Mansion FAQs

How many rooms does the mansion have?

There are a total of fifty-four rooms on four floors. Additional rooms are in the sub-basement, and the house has a full attic. There are 21 rooms in the basement, 12 rooms on the first floor, 15 rooms on the second floor, and 26 rooms on the third floor.

What are the overall dimensions of the mansion?

The mansion measures 174' long, and 122' wide.

How high are the ceilings?

The height of the rooms vary, but generally, the first floor is about 17'5" high. The second and third floors are approximatly 11'5" high.

How many fireplaces are in the mansion?

There are 21 fireplaces throughout the house.

How many light bulbs does it take to light the mansion?

Hold up! Our rangers are in the process of counting the light bulbs for you.

When was the mansion built?

Construction began in 1895 and was complete in 1898. The furniture was in place by May 1899.

Are there any secret passages in the mansion?

If we told you, it wouldn't be a secret.

Why is there a railing around Mrs. Vanderbilt's bed?

The railing around Mrs. Vanderbilt's bed is an architectural convention borrowed from many European royal palaces. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it served both practical and symbolic purposes related to royal births and ceremonies that occured daily when the king or queen woke up. At Hyde Park, the railing serves no purpose other than to reference the architecture of Europe's finest royal houses.

How many servants worked in the mansion?

The Vanderbilts employed about eighteen servants working in the house. They were divided into three departments under the Butler, the Housekeeper, and the Chef. Additional servants would be brought in as needed for special occasions or house parties.

What is the oldest thing in the mansion?

The oldest object in the mansion is a painting of a processional scene, built into the 15th-century gilt cassone (Italian marriage chest) located at the dining room foyer.

How much did it cost to build the mansion?

The mansion cost $660,000 to build. The cost of interior furnishings was $1.5 million.

Are the furnishings in the mansion original?

Yes. The house and original furnishings were bequeathed to the National Park Service in 1939.

Who built the mansion?

The mansion was designed by architects McKim, Mead & White. Norcross Brothers constructed the building, and the interior finishes were completed by Herter Brothers and A.H. Davenport.

What happened to the mansion after Frederick Vanderbilt died?

Upon his death in 1938, Frederick Vanderbilt left Hyde Park, and the bulk of his estate, to Margaret Van Alen (Louise Vanderbilt's niece). After briefly offering the mansion and surrounding estate for sale, Van Alen donated the mansion and its contents, with 200 acres and support buildings, to the National Park Service. Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site opened to the public on July 29, 1940.