miles.

It’s a beautiful manor . You need tickets for entrance and it’s always guided . Not at your when pace. Beautiful gardens and you go through the house seeing how the day to day living was and their decor which included some pieces by Picasso .you park at philipsburg and they shuttle you to the manor . Overall would do it again I think it was about 1.5-2 hr of walking .

We took the three hour Grand Tour and really enjoyed it and wished that we could have spend three more hours! The home was build in 1913 for John D. Rockefeller. The home and grounds and gardens are simply overwhelming and filled with beautiful art. Our guide was Karen, who must have a background in art history. She explained the rooms and the art that filled the house and gardens and answered our questions about the family. If you like history and art, and grand mansions, you should visit this home. It is truly one of America's Castles. I am so glad that it has been preserved and opened to the public. I can't wait to go back again.

We had a Grand Tour of the house and ground which included the second floor. The views are spectacular and the Andy Warhol painting of Nelson is not to be missed. The final room off of the basement was my favorite. (We accidentally went through the doors behind the tapestry of the girl with the madolin) The hidden tv set among the bookshelves was interesting too. But don't miss the gift shop treasures while waiting to board your tour bus! The ladies there are very helpful and kind.

Best tour experience in a long time. 2 1/2 hours of new information, visual beauty and seeing the intersection between art and home. The gifts of the Rockefeller family are to be cherished. Must visit.

Spent an afternoon touring the Rockerfeller home named "Kykuit", meaning "lookout, perched high above the Hudson River. Junior and Nelson Rockerfeller.were avid art collectors and the home is filled with Chinese porcelains, portraits of presidents and a vast array of modern art. The grounds are lovely and sculpture abounds. The nearby coach house has some outstanding horse drawn carriages and motor vehicles from the 1920s to 1960s. Tour guides offer insights and answer any questions. Highly recommended.

Amazing place year round. The views of the Hudson and the Palisades are spectacular any time, and somewhat more grand in the winter when the leaves are down. Though of course the gardens and grounds are resplendent and full in the summer. Still, the interior is beautiful and well designed and the "museum" of modern art, where the Rockefellers started thinking about the MoMA is terrific. Terrific garage with ancient cars also a draw.

We took the grand tour and did not regret it, even though the chilly rainy weather took away from touring the beautiful gardens. The house is beautiful, but not overwhelming - a great mix of a museum and a family home. The Chinese porcelain collection is very impressive. I would like to find a book or more online materials about it, but have not been successful so far.
The only thing unfortunate for us was the abundance of modern "art", but, if that is something you value, it will be another plus during your visit. There were, thankfully, more traditional art pieces in the house that we could appreciate and enjoy.
I wish tours of just the gardens were available as well.
We definitely recommend a Kykuit tour.

There are a few tours to select from when going to this location. Look them up and pick which one is best for you. The house and grounds are pretty great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and it was a very interesting tour. Its like a museum, so its not a face paced high energy type of tour. if you're into history and want to kill a few hours, I recommend giving it a try.

When I went, a shuttle bus picked you up at the Philipsburg manor location and shuttled you to the estate. I booked online through Hudsonvalley.org

We lucked into a phenomenal tour guide, Laura Greenberg - ask for her! We arrived in torrential rain, and part of the tour was of the gardens and grounds. The staff provided us with umbrellas, and Laura made sure the weather did not interfere with our enjoyment of this beautiful mansion, the art inside and out, and our appreciation of the stories and contributions of the Rockefeller family. We took the time-saver tour - 1 1/2 hours - which was the right choice on a rainy day, but we would be interested in returning - as long as we could nab Laura again!

I love touring old homes and this place is amazing. Both the home and the gardens are exceptional. The Rockefellers were art collectors and much of their collection is on display. The views are awe inspiring. The tour is well run with a bus from the visitor center and knowledgable guides. There is a short version of the tour covering only the main floor of the mansion and a longer version that adds the grounds, outbuildings, and upstairs of the main house. If stairs are an issue, one can do the shorter tour and still have a nice taste of the life of the "rich and famous".

Did the grand tour and loved it. Beautiful house with unbelievable views of the palisades. The tour guide was great and took us through the main house the grounds and the coach house. A nice change in pace while in New York.

My husband and I took a small group tour with our guide,Maura Bohan. Her enthusiasm for the property was infectious. She paced our tour very well, giving about as much information as one could absorb in 2 hours. We found ourselves really appreciating the Rockefeller legacy. They were and are great philanthropists and patrons of the arts.They are a true American treasure-a fine example of "Noblesse Oblige".
There are great views of the surrounding area and wonderful photo opportunities at this property.

We had a group of 20+ taking the classic tour with Bonnie in May, it was the best guided tour I have ever had. She spoke very clearly, and informative that I learned a lot about the Rockefeller family history, their life philosophies, and philanthropy. It was a memorable trip.

I hate to say things like this but Kykuit is one of the few reasons to visit Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown. The towns themselves are not all that remarkable. I hear Sleepy Hollow is great to visit during Halloween so we may do that one day. Nonetheless, we wanted to check out Kykuit on a day trip and it was worth it. We bought 2 classic tours for 10AM on a Saturday morning in July and it was a great tour. We go to town past 9AM and got coffee before grabbing an Uber to the welcome center. We were the last to get there and got there literally 5 minutes before the tour bus took off. DON'T BE LATE as the bus will take off on time. A short 10 minute ride and you get to Kykuit with your tour group and your tour guide. Our guy was great - sorry I forgot his name as I'm writing this review late. We took an approx. 1 and a half hour tour through the building, going downstairs to see the modern art collection, outside to see the unbelievably kept grounds and through the garage. You see tons of interesting things like a part of the Rockefeller's china collection, more than a few of their modern arts works, the grounds, the (at the time) high tech kitchen and the garage which has about 10 very classic cars in it. At 56 bucks for 2 classic tour admissions, this ain't cheap but worth it.

Loved visiting this house. You can get firsthand experience at how the Rockefeller's used to live. Things were adapted to visitors, but you see all their furniture, paintings and sculptures, china. It's beautiful, and really well organized. I wish we could see around the property some more, but since the family still owns some of the surrounding buildings, you can't wander around. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained a lot about the family history!

Wonderful immersion in guilded age and the legends of the Rockefellers! Our guide Mark was a wealth of knowledge about both the property and family. Had lots of insights that made the people come alive and helped us see their home through their eyes. Beautiful place inside and out. Take the longest tour you can!

A guide makes all the difference in the world. And we got lucky with Priscilla, our Kykuit Classic Tour Guide. She was knowledgeable, articulate and charming.

We opted for the Classic Tour because we were very interested in the art collection, a highlight of this tour, and less interested in the gardens. And we were not disappointed because there is lots to see and Priscilla knew her stuff.

No photography is permitted inside the mansion but there are many outdoor sculptures, most of which were positioned by Nelson (see photos).

Another highlight of this tour is a walk through the stable and car barn where you see classic coaches (photos) and very cool early automobiles like a big old Cadillac (photo).

Kykuit also has a very nice gift shop and small cafe, both with reasonably priced items.

Tip: buy your tour tickets online in advance of your visit in order to get the tour you want at the time you want.

Wonderful way to spend half a day: knowledgeable and congenial guide, small group, and a visit to one of America's grandest family's home. The 2 hour Classic Tour is just right -- you see the first floor of the house with its amazing art; the gardens surrounding the house with more amazing art; and yet more amazing art downstairs in the "hallway" leading to the underground grotto (?). Then a quick bus trip to the Coach House, and then back to Visitor's Center with an awesome gift shop.

We had a friend recommend a tour of KyKuit, and she was right to point us in this direction! You purchase your tickets at the visitor's center and are then taken by bus to Kykuit, situated on a hill so that you get a spectacular view of the surrounding Hudson Valley. My sons, ages 14 and 18, were not overly thrilled when I told them what we were doing that day, but at then end they grudgingly admitted that the sheer scale of the mansion (and especially the garage/horse barn in which the family kept their old cars) was cool. Our tour guide, Ginny, was very knowledgable and added quite a bit to the tour. I'd say it's worth a special trip just to see Kykuit!

We were visiting my step daughter and her husband who had recently moved to NYC last Xmas. As we were in NYC for 8 days she suggested a trip out of the city to Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. We decided to do it and a 45 minute train ride later we were sat in a coffee shop in Tarrytown organising our day. After a trip to Sunnyside we decided to visit Kykuit.

We arrived by Uber taxi and took up our tour, a classic tour. Not many visitors were around so we had our own personal guide who was amazing. Several other reviewers have commented on how important the guide is and we agree.

As I write this review I am struggling to know where to start - everything was fantastic. We started outside the front portal of the house with spectacular views of the grand fountain and beyond. You then started to experience the plethora of modern sculptures which you would see all over the gardens. Entering the house we learnt some amazing things about the family and how their philanthropy started and lives on today.

We learnt about the children's play building built in the grounds not far from the main house which has everything any child would ever want. No wonder it is bigger than the main house.

We ended our inside tour going through the art gallery which was impressive, especially the Picasso tapestries. We exited through a door and back into the magnificent gardens where more sculptures were positioned everywhere you looked.

We then walked down to the stable block where a fantastic range of classic cars have been assembled. That was the end of the tour which was first class.

This is definitely a must see attraction if you are visiting NYC for any length of time.

To visit this mansion you can’t go there on your own. First you have to go the the visitor center in Sleepy Hollow where you park and leave your car. Than after purchasing tickets they will tell you what time you need to board a special shuttle bus which will take you to the mansion located on the top of the hill. This trip was worth the money. I only wished we spent more times in the garden and I wished taking pictures inside is allowed ( but it is not ). Also I wished these buses were less noisy .... but the weather was so beautiful when I went that I will stop complaining now

We've seen many Vanderbuilt homes, so I found the Rockefeller home an interesting contrast. While certainly large and ornate, it is understated by comparison. Our tour guide was very good and very knowledgeable about the property and the family history.

We took the Classic Tour, which is about 2 1/4 hours. You have to take a shuttle bus to get to the property and you aren't allowed to wander the grounds. That is disappointing - the grounds are extensive and beautiful. Part of the Classic Tour includes a tour of Nelson Rockefeller's art collection, which spanned classic to modern. As we don't have an appreciation for modern art, we didn't really enjoy that portion of the tour.

Part of the classic tour is a visit to the carriage house to the see the extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages and automobiles. I found that very interesting, but my wife was less excited.

Wanted someplace to go for a day trip and, this area is less than 1 hour from our home, so it fit the bill!
The website is very detailed and informative. There are several well described tours to choose from and we chose the classic tour.
Parking and tickets are done at Phillipsburg Manor and then a Shuttle Bus takes you to the Rockefeller Estate.
The home and grounds are beautiful. Our tour guide, Rosanna, was wonderful.
The Classic Tour is 2.5 hours, but we'll worthwhile.
We look forward to visiting other estate homes in the area.

The estate sits on a high bluff overlooking the Hudson River and valley making for a spectacular view. The gardens and statuary are as interesting as the mansion.
Tours are precicely timed with the guides being closely monitored to ensure an even flow with no back ups.
As opulently furnished as this mansion is, it lacked the warmth of a home. It was more of a display of wealth and society than of living conditions
Remember to bring your camera. Tote bags and pocketbooks are not allowed.

Kykuit was recommended by a friend as a way to enjoy some local culture. We went on an overcast day without doing much research ahead. Our excellent guide, Ginger, was upbeat, knowledgeable and entertaining. She knew details about every corner of the house and grounds, and plenty of family tidbits. The home is well stocked with treasures and tastefully decorated—simply magnificent! We especially enjoyed the music room with its beautiful portraits, grand piano, and exquisite cut out ceiling; the china room, and the lower floor’s collection of Picasso tapestries. The beautifully appointed, manicured grounds are dotted with splendid sculptures—ancient and modern. It was all a feast for the eyes, but my favorite takeaway was learning how the Rockefeller family (men and women) generously gifted our country with land and endowments to be enjoyed by future generations.
Thanks again to Ginger.
PS Please do open the Play House for touring!

