Mark Twain House - Hartford, Connecticut

Tour the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT.  On your next trip to Connecticut, plan to stop for a tour of the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford. This National Historic Landmark is intriguing from an historical and architectural perspective, but it is even more interesting as the restored home of Mark Twain.

Mark Twain and his family lived in this Gothic Mansion in Hartford from 1874 to 1891. During his residency at this house, Twain published seven of his major novels, including “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn.”

The Mark Twain House was designed by architect Edward Tuckerman Potter and was built in 1874. The house is characterized by an assortment of unpredictable elements that many visitors feel reflects Twain’s personality. There is nothing symmetrical or exactly alike about the house, including its architectural elements and decorative treatments. Looking at the house from the outside, it’s difficult not to imagine living here must have been an entertaining and vibrant experience for the Twains.

Inside the Mark Twain House, experimentation continued. The interior was designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Associated Artists. An assortment of styles and cultural influences and furnishings are present throughout the first floor of the house. The eclectic interior includes designs and styles from Northern Africa, India and the Far East. Modern features such as flush toilets and the telephone further reflect Twain’s commitment to experimentation regarding his home.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Mark Twain House during their visit, and there is also a separate kitchen wing tour available for an additional fee. The Museum on site is an outstanding resource for information about Mark Twain’s life and work. It also provides a great deal of information about his contemporaries and the Gilded Age in general.

On your tour of the Museum, you can see a terrific biography film created by Ken Burns. There is a 2,000-square foot gallery to explore that contains a huge assortment of Mark Twain’s personal items and home furnishings. Photographs, artifacts, decorative and fine arts as well as manuscripts are exhibited here.

Be sure to stop by the Mark Twain Store during your visit. You’ll find an incredible selection of very unique items related to and inspired by Mark Twain and the Mark Twain House.

Tours of the Mark Twain House are available year round, and special programs are held here throughout the year, as well.

351 Farmington Ave.

Hartford, CT 06105