If you’ve been missing HBO’s The Gilded Age and dreaming of ballroom drama, glittering chandeliers, and the kind of wealth that seems straight out of a museum, Ohio has you covered.
The state’s late-19th and early-20th century elite built mansions, estates, and Carnegie-funded libraries that rival anything on screen—minus the scripted scandals, of course. Step inside these historic landmarks and you’ll see the same extravagance, opulence, and flair for showmanship that makes the series so addictive, all while wandering gardens, grand halls, and libraries that still dazzle today.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens – Akron
Step onto the grounds of Goodyear co-founder F.A. Seiberling’s 65-room Tudor Revival palace and feel like you’ve wandered onto a movie set. From the manicured gardens to the opulent interiors, Stan Hywet Hall is Ohio’s Gilded Age in full bloom.
Visitor Tips:
- Address: 714 North Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
- Hours: Tues–Sun, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Don’t miss: The Sunken Garden in autumn—perfect for photos.
- Tickets: Adult $20, Student/Senior $17
Hay-McKinney Mansion / Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum – Cleveland
Built by railroad heiress Clara Hay in 1911, this mansion’s Second Empire architecture is a stunner—and now you can tour it alongside vintage cars and aviation artifacts.
Visitor Tips:
- Address: 5005 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103
- Hours: Wed–Sun, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Don’t miss: The antique automobiles inside the mansion’s garage area.
- Tickets: Included with museum admission
Mather Mansion – Cleveland
Once the crown jewel of Millionaire’s Row, the 1910 estate of industrialist Samuel Mather is still a stunner. Today, it’s part of Cleveland State University, but the grand ballroom and sweeping staircases still whisper tales of lavish parties.
Visitor Tips:
- Address: 2605 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
- Hours: Tours by appointment (check Cleveland State University events calendar)
- Don’t miss: The sweeping main staircase—a photographer’s dream.
Glidden House – Cleveland
The Glidden paint family spared no expense in 1910, building this stately Georgian Revival home. Now a boutique hotel, it’s a perfect stop if you want to sleep in a space where luxury was never an afterthought.
Visitor Tips:
- Address: 1903 E 105th St, Cleveland, OH 44106
- Hours: Hotel open 24/7; guided tours available by appointment
- Don’t miss: Breakfast in the original dining room for full Gilded Age ambiance.
Whitby Mansion – Sidney
Tucked away in Sidney, this Tudor-Jacobethan mansion from 1890 is a dream for history and architecture lovers. Today, it’s a cozy B&B, letting visitors literally spend the night surrounded by Gilded Age grandeur.
Visitor Tips:
Columbus Main Library – Columbus
Funded by Andrew Carnegie in 1907, this Beaux-Arts gem isn’t just a library—it’s a time capsule of early 20th-century splendor. Marble staircases, soaring ceilings, and ornate murals make it a literary lover’s paradise.
Visitor Tips:
- Address: 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun 1–5 p.m.
- Don’t miss: The original Carnegie-funded reading room—perfect for a quiet afternoon or photos.
- Admission: Free
Laurel Court – Cincinnati
Built in 1902 for industrialist Andrew McMillan, this mansion is pure Gilded Age extravagance. Ornate woodwork, sweeping staircases, and grand ballrooms make it a must-see for architecture lovers and history buffs alike.
Visitor Tips:
- Address: 3355 Eastwood Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45208
- Hours: Tours by appointment only
- Don’t miss: The grand ballroom and intricately carved wood details throughout the home
- Admission: Varies; check the official website for tour pricing