We took the 3 hour grand tour with Madeline who was an excellent guide - entertaining, informative and a great sense of humor. At first we were hesitant to take a 3 hour long tour but the time went by quickly and the additional focus on the gardens, art and house were so worthwhile. Seeing the fabulous paintings, sculptures, landscaping, and furnishings at Kykuit topped many past museum visits. The history of the Rockefellers was also interesting.
This was one of the best tours we have ever taken. Don't miss it.

Kykuit combines a grand estate, fascinating people, lush gardens, and an impressive classical and modern art collection into an outstanding experience that is well worth the price of admission. We opted for the three hour Grand Tour option and were not disappointed. Our guide skillfully combined comprehensive knowledge of four generations of the Rockefeller family with a multitude of details and nuances of the house and grounds. While pictures of the interior of the house were not permitted, there was more than enough opportunity to photograph the pristine gardens, pavilions and stunning views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. I came away thoroughly impressed by a family that seemed to realize that their wealth brought with it a responsibility to use it to benefit as many as possible.

So many of us travel and go sightseeing but miss things in our own back yard.
I lived in Sleepy Hollow for years and never went to Kykuit. Like many I drove by thousands of times, mostly the back side down to the lakes on my way to the parkway but never visited.
Now living in White Plains, I decided it was a must see. I’m so glad we did.
The house is nice but you have to consider the history. John D. Rockefeller, the oil magnate, owner of Standard Oil, now Exxon/Mobil and others to the last owner to live there his grandson Nelson Rockefeller, Governor of New York and Vice President. The grounds and views are beautiful. They have some antique cars that are great.
It’s a nice tour.

While the "classic" tour is slightly shorter and more limited than the grand tour, we did not feel at all shortchanged. The classic is over two hours (including the shuttle ride to/from visitor center at Phillipsburg Manor to Kykuit) and includes an extensive amount of the mansion interior as well as a wonderful tour of gardens and grounds, and the coach house. Our guide (Helen?) was amazing in her ability to fascinate us with information on the three resident generations of the Rockefeller family, the architecture and renovations of the main structure as well as the coach house, and the artists who created the amazing sculptures and other artwork throughout the home and grounds. This is a wonderful tour!

Did the "classic" tour, which lasts about 2.5 hours. It takes you through the first floor of the house, some of the grounds, to the basement of the main house, and through the carriage house. It was all very interesting to see. There's some incredible art pieces that are just hanging on walls or set on desks. It felt quite strange as there's a lot of modern art mixed in with more classic art and architecture.
It did seem quite long and you're walking around most of the time, so be prepared for that. There are some places to sit, but my legs were pretty tired at the end.

My husband and I spent Labor Day weekend visiting several Hudson River Valley sites, including this one (and nearby Lyndhurst—see separate review) on our final day. (It was very convenient to stop at both these sites before taking the Tappan Zee Bridge to head home to PA.)

As many reviewers have noted, Kykuit and Philipsburg Manor (another great site we had already visited) share a visitor center, parking lots, and museum shop. We were fortunate to get a parking spot in the main lot. Right where we parked, there were many picnic tables available in a shady area by the pond, allowing visitors to enjoy a picnic lunch (this is advised, as the food offerings in the visitor center’s shop are mostly snacks and a few packaged sandwiches). There is also an area inside the visitor center with tables & chairs for eating. (Wish they had a real café here, though.)

I had pre-purchased tickets for the 3:50 p.m. “Time Saver” Kykuit tour. We arrived well before our tour time and needed to kill some time (preferably in the air-conditioned visitor center, since it was 91 degrees out that day). We were hoping for some museum-type exhibits to enjoy but didn’t see anything like that; when I asked about that, though, a visitor center employee very kindly opened up a nearby multi-use room to let us see a display in there on Philipsburg Manor and early Hudson River Valley settlement, which we enjoyed. There is also a theater in the visitor center that, unfortunately, was not showing any films—how we would have enjoyed resting a bit in the a/c while taking in an informative video or two to pass some time until our tour!

Our short shuttle ride to the house included some informative (pre-recorded) narration as we traveled. Our tour guide was Mark D., who was outgoing and engaging, making our time exploring the house and grounds quite enjoyable. The house’s exterior design is visually stunning, and the grounds/views all around are lovely. The main floor’s décor and furnishings were plainer than I expected, with more of a “lived-in” look than an opulent residence.

After seeing the main floor rooms, and before we were shuttled back to the visitor center, we got to see the well-designed green spaces surrounding the house, which I enjoyed even more than the interior spaces; there were landscaped beds, shrubs, statuary, pools, fountains, stone steps and walls, etc., at every turn, with many picturesque spots and shady alcoves.

We thought that the “Time Saver” tour was just the right length of time for us on a hot day, with enough time inside to see the main floor rooms and a nice amount of the nearby gardens. The only negative is that the “Time Saver” tour tickets cost the same as the other tours that are 45 minutes longer; it should have been discounted slightly in proportion to its length.

I was expecting to see some beautiful gardens and architecture on a fine sunny August day, but I never suspected to get such a art collection tour! This completely surpassed my expectations on every level: the tour guide (Laura) was very entertaining and so knowledgeable, I learned a great deal about the Rockefeller (I knew they had done some major philanthropy, but wow, what a legacy!), the grounds are so vast and stunning, and most of all, the unexpected Modigliani, Calders, Rodin, Motherwell, Picassos... only added to my mesmerism. The carriages and cars were the cherry on the sundae. I am not particularly fond of automobiles, but this collection is fantastic.

If you are thinking of bringing children, here is my benchmark: If your older child/teen has the artistic sensibility to sit through and appreciate a play or a broadway show, s/he may appreciate this tour. Otherwise skip. Too long and boring for kids.

We took the outstanding house tour about 20 years ago and have been dying to catch the garden tour - looking for a beautiful day when we would be passing by at 11 AM. Finally.......our opportunity came and was so worth it. The tour includes the first floor of the mansion, which importantly, presents many of David Rockefeller's modern sculpture acquisitions (installed after our first visit). And the grounds are very well preserved, also with many perfectly positioned sculptures. While we struggle with "modern art" in general, the sculptures are much easier for us to experience and enjoy, particularly when they find their way into the landscape. Thanks to our excellent docent Kathleen and a beautiful day, we had a wonderful time!

Park at their visitor lot in Sleepy Hollow then take a short walk to their visitor center. At your designated tour time they wisk, you off in a little bus that takes you on a five minute ride to Kykuit. Tip: Buy your tickets online and consider the 90 minute short tour...it was plenty for us average tourists!
Our tour guide, Pat, was terrific. She really knew her art and history of the Rockefellers. Wonder why there aren’t any gorgeous houses built on the Palisades in NJ across the Hudson from this mansion? Ask!
Highly recommended for adults but not for kids. Difficult to maneuver in a wheelchair (not even sure if it’s possible...ask).

I got the 'everything' ticket for the grand tour. We had a fabulous guide by the name of Donna who is a bright light. She was very passionate about conveying accurate information about this historic place. Loved the artwork. I came home and ordered a biography of Nelson Rockefeller. I'm excited to round out this experience with even more detailed information. We were fortunate to have a clear day to enjoy the view. I highly recommend visiting this place.

The house is okay and the are is very 60s and 70s. The grounds and view are beautiful. The classic tour is 2.hours.

What a house! The mansion was home to four generations of Rockefeller's. You learn about abut the families and history of Kykuit as you tour. At your appointed time, your Classic tour begins at the Visitor Center, where you board a shuttle bus, with your docent, that takes you up to Kykuit. Note that photography is only allowed outside the buildings. You stay with your group the whole time; to be sure headcount is maintained at all times. Take your photos as your group traverses the property because you will not be coming back. You exit the bus at the grandiose
entrance forecourt of the mansion. The view is spectacular. The fountains, sculptures and landscaping set the stage for your interior tour. You first pass through the den, where there is an impressive portrait of Ben Franklin near Rockefeller's desk. The parlor, dinning room, and even the kitchen are awesome. You enter the basement art gallery off the kitchen where the gallery traverses down long hallways; full of Vice-President Nelson's impressive collection. You finally exit outside to the magnificent terraced gardens, sculptures, and architectures. Enjoy the view from the patio! You board the bus to the Coach Barn where you then see the huge Rockefeller collection of antique cars before boarding again for the return to the visitor's center. Just a great tour!

its a very beautiful location with very nice tours and terrific views with lots of history along with it.

Great tour of the mansion and grounds. Educational. Tour guide was very informative. Easy to get to.

One of the BEST American Castles to see. It is a gorgeous tribute to a family who made America, loved the arts, and were charitable. Our tour had people ages 30 - 75 and we all had no trouble with walking the 2 hour tour. We wish we had paid for the best tour it is so fabulous. A must see in the Westcheser area.

We did not book early enough to do the grand tour so we went on the standard tour and it was wonderful. We arrived early to 'check-in' and then wandered about the nearby area until our tour time. Our guide was well informed and she gave us an amazing insight into the Rockefeller world. Beautiful estate to explore and truly marvellous grounds.

It was great place to visit but the rigid timed nature of the tour did not allow us time to enjoy the ambiance and modest opulence of the Rockefeller life style. The guide was not very accommodating in allowing any time to enjoy the garden or the house.

Would like to visit with less structured tour of the house and garden. Felt the grand tour was too long.

Need less formal but more accommodating experience to enjoy the house and gardens.

Easily reached by train from Manhattan. Well organised guided tour if somewhat paranoid about even taking a small camera bag with you. Especially good for those interested in what unbridled wealth can by. Most items now described as priceless.

Had an afternoon to kill and didn't want to do this at home. Having been there at once before we thought it would be a worthwhile experience to walk around Kykuit and show our kids what the life looked like for some of the most powerful people in the world at one time.

The estate is amazing situated atop the hill that you can see the Tappan Zee from it but not the other way around (I checked) is great. The estate also houses a large collection of various items including art and antique cars and sculptures and it is very interesting for the kids to see as well as educational.

It's a little harder with toddlers because the old houses are not designed to have a stroller rolling through (small hallways and narrow stairs) but still it is fun for them to walk around the grounds playing.

The tour of this gorgeous mansion gives you insight into the history of the region as well as the US. It's almost like three tours in one - you see the house and the carriage house; the gorgeous gardens, and the amazing art collection. We did the Classic Tour which was long enough for me. Make time for this if you are in the area - you'll be glad you did.

Art, architecture, opulence of generations, and the interests of men and their wives of wealth and their collections. A mix of complex tastes of three generations that work together that stun one’s eyes. Beautifully maintained and immaculate home. Small group tours every quarter hour do not spend enough time to study the depth of objects in this fine museum. Cars, carriages, Chinese Tang and Ming porcelain, copies of Miro by Miro and Gilbert Stewart’s studio,sumptuous Picasso tapestries, and sumptuous English gardens overlooking the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades. An excellent guide well versed in the history of the house and its objects well lead us with interesting tales. Not to miss for important slices of US culture worth 6 stars.

We have taken visiting friends here on 2 occasions (from Texas & Canada) who have been "over the top" with gratitude from the experience. The home is amazing, the art collection is fabulous, the antique car collection is incredible & the view is spectacular. We all learned a lot from the extremely knowledgeable guides during both visits.

