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Self-Guided Tour of House

Arlington House Self-Guided Tour

Self-guide yourself through the South Wing of Arlington House. While passing through Robert E. Lee’s office, the family parlors, and the center hall, you will view museum exhibits and period furniture and objects associated with Mr. and Mrs. Lee, George Washington, and George Washington Parke Custis.

Getting There
Access to Arlington House is through Arlington National Cemetery either from the Cemetery’s Parking Garage or by Arlington Cemetery Metro. You cannot drive directly to Arlington House. From within the Cemetery you can take the Arlington Cemetery Tour trolley, or walk, about 15-20 minutes from the Arlington National Cemetery Visitor Center Security Access Point up a hill to Arlington House.

Restricted Areas
The self-guided tour is restricted to the South Wing of the House only and is managed by placement of rails and a carpeted pathway. The space is monitored by security cameras and alarm systems. Do Not attempt to touch or get close to historic objects in the house. Look but do not touch.The North wing and upstairs portions of the house are not on the self-guided tour. Dependent on daily staffing, these areas may be open on a case by case basis, and do not require a ticket for entry.

Restricted Items Inside Buildings
The National Park Service prohibits the following inside Arlington House, museum and North and South Slave Quarters.

• Smoking;

• Food and drink (except a small quantity of sealed food items);

• Strollers;

• Bags larger than 18 x 16 x 8 inches;

• Animals (except service animals);

• Glass;

• Weapons;

• Ammunition;

• Mace or aerosols;

• Explosives or highly flammable substances

Group Tours

Due to operations under COVID-19 no group tours are being allowed at this time.

Ranger Guided Programs

No Ranger Programs at this time.

Museum and Slave Quarters

The Museum at Arlington House contains exhibits and artifacts about Robert E. Lee and his family. Included are original objects from the Lee and Custis families.

The two slave quarters are located on the North and South ends of Arlington House and help to tell the story of those enslaved at Arlington House.
All three buildings are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial

NPS

 

In 1925, the United States designated Arlington House as a National Memorial to Robert E. Lee. This designation was the result of the respect he earned from the North and South in avocating for reconciliation after the Civil War.

Arlington House is a Greek revival style mansion located in Arlington, Virginia. The house was once the home of Robert E. Lee and his wife. The house overlooks the Potomac River and the National Mall in Washington, D.C. During the American Civil War, the grounds of the mansion were selected as the site of Arlington National Cemetery.