ONLINE HOLIDAY RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 13th FOR MANSION TOURS
OLYMPIA — Reservations for the holiday tours at the Washington state Governor’s Mansion will be accepted starting Monday, November 13, 2023 at 8 a.m. Morning and afternoon tours are offered, on a first-come, first-served basis, for Wednesdays, December 6, and 13th. There will be ten tours per tour day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For reservations and times visit the Department of Enterprise Services website at https://apps.des.wa.gov/mansion/mansion.aspx to complete an online Mansion Tour request form. Each tour time is open to 25 guests and are hosted by the Governor’s Mansion Foundation docents. Visitors to the Georgian-style mansion, situated on a bluff overlooking Capitol Lake, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, will see the Mansion’s holiday decorations, which are entirely paid for by private donations. The annual GMF tree in the ballroom, designed and decorated by GMF volunteers, will feature first family photos along with other period ornaments.
The circa-1908 Mansion is the oldest building on Olympia’s Capitol Campus and is traditionally adorned for the holidays with ornate floral arrangements, wreaths, and arrays of seasonal lights. Along with the festive decor, visitors will get guided tours of the Mansion’s permanent collection of antique furnishings and Northwest artwork, including the renowned wall-size murals of Washington scenes in the state dining room.
Reservations MUST be made at least 24 hours in advance. However, tours fill up fast so the earlier you make your reservation, the better. For questions or additional information, please email the State Capitol Tour Office at tours@des.wa.gov (please put in subject line Gov. Mansion Tours). Adult tour guests must present photo identification and all visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Masks are not required. No umbrellas, strollers or food/drink will be allowed on the tour. The Mansion is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Visitors must walk a 200-yard incline up the Mansion. Campus parking is limited so see the Capitol Campus Interactive Map https://des.wa.gov/about/contact-us/capitol-campus-interactive-map.
Cancellation Policy – If you need to cancel your reservation, please do so with at least 72 hours’ notice (3 days) prior to your tour date. Call the Tour Office at 360.902.8880 to cancel your tour. Leave a message if no one answer. A waiting list is maintained for these tours and those not showing for their scheduled times do limit others wanting to attend. While last-minute issues are sometimes unavoidable, please make every effort to give adequate notice of cancellation.
The Governor’s Mansion Foundation, an all-volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan organization, honors the historical and cultural significance of the Washington State Governor’s Mansion by maintaining and enhancing the furnishings, art and library collection in the public rooms of the mansion, educating the public about the mansion and its history, and advocating on its behalf. The Governor’s Mansion Foundation is independent of the Governor’s office and the Governor. To learn more on becoming a “Friend of the Mansion”, or for more information on GMF, visit www.wagovmansion.org.