Too bad it is closed due to Covid. The home of John D Rockefeller.
I understand, it has a great collection of sculptures, ceramics, and period furnishings.

Also the grounds and gardens are magnificent.

We were in the area and thought we’d learn some history of the area. I checked the website for the hours — under hours it only has the calendar dates of when they are open, no actual hours. That should have been red flag number one. We arrived and looked through the gift shop for a few minutes — the people in the gift shop were absolutely lovely.

We went to go ask about tours. I asked one question about the Highlight Tour, and was told there was “literally only one ticket left for the 3:15 tour.” No offer of alternatives tours (which were more expensive and which we were fully prepared to pay for). I asked about the Classic Tour, where I was told the next available tour was at 11:15. We were willing to wait the half hour or so, but it was starting to rain. I asked if we could tour the gardens/grounds because we’ve visited other historic homes and you can do that without taking the entire tour. Wow. Guess they have problems with people escaping from tours or something. The employee repeated several times in a condescending way about the shuttle, the estate isn’t on the property, the tour is. Two and a half hours long. I was now more confused about the nature of the tour, but the person kept repeating the same thing to me again and again. The other employees stood there and did not try to help.

By this point I could feel my husband broadcasting his “we’re not going to give these people our money” vibe. I thanked them and we left. It seems they really need to train their employees in customer service. To not offer to explain the different tours, explain how each one works, etc. is inexcusable. And I understand that probably a lot of people ask to walk the grounds, but I didn’t know that. Please, Historic Hudson Valley, train your frontline employees how to interact with the public. You’re selling a product and an experience. Put people out there who can actually do it.

My wife and I took the Classic Tour on a Thursday in early October. It was good time to go since the weather was nice, and the tour groups were reasonably sized. The staff were friendly and attentive at the tour center. Our guide was well versed in the history of the estate, and she answered all questions. A lot of information about all the members of the Rockefeller family. The mansion and grounds are very impressive. Lot of sculptures and artwork, which really isn’t our thing. But the architecture is incredible. Would visit again.

The Visitors' Center is awfully merchandise-y, but hey, these places cost a LOT to keep up! Kateri The Docent was AMAZING -- she knew SO much about what we were seeing. There was a lot of art to look at, usually not the best incarnation of the artist's best work, but still very interesting to see. The grounds are gorgeous! And the political/economic/social history of the place and its occupants is fascinating.

Getting information to this site is about as easy as getting a audience with the Pope. If you call the number provided forget about talking to a human being...elevator music is the order of the day. Everything about this trip was regulated..you cant do this... you can't do that...2017 and they didn't have a bathroom for the 2 hour tour. absolutely idiotic. The grounds, beautiful... the house beautiful... but it was way too much of shady information and no human being to talk to to answer questions prior to visiting. There are many other Hudson valley mansions that are very visitor friendly. I would suggest going to one of those ..whoever is in charge of organising this visitor information needs to have a full frontal lobotomy.

It is a lovely estate that can take your breath away
We had a lovely guide Kateri who provided us with so much great information, which our group appreciated
The grounds are extraordinary filled with sculptures and other artistic features
We visited the first and second floors of the mansion as well as part of the basement. This basement contained an art collection that was extraordinary
Wished the tour would have been a bit slower paced and longer so I could have had time to reflect on the information provided and included a break where i could have sat down for a few minutes. Nonetheless, Kykuit is a must visit

Definitely an interesting and enjoyable place to visit. The gardens are particularly lovely. Our guide was well informed and articulate. We weren’t sure initially whether it was appropriate to tip her or not. We were subsequently informed that the guides are not allowed to accept any tips.

We booked our tour weeks ago so that we would not be blocked out. Arrived early and could not get on the earlier tours. Had coffee and a muffin while waiting for the clock to tick. Also spent some money in the gift shop.

The classic tour was terrific. Our docent was an incredible source of information and thoroughly in love with the home of the oil industry titan dynasty. A lovely home on 4,000 acres. WOW! This was an exercise in showing the world how much I have. Nelson Rockefeller accumulated much art and sculpture that is on exhibit but much more are in museums coast to coast. A lovely day. Ate dinner at the Red Hat on the river in Irvington. See kykuit and Phillipsburg Manor on the same day if you can.

I chose the classic tour and I was very happy I got to see the main house a lot of the gardens, the coach house and the golf room. Kelle our guide, was very knowledgeable and patient! She kept the group moving and on time and threw in a couple of extra things and enjoyable way to spend two and a half hours! Surprising number of Picassos and lots more art than I anticipated but art was quite important to the Rockefeller family from classical to modern! The visitor center is in downtown Sleepy Hollow not too far from the headless horseman monument! A shuttle bus takes you to the estate.

Take the timesaver tour and you will get to see where an how the Rockefellers lived. The docent was both knowledgeable and witty. The home is majestic and the grounds are beyond belief (e.g., a private golf course just for family and guests). The views are terrific.

A must see for anyone living in or visiting Tarrytown or Sleepy Hollow! Several different tours available, but don't miss seeing all the old Rockefeller vehicles!

Always wanted to go but finally got around to it. Booked the grand tour which was very comprehensive. Visited inside the home, garage and outdoor gardens. Underground artwork includes Picasso tapestries which are unbelievable. Highly recommend - however not on a hot day as the main house is not air conditioned.

We did the classic tour of the estate and our guide was very knowledgeable and the whole tour was very informative.

Took the Classic Tour which was well organised including a shuttle bus connection from the visitor centre at Philipsburg Manor up to the mansion. Our guide was well informed and moved at a manageable pace. The mansion is interesting and furnished with period pieces and modern art which sits well in the historic surroundings. The gardens are lovely as are the views over the Hudson River and the modern sculptures set in the grounds work well. The inside art gallery which was included in the Classic Tour was not terribly interesting with nothing of particular note to see. It didn't seem an essential part of the visit.

We took one of the many Classic Tours on an early autumn weekday and the place was doing a brisk business. The tour ($25 for adults, $23 for seniors) focuses on the house's ground level, stopping in 4 or 5 rooms before heading to the basement for a look around the Rockefeller's art collection. Though the collection was surprisingly extensive, I was left with the feeling that they could have placed it in the much more historically interesting upper-floor rooms, rather than the rather featureless basement (perhaps issues of light or climate control played a role, but still).

The grounds have a few rough patches -- some untrimmed hedges and bare trees -- but the vistas and variety of sculptures are very nice. Our guide provided useful information about the Rockefellers and was very patient with a Russian couple who brought a translator with them. The snack bar in the visitors center had a decent selection of sandwiches and baked goods - helpful if you're coming straight from the train station.

In sum: while it's not a perfect experience, the proximity to NYC (by train) and the pleasant surroundings make this a worthwhile day-trip.

Took the 2 hour classic tour of the estate. Guide was informative and the family history was interesting. We were fortunate to obtain a parking spot in the lot closest to the Visitor's Check In, simplifying the process and entry time.

What a beautiful area to visit! The estate is lovely and the history behind the home is very interesting. The docent was knowledgable. Art was a big part of the Rockefeller's life. So if you are not big into art and modern art, the quick tour may be for you. We did the classic and I do not regret it, but I would have rather toured the upper floors instead of the art gallery. This is just me though. The majority of our group came primarily for the art and were super excited about the pretty amazing collection there. I would go back and tour again if they ever open up the playhouse.

Chic house, decorated with stunning collections of paintings and porcelain. Very beautiful park with fountains and sculptures. An interesting tour was conducted by the guide Peter Haupt. We got a lot of fun.

We took the classic tour. The bus left right on time. We went on a Thursday for the 2:45 and it had a nice group, but wasn't packed. Mainly tourists and out of towners. We were the only New Yorker's. Our guide was very nice. The house and the grounds are beautiful. The tour is good for first timers. We got to see the first floor and basement of the house where the art gallery is. We also got to see the cars and the carriage house. It was plenty of standing. The only negative was that when we were done with the tour we had to wait for our bus to come back and there was nowhere to really sit. Other than that it was a great tour!

We went to Kykuit on a Saturday in October and I was overwhelmed by this wonderful experience. October is a particularly good time to go. The foliage is emerging and Sleep Hollow is the town of the Halloween favorite Headless Horseman from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It felt like the whole town is up for it.

I didn't know what to expect from Kykuit but I half expected an historic house tour with period rooms and furniture. It's not that. It is that, I mean, but it's so much more. It's a world class art museum and a time capsule of history. It isn't possible to go without a guided tour. From start to finish, our tour took 2.5 hours. Our guide, Brian L., was one of the best tour guides I've experienced. What a font of knowledge - from the geological history of the Palisades to styles of china, from Picasso to early automobiles, from U.S. political history to bhodisattvas. AND, he's incredibly witty and amazingly good company.

From NYC on a Saturday morning it was a quick and pretty drive. You park and then take a bus from a visitors center. From start to finish it's a class act. I've always thought there must be trips like this, an hours drive from Manhattan, and I just found it. Highly recommended for a beautiful day trip from the City. A+ (There's no time to stop for a bathroom break and it's probably not good for people who can't stand for an extended period or young children)

We reserved the two hour tour online and had a wonderful experience. Everything was efficiently done, and the estate was well worth seeing. The building and grounds are magnificent and completely furnished so one could get an idea of how this family lived.

The last resident was Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller and surprisingly his extensive modern art collection was left to the state as well. This is beautifully displayed in the "basement" as well as on the grounds. The total tour cost was $26 but well worth the price.

Don't miss the Union Church of Pocantico Hills which is nearby (not included with admission but $6 if you have been to Kykuit). This was the church the Rockefellers belonged to and has amazing stained glass windows - one Matisse window and nine Chagall windows.

Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate is an absolute gorgeous estate that features a beautifully designed Classic Revival Georgian Style mansion and a numerous collection of gardens and statues.

In June of 2022, I brought and treated myself and my wife for the guided “Grand Tour” of Kykuit and we absolutely enjoyed every moment of our tour experience!!!

When visiting and touring Kykuit, both my wife and I were immediately captivated by the magnificent mansion, the scenic views of the estate’s landscape and the Hudson River, the stunning collection of art and antiques, which include pieces by Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol and Picasso, and the estate’s beautiful and diverse gardens.

Fully constructed in 1913 by both architect, William
Welles Bosworth, and Beaux Art architectural firm, Delano & Aldrich, Kykuit served as the principal residence for four generations of the Rockefeller Family, a leading industrial, influential and philanthropic family and owners of one of the world’s largest fortune.

The home was first occupied by family patriarch, John D. Rockefeller Sr. a highly prominent 19th & 20th Century industrialist & philanthropist & founder of Standard Oil, followed by his son, John D. Rockefeller Jr. a renowned 20th Century financier and philanthropist. Following Jr’s death in 1960, the home would later get owned and occupied by Nelson Rockefeller, a multi-term NY Governor and Vice President under Gerald Ford and his spouse, Happy Rockefeller along with their children.

Our tour guide did a brilliant job on educating us on the great success and immense contributions of the Rockefeller Family. She also discussed the history of Kykuit, pinpointed the estate’s vast collection of of art and antiquities, and providing us with multiple opportunities to take pictures of the estate’s landscape and examine its various treasures.

Due to its rich heritage and unparalleled features, Kykuit is listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places and designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Kykuit is unquestionably a testament of the incredible power and wealth of the Rockefeller Family and their deep love and fascination for both art and nature.

Both my wife and I highly recommend that everyone take the time to visit and explore this breathtaking historic landmark!!!

Rich or Poor its Good to have Money. The Rockefeller family spared no expense in their home in the country. Whether you are there to see the landscaping, the architecture, the interior decor, the sculpture or the art work you will not be disappointed - there is something for everyone. To think they had so much wealth and at the same time dedicated their life and the majority of their acquired wealth to so many worthwhile causes.

