The Fraunces Tavern Museum in Lower Manhattan occupies the upper floors of a historic building where key moments in early American history took place, including General George Washington’s farewell to his officers after the Revolutionary War. This practical guide covers how to plan your visit with updated ticket prices, opening hours, transport, parking, facilities, and other useful details.
The focus is on real planning information for first-time visitors in New York City, from access logistics to what to expect inside the museum galleries.
| Location | 54 Pearl Street, Manhattan, New York, USA |
|---|---|
| Entry price | $10 adults, $5 seniors/students/children 6–18, free under 5 and active military |
| Opening hours | Daily 12pm to 5pm |
| Best time to visit | Early afternoon on a weekday |
| Parking availability | Paid parking garages nearby, limited street parking |
| Typical visit length | 1 to 2 hours |
History and overview of the Fraunces Tavern Museum
The Fraunces Tavern Museum stands atop one of Manhattan’s most storied buildings, a structure whose walls witnessed pivotal episodes in America’s founding era. The building at 54 Pearl Street dates back to the eighteenth century and became famous during and after the American Revolution as a gathering place for leaders and soldiers. Its upstairs rooms now house museum galleries that interpret the turbulent years of independence, from political councils to personal stories of those who lived through the struggle.
Walking through the museum you move from period furnishings to exhibits of artefacts, portraits and documents that trace New York’s role in the fight for self-government. The “Long Room” is a highlight, the room where George Washington bid farewell to his officers in 1783, bringing emotional context to the walls that once framed real historical events. Exhibits and collections here anchor abstract dates and names in tangible objects and spaces.
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How to get to the Fraunces Tavern Museum
This niche New York City museum is in the Financial District at 54 Pearl Street on the second floor of the historic building. Several subway lines serve the area. Take the N, R or W trains to Broad Street, the 4 or 5 trains to Bowling Green, or the J and Z trains to Broad Street and walk a few minutes. Many bus routes also serve the South Ferry/Financial District area.
If you are walking from Battery Park or other points south in Lower Manhattan the streets are flat and easy to navigate; signage and maps posted at transit stations help guide you to Pearl Street.
Parking at the Fraunces Tavern Museum
There is no dedicated museum parking. Street parking around the Financial District is metered and limited, so relying on a paid parking garage near the museum is usually more reliable. Allocate extra time to find a space, especially on weekends or during peak visitor periods. Many garages are within a short walk of Pearl Street.
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Opening hours at the Fraunces Tavern Museum
The Fraunces Tavern Museum is open daily from 12pm until 5pm, with last entry typically around 4.30pm. There is no separate closing time for different days of the week; the museum maintains the same hours seven days a week according to official visitor information.
Best time to visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum
Visiting in the early afternoon on a weekday often means quieter galleries and more space to view the exhibits without crowds. Weekends can be busier with local visitors and school groups, particularly in summer, so if your schedule allows aim for a midweek afternoon to move through displays at your own pace. Lower Manhattan’s mix of offices and tourist traffic means mornings before noon can feel busy nearby, so timing your museum arrival slightly later can help.
Facilities at the Fraunces Tavern Museum
The museum galleries include seating areas for rest and interpretive panels that explain artefacts and their historical context. There are restrooms on site, but there is no café or food service within the museum itself. The ground-floor tavern and restaurant operate separately and offer refreshments before or after your museum visit if you wish to combine dining with history.
Accessibility at Fraunces Tavern Museum
Wheelchair accessibility is limited due to the historic layout of the building and upstairs museum spaces. If mobility access is critical to your visit, contact the museum in advance to confirm current accessibility options and any assistance that may be available.
Nearby attractions
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum
- The Skyscraper Museum in Battery Park City
- One World Observatory
- The terminal for cruises to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- The Financial District’s Charging Bull, Federal Hall and Trinity Church
Practical questions about visiting Fraunces Tavern Museum
| Is it free? | No, there is an admission charge; that said children under 5 and active military enter free. |
|---|---|
| What time should I arrive? | Arrive soon after 12pm when the museum opens for a quieter visit. |
| How long should I allow? | Allow 1 to 2 hours to view exhibits at a relaxed pace. |
| Is it suitable for children? | Yes, older children with interest in history will find displays engaging. |
| Is it wheelchair accessible? | Wheelchair access may be limited; check with the museum ahead of your visit. |
| Are there nearby cafés? | Yes, cafés and eateries are within walking distance in the Financial District. |
| Can you bring food? | No, food and drink are not permitted inside the museum galleries. |
| Is public transport reliable? | Yes, multiple subway lines serve the nearby stations effectively. |
| Where is the best parking? | Paid parking garages near the Financial District offer the most reliable options. |
Fraunces Tavern Museum offers a grounded look at the Revolutionary era in a building that played an active role in early American history. Plan for a midday visit, consider combining the museum with nearby historic sites, and allow enough time to take in the displays and context of this Lower Manhattan landmark.
More New York City travel
Other New York City travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Seeing the Balto Statue, Central Park Carousel and USS Maine Memorial on a Central Park scavenger hunt.
- Stories of Nolita on the Catacombs by Candlelight tour.
- A first time visitor’s guide to Manhattan’s Upper East Side – including the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and the Frick Collection.
- 5 niche New York City museums worth visiting – including the Morgan Library and the Skyscraper Museum.
- How to pay less for Empire State Building tickets and get cheaper tickets for Summit One Vanderbilt.