This amazing place offers several tours. I did not want to give up the visit so I took the shorted tour. The estate is amazing, and recommended for a visit. Next time, I will take at least the classic tour, which covers more more in thus mansion. And I will make time to survey the gardens.

Beautiful home, lots of art, nice tour. That said, the purpose of the tour seemed to be to convince people to love the Rockefellers. The entire focus was on their philanthropy, with barely any mention of how they got that rich in the first place. J.D. Rockefeller was a rapacious monopolist, accused are countless illegal and immoral actions in building his immense wealth. There was absolutely no attempt to address this and deal with it. If the visitor knew nothing about him, you'd leave there thinking he was a saint. A museum should be there to educate the visitor, not to operate as a PR operation to launder a family's reputation.

Worth noting that the organization that runs the site was founded and is funded by the Rockefellers.

We took the short tour, which was just perfect. Knowledgable guide. Learning about the design objectives provided real insight into the thinking of the owners. It was fascinating.

This tour was extremely well done. The guide was phenomenal. She was able to keep my 9 year old son engaged and interested even though touring old homes is not his “thing.” The grounds were beautiful, the gardens wonderfully kept. What was unique about this tour was seeing how the Rockefeller’s combined modern art with the classic house and antiques. If you are a Picasso fan you are in luck as the art gallery contains a lot of works. We took the “classic” tour and it was a nice overview. But I cannot praise the tour guide enough! She was a great story teller and was able to keep a child interested the whole time. I tried to tip her as she was the best tour guide I’ve had on these types of tours but there is a no tipping policy.

This place is an utter treasure - lovely architecture, gorgeous decor, a magnificent home and all surrounded by breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The modern art collection is stellar and the garden sculpture is remarkable. We took the classic tour which include the first floor of the home, some of the gardens and the carriage house; we thought it was an excellent tour. Be sure to buy tickets on line before you go.

What a great tour we had of Kykuit. Our guide, Maura, was excellent and you could tell she enjoyed showing the mansion. I was surprised to find the mansion to be so homey. The Rockefeller’s collected modern art and ancient Chinese pieces, which could be found throughout the mansion and grounds. As there was a rain storm and we couldn’t see as much of the grounds as usual, we were taken to areas that normally part of our tour so that was special. The grotto was my favorite. We were also taken to see the carriage house and the car collection. I would recommend visiting Kykuit and hopefully you get Maura as your guide.

We took a classic tour which at approx 2 hours did not cover everything but which was perfect for what we had time for and wanted. Nancy was an excellent and very knowledgeable tour guide. The organisation overall was very smooth.

This is a wonderful place. Took a two hour with Lisa and learned so much about this amazing family, about business and philanthropy, art and landscaping, history and culture. It’s a great story and Lisa told it well. Highly recommended.

I recently took the Landmark Tour at Kykuit, and I loved it! As other reviews have said, there are several tour options. The Landmark one goes inside the house but spends more time out on the grounds, and it lasts a little over 2 hours. It's a very comprehensive tour, but I'm sure they're all great options.

You don't actually park onsite, but rather at the visitors center at Philipsburg Manor. You have to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour time, to allow enough time to park, walk to the visitor center and check in, then have their shuttle bus drive you up to Kykuit. I visited on an October weekend, and this is no joke! The parking lots get full quickly, so you may park a little farther away than you realize. It's all doable, just make sure to allow enough time.

I took the "Classic Tour" Main floor, lower level or basement Nelson Rockefeller galleries, gardens, the Coach house. No pics inside.Lots of photo ops outside! Can sit briefly in the gardens. I actually do not know if there is a toilet for visitors.

Unique homestead that has a part on national history Must visit - i recommend for everyone, except for very small children..but there are special events for families such as that is coming soon for Halloween. Check their website

Note that tours are conducted after a check-in at the visitors center, in town and escorted upon boarding shuttle bus through return. The visitors center includes toilets, gift shop, refreshment stand and seating. It is also a tour point for adjacent Phillip Manor.

Kykuit is the high point the area at 500 ft and still unobstructed views over the hills which to this day hide any sight of the neighbors including some Rockefeller family in other parts of the estate, "Pocantico Hills", former staff houses and the town below along the river. The window- framed, Hudson River view from inside within small but Mrs. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller's glorious Tea Room, and the terrace outside is almost worth the trip alone, to see. Her portrait hanging within is mesmerising.

The house is not a Palace. The photo most seen of the elegant west entry is the narrow end.

The long sides on North and South strike me as those of a massive inn or country house.

Reception vestibule and front personal office adjacent are fine but not to impress. None of the fine rooms are. They are modestly grand, well furnished to make a family and guests if the highest status comfortable.

The finest objects in each room are art. From finest ancient Chinese porcelians to some mid 20th century classics. And so I was stunned by the basement galleries. Imagine a modestly sized Calder mobile not far above your head. Wish I had one. Gotten by personal contact with the artist, I believe, Just as Nelson Rockefeller collaborated with Picasso to create the paintings tapestry collection. Striking commissioned Warhol portraits of Nelson and "Happy" Rockefeller. More.

The several gardens are lovely. Each has sculpture and water features. As I was just there Sept. 17, the Rose Garden was faded and the fall folliage had not yet happened. We did not go into the larger estate grounds, Some special guests and family and conference attendees of the Pocantico Conference Center facit (within the Coach Barn building).

Amazingly, the Coach Barn and the family's "Playhouse" are each several times larger than the main house. In sight but not visited are an Orangerie building and greenhouse. Out of sight is a small Marcel Breuer house which was set up in the garden if the Museum of Modern Art, in 1949.

Note the Rockefefeller family and Rockefeller Brothers Fund have majority interests of the estate. The National Trust received one-third of the central estate. Tours are conducted by "Historic Hudson Valley". The house is not accessible. Stairs, steps and some narrow doorways.

always looking for new places nearby the city (NYC) for a weekend getaway.
I visited this town for the cemetery tour which was very interesting, walked around and get to a farmer's market with live music and finally eating some good food and desert.

Great experience at the Kykuit Highlights Tour.

This tour is about 1.5 hours and covers the first floor of the estate and outside. There are other (longer) tours that include more of the estate if you like.

All tours leave from the Visitor's Center. There is a large parking lot there...but there is also some overflow parking around the corner ii needed. The overflow lot is a short walk to the Visitor's Center. The center has a large shop with lots of gifts and souvenirs. There are also some snacks and bakery-items (coffee, tea, pastries) available for purchase. There are bathrooms and the ticketing area. You check in at the ticketing area and are given a hand band. A bus (very nice and comfy) will take the tour guests from the visitor's center to the estate...the ride is about 10 minutes.

The tour guide will also be on the bus offering some information throughout the ride, including information on the structures and facilities within the larger estate as you pass those by.

The tour itself was great...but I can see some may want to visit the other floors of the estate, which is only included in the longer tours. Lots of information throughout the tour. They do keep the schedule pretty tight though as I noticed our tour guide checking the schedule regularly to determine how much time to spend at each room. I understand this is crucial in order to accommodate the various timed tours but it does leave little room for asking questions and some of it felt a little rushed.

Photography is ONLY permitted outside of the estate. You cannot take photos inside the estate.

You are taken back to the visitor's center when the tour it completed.

Overall I had a great visit. I would love to return to view some of the other offerings...such as the Philipsburg Manor.

All staff I encountered were friendly and helpful.

There are different level of tours, from beginners to connoisseurs of life style of the super rich. I took the Classic Tour designed for first timer, which lasts a good 2 hours. You get bused from the parking lot of the main reception center in Sleepy Hollow to the estate itself ca. 15 minutes ride away.

The front facade of the building looks nice but not as impressive as in photos you could see in the media. The interior,? Oh well, rich as it should be but not as extravagant as the estates of King and Queens of old Europe. We were reminded by the tour guide that the patriarch John D. was a devout Baptist who doesn't smoke, drink or dance, so he left his imprint: no grand ballrooms, no bars, only books and arts for entertainment.

The Classic tour does not include the upper floors. Be it as it may, the art collection on the first level was already exquisite. Of note, the Rockefeller love Chinese antiques. The basement housed the collection of Nelson Rockefeller (Picasso, Chagall and Warhol). The garden surrounding Kykuit was even more impressive, not only in terms of layout and view of the Hudson, but also in the superb collection of modern sculptures from too many artists to retain all in memory. In short, the $28 ticket was worth the money, and you leave the estate wondering whether you should come back at some point in the future for a more elaborate tour, if not at connoisseur level.

Highly recommended if you happen to be visiting the larger NYC metro area. The reception center in Sleepy Hollow also features other attractions besides Kykuit to fill your day.

Wonderful garden, exciting history - spectacular view. The guides were very knowledgable! The only challenge was the hot weather in july☀️😜

We found this tour to be one of the best ever. Joanne offered us a wealth of information both about the Rockefeller family and their art collection. Additionally, the property is gorgeous, with a golf course and views of the Hudson River. We learned so much about the family and all the ways they supported various causes. Highly recommend the tour and Joanne.

i have always wanted to go to kykuit and see the house that rockefeller built. it is impressive from start to finish. the childrearing of the rockefellers is steeped in service and thrift. the requirement of accounting for ones gifts is clear. by todays standards the home is magnificent, expecially the modern art collection of governor nelson rockefeller. the views and garden expanses are unique.

We took the three hour grand tour of the mansion & grounds. Our guide, Katrina was extremely knowledgeable, friendly & shared her wealth of information in a fun, accessible & clear manner. She easily answered questions & brought life to what could have been a dry tour. There are a lot of steps, some outside & steep so persons with mobility issues would have a hard time negotiating on this tour- - there are shorter/easier options. We are glad we participated & had the opportunity to learn so much about one of the most important families who built early industrial America.

This historic mansion of the Rockefellers is not to be missed. The mansion contains numerous furnishings of the family plus extensive pieces of artwork and sculpture. On the Grand Tour, led by our very knowledgeable docent, Maura Bohan, we learned a lot about the family, the property and the art collection. The tour also took our group outside to view the gardens and the numerous pieces of sculpture on the grounds. The carriage house contained their carriages and some automobiles. It was a very enjoyable 3 hour tour.

I thought it would be too long if I do the grand tour. I did the classic tour instead and regret that I didn’t book the grand tour.
Time went very fast. It wasn’t boring. There are a lot of interesting things to see. Our guide was really good. It was nice to hear about the Vanderbilt family history.
You have to go to the visitor center and take the shuttle to go there.

I visited on October 31 2024 with my boyfriend. I am a former docent in a museum in NYC and an art advisor.
The tour we took was the classic tour that includes the garden. The weather was just beautiful, and we could enjoy the beautiful changing season , the Fall , in the Hudson valley. But above all, was our docent
Priscilla Silverman, who was entertaining, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the visitors and the art collection she presented.

Excellent. Tatyana was informative, enjoyable, charming and fun - it’s a wonderful and fascinating two hour tour (and I’m easily bored). Wonderful time.

If you are a history buff, an art buff, a mansion buff or just wanting to talk a stroll through history, go visit. Hope you get Pat, who was our tour guide. She was amazing.

Way more than expected! Your tour starts at Philipsburg Manor, where you are bused to/from Kykuit. Our guide, Kelle, was wonderful! Her knowledge of the history surrounding the Rockefeller family, the construction of Kykuit, and their most impressive art collection coupled with her enthusiasm for sharing made for a great 2 hour tour.
The only way to improve upon this tour would be to allow the guides to be tipped!! We couldn’t thank Kelle enough!

I was impressed with the massive art collection, and interior and landscape design. Very grateful it is maintained for public viewing! We did the classic tour and it was beyond sufficient for a first time visit. The tour moves very slow so be prepared to stand for long periods of time.

We took the 2 hour first floor and lower level tour of this beautiful home and gardens and would highly recommend it. The tour groups are small and well organized so that there is no overlapping or running into other groups. The house itself is magnificent even without large ballrooms or statements of wealth -- well almost. Nelson Rockefeller added a number of things "his mother wouldn't have allowed" such as statues of naked women and more modern art. The stories behind the estate are well worth hearing and the pools, gardens, golf course and carriage house are fascinating.

We're trying to visit all the mansions along the Hudson, and this is one of the best! Our tour guide was excellent, and she told many fascinating stories about the Rockefeller families. The classic tour included the mansion, grounds, carriage barn and antique cars! The art collection in the house is amazing, sculptures, statues around the gardens are impressive, and learning about the history of this family was fascinating! We highly recommend a visit here!

There are several different tours to choose from. We went with the Classic Tour that shows the main floor of the house, part of the gardens and the coach house. All in all about 2 1/2 hours which includes the short bus ride from the visitor center to the estate.
Our guide Katherine was very knowledgeable and told the story of the house and the 4 generation of family that lived there.
After this terrific experience, I am looking forward to exploring the other tours that originate from the same spot.

There are several levels of tours available and we have had 2 of them both outstanding.

Great information and the history of the property and surroundings were freely shared.

I highly recommend this tour.

Kykuit is a beautiful mansion with classical European design and landscape. A house with a lot of history and legend as the former estate of the Rockefeller family. It is a home of many precious ancient Chinese cultural relics and European art pieces. I saw several tri-colored glazed pottery all the way from the Tang Dynasty in China (year 618-907). The Rockefeller family worked hard to maintain an image of class and culture. The mansion deserves a 5 Star.

However the tour guide of the day was not that inspiring so I took 1 star off. Her explanation sounded a little rehearsed and there was little explanation of the significance of the different art pieces and interior design in the everyday life of the Rockefeller Family. When I go see a historical house, I want to be taken back to history and really see the everyday living of the owners of the house. The tour guide that day did not do that. That is unfortunate because I really wanted to learn.

The tour may not have been intended as a love letter to the Rockefellers, but the reminders of all the good things they have done for our country (and continue to do) made it hard to resent them for having such a lovely family home as Kykuit. I took the standard tour and found it to be more than adequate and plenty thorough. Note that it lasts longer than you'd expect (they can give you the time if you call or when you buy the ticket - I can't remember if it was 2 or 3 hours, but I was expecting more like 1-1.5), so plan to eat a snack beforehand so you can concentrate on pretending to be a Rockefeller and not be preoccupied by hunger.

Worth the 45 minute trip from NYC, this is a gorgeous historic Rockefeller family estate with gardens and lawns galore overlooking the Hudson River. Spralling over hundreds of acres, the magnitude of the estate boggles the mind. While the main house is somewhat more modest than might be expected, the art - sculpture, paintings, tapestries and other artifacts are the stars of the show, though the historic cars and the “garage” are quite something, as well. We took the basic intro tour which was excellent. They bus you from the visitor’s center up to the estate and limit the group size to around 15 people. There is a lot of walking but we had a person with limited mobility (walker), and she did ok. Gift shop is excellent, filled with books, and fun things as well. You MUST make a reservation in advance!

We took the 'basic' tour (just over two hours) and i wish we'd had more time, especially to explore the sculpture in the gardens. I would definitely go back again if i were in the area. Our guide was wonderful - she was not just informative, but dramatic. And the house and its history are amazing, especially the modern art gallery tucked in the basement. Truly a gem.

We took the "Classic" tour. It was 2-1/2 hours long. There is a lot to see. The house is like a museum. When you are outside, you are not allowed to wonder around on your own, so it is a little difficult to get the picture you want. Tour was very interesting and enjoyable.

The tour was good and learned a lot about the Rockafeller family. Was surprised that the art was mostly modern for such an old place. Not much into modern art but the tour was still interesting and the views were amazing. A bus takes you from the visitor center to the actual mansion.

Do the longer Grand Tour as you get to see more and spend more time in the gardens. While the house is interesting, I actually thought the gardens were more unique and memorable. If you like modern art, part of Nelson Rockefeller's collection is on display in the house. The house itself is impressive, but not especially remarkable for its time and place in history. Again, go with the longer tours for the very elaborate gardens. Our tour guide worked for the Rockefeller's in the house in the 1960s and had fascinating personal stories to tell.

I took the Kykuit house tour of the home and grounds. I did not expect to see such spectacular views and a Picasso art collection that was so extensive. Our guide, "Merla" was a treasure. She made every room and outdoor view come alive. The weather that day could not be better and the grounds were as interesting as the home. Be sure to go on a day when good weather is predicted. You will be amazed at the sheer beauty of the location as well as the extensive and priceless art collection. What was particularly special was how close you could get to the objects. So much better than any museum.

We were particularly pleased to visit before the house closed for the season. We pre booked our tour time and chose the classic tour of2hours 15minutes which was tight to get the treasures covered. So much family history disclosed as well as seeing the Picasso tapestries ,the family cars and horse drawn carriages. The views over the Hudson River with the autumn colours were beautiful.

What a breathtaking mansion! I've done many mansion tours, but I think this may well be my favorite. We took the grand tour. Photos inside the mansion are not permitted. The rooms, furnishings, artwork, and Asian ceramics, are amazing. The architecture is wonderful. The gardens (so many!) are spectacular, with sculpture art and fountains all around the property overlooking the Hudson and valley. The personal art collection is exquisite, especially the Picassos. There is just so much to catch the eye. Our tour guide was very informed, although almost a little too knowledgeable and clearly educated in art appreciation. The tour also included the fabulous carriage house and garage with an extensive horse and carriage collection and amazing antique car collection. My only criticism is that I wish another hour had been added to allow for a tour of the "playhouse", a large tudor-style building on the property that is visible from the tour bus. I would love to do the tour again in late spring/early summer when the gardens are in bloom.

I was the only person who showed up for my time slot so I was the beneficiary of a solo tour. I was amazed by the extensive knowledge of my tour guide whether talking about the art collection, the landscaping, or the architecture of this one of a kind estate and the family that occupied it.

My wife and I had some extra time in the Hudson Valley and made a spur of the moment decision to tour Kykuit. Turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We took the Classic Tour and Roxanna, our tour guide, was the best guide we have had in years. She was knowledgeable, personable, and engaged our group throughout the tour. Even though it was a rainy and dreary day, she kept the mood of the tour upbeat. And the subject matter was very interesting.

The set-up is well done. The tour (as well as other tours) start at the Visitor Center and the group is transported by bus to the home and gardens.

Kykuit, the estate of John D. Rockefeller and the family has been open for tours through the Historic Hudson Valley. What is great about this location is that there are several different tours offered which cater to different interests. My group took the Classic Tour as it is recommended for first time visitors, and lasts just over 2 hours including the shuttle ride from the visitors center to the estate. Driving up to the estate there are several statues pointed out to you. When you pull up, your jaw will drop. There is just so much to look at and while our guide said there would be time for photos when she concluded her introduction we were moving right along, so take photos whenever you can. Photography is permitted outside the building but not inside. From the facade of them home you will go through the ground floor, and then to the sculpture garden outside, the art gallery downstairs, and then back to the other side of the sculpture garden, finally the carriage house and garage.

The estate and grounds were stunning, probably the most luxurious home I've visited aside from that of Thomas Edison in New Jersey, but it was a different type of luxury here. The art gallery alone is more stunning than some actual museums, however this part of the tour was long and if you're not completely interested in art it occupies a lot of time. There are other options on the tour that focus on the garden, a grand tour which exceeds three hours in length but you see more of the home, etc. The big issue I have with these is no matter what tour you take, even the time saver tour, it is the same price as the landmark or classic tour. The length of the tour can provide problematic too, as the art gallery can take up a lot of time on the classic tour, but if you're going to spend the $28 you may as well do the classic over the timesaver. I would return to this site to take a different tour, and such a short distance from NYC it can be a nice getaway from the busy city. Sleepy Hollow is a great area with lots of great history to see, so make Kykuit part of a weekend trip there, but book in advance!

Madeleine was terrific! She kept it interesting because she was knowledgeable! We really enjoyed her leading our tour! Thank you.

My tour of Kykuit was AMAZING. While it is one of the more expensive tours in the area, it was also the longest and one of the most fun. I went here with my mom and we loved the tour! Learning about the Rockefeller family added so much to my limited knowledge of JDR and John D Rockefeller Jr and to my almost no knowledge of Nelson.

When you go here, remember that the tour starts at the visitor center and not Kykuit itself or else you will go to the wrong place and potentially miss your tour time.

What a wonderful opportunity to see how the Rockeferrers lived and to learn of all of the things they did for others. A worthwhile visit.

Kykuit is of course the Rockefeller house one of their several homes. When I go through these houses are usually don't take the tour are usually just walk through and see what I can say. Sometimes I catch up to a tour and listen to what they are saying in this particular case I won't get following a tour and hearing all the history of the house. One of the things I learned was that The Rockefellers purchased the land on the other side of the Hudson so that they would have a view.
I would recommend it going here The weather is good and spending some time in the Gardens.

Karen the tour guide on the full 3 hour tour was excellent.

We don't really like many tour guides anywhere but found her to be easy to listen to, friendly, very knowledgeable, professional, and overall enjoyable.

The grounds are beautiful and the art is pretty great.

I wasn’t overly excited to visit this home because I was expecting just another wealthy person’s summer playground. Kykuit is that, but it is much more. The visitor center and free parking are located in Sleepy Hollow. You take a shuttle bus to the property. We paid for the expanded tour in which we visited the two levels in the home, various gardens and the art gallery located on the lower level and the carriage barn. Our tour took about 2-1/2 hours. Kykuit’s history was interesting because it has been in the Rockefeller family since it was built and was occupied until Nelson Rockefeller’s death in 1979. During that time the family collected a lot of art, and 50 percent of the tour is like visiting an art museum. Our guide was very knowledgeable and the views from inside the house and garden are fantastic. Well worth a visit.

My husband and I visited Kykuit in mid-October, taking the Classic Tour.

The Classic Tour is just over two hours long and very enjoyable.

PARKING & FACILITIES: You must park at a visitor center in Sleepy Hollow and board a shuttle bus at the appropriate time with your tour guide. The visitor center has snacks, a shop, and rest rooms. Use the rest rooms at the visitor center.

THE CLASSIC TOUR: Our guide, Patrick, was well informed and seemed to enjoy his job. The tour starts in the home and only grants access to a few of the first floor rooms. If I recall correctly we saw the office, living room, butler's pantry, modified china room, and a parlor or two. Throughout there are Chinese antiquities and some modern art. After completing the tour of the first floor rooms, you are able to explore some of the garden (the gardens immediately around the home). There are some fantastic statues, which are very well placed to thoroughly enjoy the art as well as the views of the Hudson. Upon finishing up in the garden, you are taken to the basement. In the basement are AMAZING pieces of art. You might as well be in the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art. While the collection is much smaller than the East Wing of the NGA, it is still impressive - Picasso tapestries, a small Calder, Andy Warhol, and more. This is all in a basement... Once done the the basement, once again you are brought outside for a short stroll to view a few more pieces of art and then you board the shuttle back to the visit the car barn. The car barn contains a few horse carriages, a few cars, displays sharing the restoration endeavors by the family (I had no idea they played a significant role in restoring Versailles). Upon completing the tour of the car barn, you take the shuttle back to the visitor center.

THINGS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER:
One thing that I wish we could have done is spent more time around some of the larger sculptures on the grounds. Possibly having the shuttle stop and allow the visitors to enjoy the pieces.

There was an individual who had one leg in a cast. She had some difficulty getting around. The home has elevators, but separate docents/guides had to ensure she could meet us in the basement. I don't recommend the tour if you can not comfortably stroll for two hours with a few minor steps.

We learned so much about the Rockefellers, their home, their art collection. The views of the Hudson are fantastic. I will say that the tour paints a very rosy picture of the family; very biased for obvious reasons.

Pictures are only permitted outside, although several people on our tour took pictures with their smart phones.

Worth the price of the tickets. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

The train ride for Grand Central Station downtown NYC to Tarrytown takes about 50 minutes. Read your tickets very carefully as you are to register and get your actual ticket from right in Tarrytown. Once you are checked in at Tarrytown you will be transferred via a tour bus up to the actual location. If you have rented a car and drive up or walk up to the actual estate on your own you will be turned back by the security guard to the check in location in Tarrytown as only the tour bus is allowed entry. Once you arrive the landscape and gardens are breathtaking as well as the actual estate. We took the three hour grand tour so you get to tour every level inside the estate and the surrounding gardens. The architecture and art sculptures and pictures are amazing.

The extravagant living of the Rockefeller’s is something to behold. It takes two hours to see the inside of the castle, the furnishings, paintings, cars and horse carriages. The grounds are well maintained and beautiful views of the Hudson valley.

We took a train from the Grand Central to the north along the Hudson river. It takes about an hour. Then by taxi we've to the estate. It's just Wow! The building,the design, the interior, the park, everything there made there with the exceptional taste.

We were in the area and toured this beautiful home and gardens on Labor Day Monday. Tour was informative and thorough. Our guide took us through the first floor of the home, the art gallery, and the gardens. Well worth seeing!

Kykuit was the last stop in our week in the Hudson Valley and we had already seen many historic homes (Springwood, Valkill, Vanderbilt Mansion and Olana) so the first floor tour here (we took the Classic Tour) was more than enough for me. What I loved (and wish we had more time to spend) were the art galleries (especially the Picasso tapestries) and the grounds. Just amazing. A very minor downsides - there’s a lot of walking (it was a very hot day), no free time to wander the grounds or appreciate a piece of artwork a little longer, and they jam pack the tour into the small rooms. But, despite these minor items, it was a five star site to visit for me!

We took the Grand Tour with Tom. Excellent tour with many details of the Rockefeller family and the many philanthropic activities they were associated with. We saw three levels of the 5 level house plus the outdoor gardens. And the carriage house with several horse-drawn coaches and several antique cars. The house is much bigger than most pictures show, and the views of the River are quite grand.

Be aware that in the 3 hours, we were in our feet almost the entire time, with very few places to sit, so if you cannot stand or walk for that long, take a shorter tour.

The tour starts at the Philipsburg Manor, where you park (free parking) and check in to get your wrist band inside the visitor center, then board the bus outside the building. The drive to Kykuit takes only a few minutes. Do not drive directly to Kykuit; that’s not where the tour starts.

The Grand Tour was $60 per person but worth it IMHO.

We came here on vacation to tour the homes of the Hudson Valley. We have toured 3 so far and Kykuit has been the only one to disappoint.
The tours are on tight schedules so there’s not much time to enjoy the home. Our tour guide’s focus was more on the art presentations than it was the house or historical history of the family.
The unprofessional aspect comes from the fact that she just couldn’t keep her political opinion/stance to herself. We came to learn about history and not to be insulted because our views differ from hers.
The tours at Sunnyside and Lyndhurst were far more enjoyable to us.

The Rockefeller's were an interesting family and the house reflects this. Our guide was quirky and fun. I highly recommend a visit

Great tour, worth every penny. We went in July, and while several mother Hudson houses were closed, KyKuit was open! Yay! I loved the interior of the house, the basement's modern art wing, and the back gardens. Our guide Karen was very knowledgeable, compared to some sites I visit. She really was open to lots of questions, and knew a lot of small details. The shuttle really helps, with this heat. Definitely recommend this tour.

I was a little disappointed that this was a guided tour so you could not linger if something in a particular room was of interest. However the tour was very informative and not tedious as some tours can be. I would have enjoyed seeing more of Nelson Rockefeller's sculpture garden. All in all a worthwhile stop when in the Hudson valley.

We went on a Saturday towards the end of August with a 1:30pm tour time. The Visitor Center was humming with activity. This is a popular place, so plan your trip in advance. Buy your tickets in advance online, which will guarantee you a spot on the tour at a specific time.

The tour started with the shuttle bus going through the main gate at the front of the mansion and dropping off visitors there. Several minutes are spent outside with the docent giving information about the mansion and the grounds. Once you enter the mansion, the tour includes and goes in this order of rooms: Office (Business Room), Drawing Room, Music Room (with osculus), China Room, Butler’s Pantry, Dining Room, Alcove Room, Library (Junior’s Room or Reading Room). You then go outside to tour the grounds (garden, pool, sculptures, fountains), then back inside and downstairs to the tapestries, sculptures, sketches, paintings, and furniture displays. You exit the mansion again and tour the back side of the property (with a view of the Hudson River) and the Locker Room. Visitors then get back on the shuttle bus, which takes them down the property (the mansion is on a hill) to the Coach Barn, which is the last stop on the tour. The group spent about 20 minutes there.

The interior furnishings are exquisite, though in some sense a little modest, given the Rockefeller’s wealth. The grounds and sculptures are absolutely beautiful, and I found the architecture of the mansion itself to be very pleasing to the eyes. The Picasso tapestries are certainly a sight to behold. Overall, there is such a fine combination of things to appreciate here that I highly recommend you put Kykuit on your Things to Do List.

Additional Considerations and Information:
1. The mansion tour leaves from and returns to the Visitor Center. There is a 5-minute shuttle bus ride to the mansion. The shuttle bus holds 24 people and is air conditioned in the summer.
2. Tours are timed and run continuously throughout the day. Our group did not overlap with any other group during our tour. However, as we were entering the mansion at the start of the tour, another shuttle bus had just pulled up.
3. The tour lasted 2¼ hours.
4. Indoor photography is not allowed. I was able to find some interior pictures on the Internet, and I also purchased a book about Kykuit in the gift shop. It has more pictures in it. If you want to have interior photos to remember your trip, these two options are available.
5. Photography is allowed in all outdoor areas and in the Carriage House.
6. There are no public bathrooms on the tour. They are available in the Visitor Center. The Center also has a gift shop, refreshment stand, and a seating area for eating.
7. There is an information desk in the Visitor Center, and the woman who was there when we visited was very helpful, even with suggesting local restaurants and attractions.
8. I don’t recall the mansion being air conditioned, but there were fans blowing and the inside temperature was comfortable, even though it was summer. The basement level with the tapestries did have A/C.
9. There is very limited seating throughout the tour, so be prepared to go the distance. The China Room has three or four chairs, the ground level (where the tapestries are) has a few benches, and the Coach Barn has several benches.
10. There is a water fountain in the Coach Barn.
11. Even though the tour lasted over 2 hours, I still felt a bit rushed, especially outdoors. There is a lot to take in, so be prepared to move along at a moderately brisk pace.
12. The Visitor Center is adjacent to the Philipsburg Manor, so be advised that it is the hub for two separate sites.
13. There is a parking lot at the Visitor Center, but it fills up quickly, even though it probably holds 70-80 cars, perhaps more. There is an overflow parking lot to the west of the Visitor Center, and it’s about a 200-yard walk from there to the Visitor Center. We had to use this overflow lot. The walkway to the Visitor Center goes along the Pocantico River, and you get a really nice view of the Philipsburg Manor.
14. Be aware that what Google Maps shows as the mansion is actually the Visitor Center. If you want to see an aerial view of the mansion and grounds, search for “Rockefeller Bros Fund” (near Bedford Rd / Route 448). The building it marks is adjacent to Kykuit and its grounds, which are directly to the southwest (lower left).

Our docent, Muriel Lipit, was especially friendly and informative, and she did a wonderful job leading us through this beautiful piece of property.

Some reviewers have noted that this tour is “expensive” or “high-priced.” I suppose that depends entirely on your budget and point of view. I do think that considering what you get for the price, the tour is well worth it. The grounds, with their fountains and sculptures and spectacular view of the Hudson River, alone are worth the cost of admission, in my estimation.

Be advised that this overall area (Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow) is not only busy in the summer, it gets extremely busy in the fall, as there are many things to do, including Lyndhurst Mansion to the south and assorted Halloween activities all throughout the area and further north. So if you are planning a visit during that time of year, expect crowds at the attractions, lines at all the restaurants, and a bit of a hassle trying to find parking.

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My husband and I went on the 3-hour Grand Tour of Kykuit. It was an exceptional experience, much enhanced by our terrific guide Colin. We saw three floors of the house: first floor with public rooms, second floor with bedrooms and bathrooms, and basement with large gallery of Nelson Rockefeller's Modern Art collection. The garden is vast and gorgeous, filled with sculptures, small buildings such as tea houses and gazebos, plus lawns, forested areas, and flowers everywhere. We were very lucky with the weather (sunny, dry, 70s), which made the outdoor part of the tour especially spectacular. We also stopped by the carriage house/garage.
Three hours is a long time for a tour but you move around quite a bit, no standing in one place forever. Colin did an outstanding job of relaying relevant historical facts and quirky anecdotes. We loved our time at Kykuit.

For history buffs, art enthusiasts, nature lovers, those curious about local architecture, young, old, etc. Fun tour. Not too long. Nice way to experience Tarrytown. I take all my out of town guests to Kykuit. It doesn't get old.

We visited Kykuit on a warm fall day last week. It was beautiful. The grounds were kept pristine and the interior of the home was gorgeous and well kept. Our tour guide, Bonnie, was super knowledgeable and made the tour super interesting! I highly suggest doing the classic tour which gives you access to the main house, some gardens, some galleries, and the coach house. The visitors center was also very nice with a cute store and a nice cafe with great sandwiches from a deli in town. It was well worth the trip to visit Kykuit! Will be back!!

The Rockefeller house and garden are interesting to visit, even though the tour is very restrictive and one may not take photos inside. The guide I had was knowledgeable and told some funny stories about the Rockefellers, but make sure you don’t open an umbrella near her. I am mindful of the fact that it can get in people's way, but clearly not mindful enough, as she felt the need to chide me and tell me to move along so that other people could also see the view. I was also reminded to close my umbrella and put it away before the-entering the house, as if I’d be stupid enough to go inside with an open umbrella. Not sure what her reactions are when it’s raining, as everybody then has an open umbrella...
Maybe it would be more enjoyable overall if it weren’t all so rigid and so policed. Also note that the 2.25 hours duration of the Classic Tour includes the trip to and from the visitor centre, so the actual tour of the house and gardens is somewhat less.

Mansion of 3 generations of Rockerfellers.
Beautiful gardens overlooking the Hudson.
Dont miss seeing the abstract art collection in the basement area. Mostly Piscasso paintings and tapestries.

I didn't realize that the Rockefeller's lived in the area when I was making travel plans to the area. I was really glad that I included this on our trip. It was very interesting to see how how the Rockefeller's developed the property and lived. This is really a day long experience or at least a majority of a day.

Kykuit offers several tour options. The Classic Tour lasts a little over two hours and takes visitors through the first floor of the mansion and the gardens. Tours are rigidly timed and they book as many visitors as possible into each slot. Space in some rooms is tight with visitors crammed in, and, if you aren't near the front, you'll miss a lot of information. Questions were answered curtly. The guide was knowledgeable but brusk and revered the Rockefeller family. If you're looking for a balanced view of the family history, you won't find it here.

At times we had to wait for the tour before us to leave a room and at other times we felt rushed to exit before the tour behind us entered. We were herded, and I haven't experienced anything this bad at other historic properties. The guide was better informed about the house than the garden (that's a separate tour). When the tour ends, you quickly board the bus back to the visitor center, no lingering is allowed to enjoy the grounds or the sculpture on it (that's another tour).

The house and grounds are nice, but with the fast pace, little information is retained and that's what you hope to get on a guided tour. The admission fee is high and with all the historic properties in the Hudson Valley competing for visitors, I wouldn't put Kykuit high on the list.

I was absolutely impressed with the grounds and the views. I was also very surprised to see so much important art such as Picasso, Brancusi, etc….If in this area this is a must!

We did the 3 hour grand tour led by Joan. The tour was long but we would have stayed longer because the house and grounds are extensive, beautiful and fascinating. Joan was the best. She was knowledgeable, loud enough, enunciated every word, answered every question and was efficient. We wish we could have wandered the grounds on our own but we understand, given the behavior of some people, this could lead to destruction. At the end of the tour I wanted to read a complete history of the Roosevelt family to fill in the few details that Joan could not supply due to time constraints.

The gardens the sculpture the views here are as stunning as you could possibly find! It is sensational the works of art incredible with one of the most amazing Henry More sculptures I have ever seen all beautifully taken care of. An absolute must for all in this area not that far from New York city.

Well worth a day out or an overnight stay.

Magnificent!!!

Even the less than stellar weather didn't negatively impact our visit. Our guide Charli knows A LOT and left no questions unanswered. The grounds and house are amazing, the woodwork, the history, the art collection, the view...I can't say enough. I would definitely listen to the recommendation and not bring children- they say under 10, I would say if they don't have a huge interest in history leave them home. This was so enjoyable we will come back for the more in depth tour some day.

We had a lovely tour here and the grounds, vista and story are all amazing. If you are in the area and have a chance to do one thing - this is it!

This tour of a property built overlooking the Hudson River by John D Rockefeller in the early 1900s was both enjoyable and informative. Our guide had unique insight, having been a part of the household staff in the 1960s. The tour starts at the Visitor Center where you board a shuttle bus to the house. The tour encompasses public rooms on the first floor and the art galleries in the lower level. The rooms are furnished in various styles and the highlight is the art of many different styles and periods, including a poignant portrait of JDR by Singer Sargent, Chinese artifacts and English porcelain. In the lower level are the amazing art galleries of modern art, the highlight being the incredible Picasso tapestries. We then went outside to see the sculpture works, fountains and sublime vistas. The final stop was the horse " barn" with vintage carriages and automobiles. We learned an amazing amount of information about the Rockefeller family. The 21/2 hour tour was well worth the price of admission.

We toured Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate in the Hudson Valley, and just wanted to give a shout-out to our excellent guide Karen Zaslow from Historic Hudson Valley. She took us through the Mansion and the grounds, which were both amazing. Fascinating insights into the Rockefeller family who have contributed so much to the arts in the New York City area.

The art work alone is worth it, but the views are to die for! I would love to tour in other seasons. Seems a little pricey but I'm glad I did it. The views are to die for and the art work alone is worth it. I would love to tour in other seasons as well, but Fall was really stunning. Tour guide was knowledgeable and fun!

Beautiful house and views. good guide. but HHV, an alleged not-for-profit, runs it like an offensive, money-grubbing business. If you “only” pay for the Highlights tour, not cheap at $26, they rush the group off the premises, whether the tour guide is done or not. You cannot stay a minute longer than you’ve paid for, even to enjoy the grounds. They give all kinds of ridiculous reasons, most of which reek of elitism and greed. I was there 20 years ago and it was nothing like this. I’ve also been to dozens and dozens of historic homes, and never had this kind of experience.

I love mansions. I love to be jealous of people who live(d) in mansions. I prefer a gothic mansion with lots of nooks & crannies to peek in, with stone & wood. But, I liked this mansion, too. And, my husband vastly preferred this one to the others we saw in the area, as far as the home itself (he liked the furniture at Lyndhurst). The sweeping vistas are undeniably beautiful, and the place is an art museum as well as a home museum. I loved the gardens, they were actually my favorite part. If I were ever to go back, I would pay for the tour that shows you more of the gardens. Make sure when you go, you go get your shuttle from Phillipsburg, don't go directly to Kykuit! There's nowhere to park

KyKuit is the feature attraction in the Rockefeller Estate, some of which is still private family owned.

Kykuit is lavish and sprawls with spectacular views, ubt for the most part tasteful and restrained, at least for such a wealthy famly. It's exterior is to my mind not so grand as the more ostentious wealth of other grandeees. There's an office/study where Nelson Rockefeller work, a basement with a bowling alley and lavish Picasso designs, a lot of fine art.

What it doesn't usually do is astound you with gaudy ostentation. The walks around the grounds offer spectaular grounds with manh fine, discreet views, passage ways that completement rather than overwhelming.

The garage, away from the house, has a collection of fine cars. Some very valuable fromthe outset, others reflecting both power and wealth, i.e. a Ford convertible built for european excursions, a small electric carfor a distaff Rockefeller.

It helps to have an appreciation for scultpure and art and have some knowledge of the Rookerfeller role in the art world. You'll see much presence of it.

Kykuit is the Estate of John D. Rockefeller and Family, and a significant landmark for American History, that really should be a MUST visit, for many reasons. It's SITE, within the Hudson Valley, in the hills above Sleepy Hollow, NY is spectacular as well as it's beautifully landscaped gardens. AS an architect, I was not particularly impressed with the architecture of the mansion itself, but the ARTWORK contained withing - including Nelson Rockefeller's collection -located in the basement, is worth a visit, by itself.

It is not easy or quick to visit! You must park/start at the "Visitor Center" type caility - with food and Gift Shop, just off the Main Street in Sleepy Hollow. Then, once you decide on a "ticket type" (length/scope of tour), and it is "pricey", you wait for your timed Bus to drive you up to the Site (10 minutes) for access.

Tour guides are very knowledgeable and well-informed. Our trip was 1-1/2 hours, which was fine, as an intro/ first visit. DID NOT access/ visit the upper floors of the mansion (1st floor and basement art collection only), and would've liked to see more of the other buildings on the large Estate grounds -but that would have taken much longer, and much more expensive ticket.

DEFINITELY worth a Visit, as you're touring the Hudson Valley.

Our guide/docent was so very knowledgeable about how the home was used, the art (quite a lot about the artists and how they were commissioned for the art seen), and how each Rockefeller generation added/changed the details like the dinnerware. I left with a different perspective of this family, not the magnitude of their wealth but how much PASSION they had professionally and recreationally and how family oriented this home actually is.

Great walking tour. Adam was very knowledgeable and made the tour very enjoyable. He answered all questions happily and was very friendly. We would definitely take another tour.

Did a Classic tour of the Kykuit Estate with Nancy and it was an amazing experience. Nancy was extremely knowledgeable and even indulged our inquiries about any haunted experiences on the premises (given we toured right before Halloween). The estate is absolutely beautiful; I would highly recommend going! One of the best parts of my week long trip, hands down :) thanks Nancy!

If your first time, do the grand tour and book in advance. Interesting history. Beautiful grounds. Not ideal for people who have problems with walking.

We fit in some personal time to visit Kykuit on opening day this season, while in Westchester County on business. Mary Lou was our tour guide and she was remarkable.

We learned so much about the Rockefeller family and rich history of the home. The gardens were beautiful.

If it seems restrictive that you have to do tour with guide, that's because the family wants to preserve the site. We wouldn't have gained as much from a self guided tour, so I'm glad we did the Classic Tour.

It's well worth the time and money. If you get Mary Lou, you're in for a few laughs and a superb tour.

This is a very interesting place that is filled with history, charm and art. We took a guided tour which I believe is a must when visiting this place. We booked a week and a half in advance. After getting off the train, we walked over to the museum where we were provided a shuttle service. This place is filled with art and vintage cars. Worth the visit with kids as well.

fabulous drive in the fall, and love day trip away from the hustle bustle of the city,
thoroughly enjoyed the house as well as the estate. small queer town and was a day well spent with family and friends.

My husband and I went to Sleepy Hollow by 45-minute train ride from Grand Central Station in May. Easy to find--the train takes you right to the Sleepy Hollow Station and with an Uber driver we visited the Sleepy Hollow cemetery where Washington Irving and other luminaries dating back to the 1600s (!) are buried. It was drizzly that day so the atmosphere did remind us of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow with the Headless Horseman.

The Kykuit estate is quite a surprise. The mansion from the 1920s holds a remarkable art collection--both Asian and contemporary--and is filled with wonderful stories, thanks to our highly informed guide, Carol. As a former Stanford professor specializing in Sui and T'ang dynasty history, I thoroughly enjoyed Carol's depth of knowledge of art history. (She majored in it!) And the stories of the Gilded Age are jaw-dropping!! John D. Rockefeller was so filthy rich that he hired 200 people to move dirt from below near the train tracks so his house could be built on a higher hill. He also had the train tracks moved so he could have a better view.. Seeing is believing--and the world of the rich and arrogant will remind you that today's plutocracy Kymay simulate that of 100 years ago!!

They're closed on Monday, but can buy tickets at the gift shop any other day. They had a senior, student and kid under 17 discount. We did the last tour of the day and it was an express tour. We really enjoyed it!

The Kykuit tour with Maura Bohan was so informative! What a great tour guide. Maura was engaging and so knowledgeable about everything in the house and on the grounds from the trees and landscaping to the artwork and the architecture. Really recommend this tour!

The Rockefeller House is magnificent. I've been on this tour over a dozen times and learn something new every time. I particularly like the Picasso tapestries and the converted horse barn. The views of the Hudson can't be beat! Very enjoyable.

my tour guide, kathy, was incredible and knowledgeable, and offered a lot of really interesting perspective around not only the historical facts of the rockefeller family and the estate, but also the intergenerational conversations that surround everything you get to experience. i took the classic tour (first floor, back garden, golf room), and got to see some breathtaking bits. it was very worth it if you don't want to splurge on the full grand tour just yet. nelson especially gets a lot of mention because of his time in the house and all of the more modern touches that his presence brought about. highly recommend, especially if you can get kathy as your guide!!!! can't thank her enough for the one-on-one treatment :)

This estate was gloriously intricate and gorgeous, and a wonderful way to spend some time on a blustery day. We took the Classic Tour and got to see most of the house, plus the Inner Garden and the West Terrance, in around two hours. Our docent was incredibly knowledgeable and told us lots of interesting historical tidbits. The estate put me in mind of the Brakers in Newport. I think I'll come back in warmer weather to enjoy the estate when everything's in bloom!

Simply fabulous! Words can't adequately describe how awesome this tour and our tour guide, Maura was. Although it was pouring rain, the beauty of the mansion and grounds were breathtaking. Maura shared her deep knowledge of the property and the Rockefeller family and was an absolute delight! The art collection and sculptures were amazing. My husband and I can't wait to go back and do the Grand tour. If your plans take you to Sleepy Hollow, this is something you must not miss!

On 5/4/19 my fiance and I went on The Kykuit Tour. Carol was our guide. She was phenomenal. Her detailed knowledge of every aspect of the tour was very informative. The coordination with the bus driver was on point. Having a well informed and engaging tour guide made this experience truly memorable! Thank you Carol, the employees at the gift shop, the security team and the transportation workers. Everything was in sync.

This is a 2 plus hour tour and worth it. You get a bus at the visitor center to take you to the home and gardens. It is very interesting and lovely. The visitors center has an excellent gift shop and bathrooms...

Was a great dts touringThis tour is not to be missed THree generations of rockefellers live here and the rooms and the views are outstanding THe history is amazing and the grounds and the best you will ever see Worth every cent and highly recommend

Took train from nyc and Uber to “entrance”
Which we were told was the wrong one and the little Napoleon guard insisted that we “needed to read our ticket”.
There was a car behind us that did the same thing!
Finally after getting to the correct entrance, we took a shuttle to the main house.
The Picasso tapestries were the highlight of the tour .
The gardens were pretty dried
Out but the statues were lovely. Overall would recommend.

I came with my parents the first week of October. The visit was one of the highlights of their visit to NY and they are still talking about it! We were lucky enough to benefit from great weather but also an amazing guide, Priscilla. She made the places come alive not only with great info, but with anecdotes and personal stories of the family. She clearly did a lot of research on her own. The tour was good pace for my parents, and the logistics were easy. People at the Visitors center were super nice and clearly love what they do.

Went on October 1st on an amazingly beautiful sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky so the views from this amazing house were terrific. The tour is 2.5 hours long and while I was not aware of this before we left, I was aware that the tour started at the visitors center and we were taken by shuttle bus. It clearly states this on the ticket. The house, gardens are magnificent and the tour guide was amazing with fantastic knowledge of the history of not only the house but the area. There are toilet facilities at the garage/stables so don't know why previous reviewers were not aware of this. The info clearly says that the tours are guided and that the family still use parts of the estate so you can not move around unsupervised. If you join Historic Hudson Valley as a member you get complimentary access to other areas and a discounted price on tickets to Kykuit. Even at full price, this would be a tour not to miss if you love architecture, art and the most amazing gardens! Could not think of a better way to spend an beautiful afternoon in New York.

I took my 87 year old mother on the classic tour of Kykuit. She has lived in Putnam county NY her whole life and had never been. It was a very enjoyable and interesting tour. The home of the Rockefeller family is beautiful especially the grounds and views of the Hudson River. Nelson Rockefeller has a very nice modern art collection which is found throughout the home and grounds. Our tour guide was very informative. Well worth the visit! I would recommend getting tickets online. We had to wait 3 hours for the tour and had to drive elsewhere to find a cafe. There is a small cafe ate the visitor center but we wanted more variety.

This residence is a stunner and, unlike so many historic homes open to the public, is in beautiful shape. You feel as if the family has just gone out for the afternoon.

The docent who led our 3 hour tour was extremely knowledgeable, well spoken, obviously incredibly proud of the house and grounds and fun. Time passed quickly and I think we would all have gladly spent far mire time there.

The grounds are beautiful and immaculately planned although, unlike the Biltmore, largely not formal. Nelson Rockefeller’s modern sculpture collection is a key part of the outdoor spaces and each piece is stunningly placed.

Indoors his galleries are just as well curated, largely by him. There are multiple places where he would sit after dinner with friends and enjoy the art around him. The Picasso tapestries are a true surprise to see and leave one with an entirely new perspective on the artist.

A not to be missed piece of American history that also holds some treasures from other cultures.

Took today the “Grand tour” together with my husband. The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful, sharing stories about the history, the family and how the mansion was built and restored. The house was very interesting to see, the gardens are huge and in fact an open air museum. Also the art artifacts we saw in the house were unique., various and surprising. Very warm recommended.

Joanne Powers was a wonderful guide

Please ask for her to get a knowledge tour

Much history here and beautiful art

I went with my friends during our sleepy hollow trip and was bored to tears by this tour. the tour guide wouldnt stop making snide comments about us to the whole group just bc we were taking pictures in the gardens. Another woman who worked there was VERY rude to us for no decernable reason. Wish i could get those 2.5 hours back.

Had a nice tour of Kykuit with so many photo opportunities. Loved the tour and would go back and do the longer tour. Well worth it.

This is a very good looking summer retreat of John D. Rockefeller who was first American billionaire and the founder of Standard Oil. Well maintained. A nice pace to visit. However the “classic tour” does not let you see the whole house as the upstairs of the property is still private area owned by the Rockefeller family. The tour was about 2 hour and they took the group onto a bus ride from the ticket place to the Kykuit estate house.

A trip to Kykuit is like going back in time. The estate is, of course, beautiful, but is is not ostentatious. It's tasteful, the art collection is world class and the location is delightful. It's a great place to spend an afternoon surrounded by the tasteful refinement of a bygone era.

Kykuit was recommended by the visitor’s center, and we were not sure what to expect. The tour ended up being a highlight of the weekend. The house is lovely, but what sets it apart from every other gilded age house you’ve seen is the fact that it was a family home and has been kept with the same furnishings and artwork the Rockefellers had when they lived there. There are items everywhere reminding visitors of the family and it’s history. The house also maintains many of the modern artworks collected by the family including some spectacular Picasso tapestries.

Our only complaint would be the lack of time on the guided tour to see the garage with its carriage and car collection. We had about 5 minutes and could have stayed much longer. However overall this was very interesting and we highly recommend it.

There are 4 tours you can take depending upon how much time you want to spend here or can spend. We chose the Classic tour which is 2 1/4 hours. There is a shuttle bus you can take, which we did from the Welcome Center at Phillipsburg Manor. Your tour guide will accompany you on the bus and back. He took his time with us and was very knowledgeable. The home is beautiful and our particular tour we toured just the 1st floor and basement which is a beautiful gallery of art that the Rockefeller family had obtained, all of it original art including some works by Picasso. We also toured the outside garden area, still lovely in October because of the sculptures placed in and around the gardens. Beautiful scenic view of the Hudson Valley area. We also went to the Coach Barn where they kept their horses, carriages, and automobiles when they came into existence. Well worth the visit, Would love to visit again on the longer tour and when the gardens are in full bloom.

Excellent tour/tour guide. Lots of detail and deeper knowledge. Handled the crowd very well and showed a nice amount of enthusiasm for the material.

The art was fantastic. The views among the best. Architecture, sculpture, painting, drawing, landscaping. This tour had it all!

Will take another tour with her, definitely!

Wealth of knowledge and art work at this wonderful residence in Sleepy Hollow.

You will enjoy the gift shop and the tour of the residence. Also the town is cute

The tour of this incredible estate gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Rockefellers, who did so much good with their resources to benefit all of us for generations to come. Thanks to them, we have the beautiful Rockefeller Preserve and so many other great places to visit. This, however, is their private space so is only accessible via the tour, which starts down at Phillipsburg Manor and you take a 5-minute bus ride up to Kykuit. It is worth it for the views alone, incredible expansive gardens overlooking the Hudson. Inside the estate are priceless treasures, especially in the lower level which is full of huge, amazing Picasso originals created especially for the Rockefellers. The carriage house is also really cool, showing their love of horses and their cars from the 1930's on up. Not to be missed! Really worth the 2.5 hours. Not for very young children -- they would be bored and it's just too long for anyone under 12 or so, in my opinion.

Our tour guide Kelle, was tops! She answers all of our questions and we had a lot of them.
She was pleasant and knowledgeable. Kelle made the place come alive for us.

She showed us where to stand to get the view of the artist or architect. It was a great tour.

We splurged and took the Grand Tour (3 hrs)on a Friday afternoon. I can hardly describe how wonderful this tour was! I’m certain our guide, Dana, made it most worthwhile, she was delightful with her wealth in facts and information describing details of the Rockefeller family and their home. Her stories made this family real. It was very obvious she loves what she does. The mansion is elegant and huge yet comfortable. The grounds are gorgeous with attention to detail obvious at every turn. The Grand Tour is the way to go! We will never forget our afternoon at Kykuit!

Our tour guide Bonnie was fabulous. She made the Rockefeller Estate come alive through her knowledge and her story telling of each area that we visited.Bonnie was enthusiastic throughout the Grand Tour.

Fascinating and extremely informative as well as fun. Beautiful grounds and home! If you can, do the full tour as it is worth the money - it goes to charity and care of the facility.

Kykuit is truly an amazing place! It should be on everyone's "Must see" list. The home, grounds, art, and panoramic views are all spectacular. And our tour guide, Karen Zaslow, made the 2+ hour tour as good as it could have possibly been. Her extensive knowledge about the history of Kykuit is extraordinary, and all the details she provided made for one of the most informative and best tours I've ever taken. THANK YOU, KAREN!!!

As so many other reviewers have said, a visit to Kykuit is a wonderful experience. Beautiful house, art and grounds.

Great history, we especially related to Nelson Rockefeller. Lisa our guide was awesome. Shocked that we didn't know about Nelson's obsession with sculpture, Ming Dynasty collections, Picasso vases, Picasso paintings. Loved the room with china collections! JDR's swimming pool, gardens beautiful. Highly recommend!

Classic tour description stated house tour and art tour. It ended up being 20% house (did not see the upstairs/bedrooms), 20% outside grounds which were lovely and 60% artwork. Nobody in our group of 13 cared to see this and our horrible tour guide went on and on about it. People in the group would ask questions about the house and she didn’t answer or didn’t know the answer yet she stated she had been a tour guide for 26 years. I think it is time for her to retire. She was rude, aggressive and unpleasant. A woman who had trouble walking asked about a ramp and the guide answered no with an attitude.

I feel that there should be a completely separate tour of just the artwork as some people really enjoy this aspect, but she clearly enjoyed this more than anything.

If one is paying for a house tour, then the entire house should be shown, not half of it.

I would not recommend this at all unless you enjoyed art.

Wonderful tour of the Rockefeller estate in Sleepy Hallow, NY. A quick trip from NYC and a great day trip.

We were lucky to have a private tour since it was late and we were the only ones there. Meanwhile, Mirla, our tour guide was so fun and informative. She is a great lady with a lot of history of her own which added interest to the many stories of the mansion and the Roosevelt family. The grounds and view are amazing and the house has so many beautiful antiques and paintings. We took the short tour of about an hour and a half. That was good for us but some may prefer the long tour of 2 and a half hours. It's up to you but be sure to check the website for times.

Since we are retired, we are always looking for something interesting to do. This estate is exciting and excellent for a tour. Our tour guide was Patricia. She was excellent. She was able to point out all the amazing items in each of the rooms.
The history of this grand home is amazing. The Rockerfeller Family are known for their wealth, their dedication to the arts and their commitment to philanthropy.
Buy tickets online before you go. Our only problem was the cost of the tickets. We paid $50+ per person for a 2 hr. tour.
In 2019, we paid $53 for both of us for a 2 hr your.

This is a MUST do on your trip. I suggest leaving it for last because the other mansions do not measure up to this! Peter our tour guide was awesome! He made the tour sooooooo much fun and I really suggest asking if you can be paired up with him. He had so much knowledge and information for us. It was truly great. Grounds take your breath away!! The views are amazing. Best part was going into the basement and seeing all the art work the Rockerfellers had, it was incredible. We will definitely be returning to take the other tours.

Four generations of Rockefeller’s have lived in this beautiful home. Tours are different depending on how long you want to tour. Kykuit has all the original furnishings and the grounds are unbelievably gorgeous. This is a must visit if you are in the area!

this was an interesting tour especially because so much time was spent in the gardens which was unusual for me. the home was lovely and the gardens were spectacular. Learning tidbits on JD Rockefeller and his family was a nice tie in to the design particulars. I took the 3 hours tour (wanted the utmost experience & info). The art both inside & outside was amazing. This museum would cater to many types of people. there are less time commitment tours - believe 1 & 2 hrs. Just getting to this amazing & huge piece of land, on a hill, with some of the most spectacular views EVER is quite the experience. I am a devotee of house museums but this place is probably spectacular each season & I'd love to go again. Different tour guide usually lends itself to different focus & information.