A lasting legacy of the 19th century

Welcome to Culbertson Mansion

The Man Behind the Mansion

William Culbertson moved to Indiana seeking a new life and eventually became one of the richest men in the state and a renowned philanthropist. In fact, Culbertson invested much of his wealth in New Albany, involving himself in civic affairs, funding  the construction of the Culbertson Widows Home, serving as a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and founding the Cornelia Memorial Orphans Home, named for the second of his three wives. His mansion stands as an example of the tastes, ideals and lifestyles of the late 1800s.

William Culbertson Photo

At age 21, William S. Culbertson left New Market, Pennsylvania, to seek his fortune in Indiana. Settling in New Albany, he found employment as a clerk in a dry goods store. Culbertson possessed exceptional business sense and energy. He started his own utility company in 1854, eventually becoming a prosperous, independent businessman. In 1868, Culbertson retired from the dry goods business to invest his money in new ventures, in and around New Albany. Culbertson was widowed twice and married for the third time at age 70. He died in 1892, at the age of 78, achieving a net worth of $3.5 million dollars — about $61 million in today’s economy.

Ceiling Detail at Culbertson Mansion

It's 150+ years old, but new to you!

With its hand-painted ceilings, carved staircase, marble fireplaces and elaborate plasterwork, the Culbertson Mansion reflects the affluence of a man once considered to be the wealthiest in Indiana. In 1867, William S. Culbertson spent roughly $120,000 (or more than $2,000,000 in today’s economy) to build his grand home in New Albany.

Culbertson Mansion

An Architectural Gem

The three-story, Second Empire mansion encompasses more than 20,000 square feet and contains 25 rooms. The facade, east elevation and west elevation all feature semi-circular bays, allowing plenty of light into the rooms. Built by brothers William and James Banes, it was one of the most striking homes on Main Street.

Wall-to-wall wow!

No expense was spared in decorating the interior of the home. The family hired artists to paint the designs on the walls, ceilings and cornices of the first and second floors. Artists used the technique of trompe l’oiel in several rooms to mimic paneling, molding or other textured surfaces. Special tools were used to create the look of wood graining. Many of the floors were hand-painted with this “faux bois” graining. Other rooms were covered with wall-to-wall carpets.

Culbertson Mansion Interior
Culbertson Exterior

A slice of victorian life

In 1964, Historic New Albany purchased the home, and it was accepted as a state historic site in 1976. The Culbertson Mansion represents the lifestyles of the Victorian fortune-makers, as well as the lifestyles of the servant staff.

Ceiling Renovation

THE RESTORATION OF THE MANSION

The Culbertson family sold the house and its furnishings in 1899. Over the following decades, the passage of time and changes in ownership left their mark on the mansion. When the State of Indiana took ownership of the house in 1976, much of it would have been unrecognizable to the family. The state started exterior renovations in 1980, and shortly afterward, the staff and the Friends of Culbertson Mansion began work to restore the original interior.

An artist's touch

Restoration requires careful analysis of the remaining materials so that the artists and craftspeople involved can recreate the originals as accurately as possible. Textiles such as carpeting and window coverings are chosen for their appropriateness to the time period. In some cases, historic photographs are invaluable, as in the rebuilding of the first floor veranda and the recreation of the etched-glass panel in the front door.

Hand Painted Restoration
Culbertson Mansion Stairs

Our members appreciate the details

From special programming to guided tours, our members are always discovering something new about this 25-room, 20,000-square-foot mansion. What will you see today?

explore our membership plans
Children Under 3 Admission: Free
Youth (Ages 3 - 17) Admission: $6
Adults (Ages 18 - 59) Admission: $11
Seniors (Ages 60+) Admission: $9
Members Admission: Free

Plan Your Trip

  • Hours & Tickets

    Wednesday – Sunday
    10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    2023 Monday open dates & free days:

    • Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16 (FREE)
    • Presidents’ Day, Feb. 20 (FREE)
    • Memorial Day, May 29
    • Juneteenth, June 17 (FREE)
    • Labor Day, Sept. 4

    Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

    Timed, indoor tours are available Wednesday through Sunday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Specialty tours such as “Restoration” or “Servants Tour” need to be booked in advance by calling the site at 812.944.9600. No photography, videography or use of paranormal equipment of any kind is permitted on tours. 

    Purchase Tickets
    Walk up tour tickets are subject to availability. Purchasing online or by calling the site is recommended to ensure tour registration.
    Visiting on a free day? Specific site access and tour space will be limited. Please contact the site in advance of your visit to learn more and reserve your space.
  • Contact

  • Group Rate

    For groups of 15 or more, adult tickets are $9, and youth tickets are $3. Group tickets must be purchased in person.

  • Discounts

    Special discounts are available for educators and education groups, military, Access Pass holders and more. View all discounts >>

    We’re proud to participate in the annual Cultural Pass May through September. Registration is required for a Cultural Pass tour. Call the site to reserve your spot on our guided tours.

  • School Tours

    Field trip admission is free for pre-scheduled, accredited schools and homeschool groups of 10 or more Indiana K-12 students. Call 812.944.9600 to schedule your visit.

    Academic topics covered include benevolence, late 19th century life, servants & class structure, historic preservation and decorative arts.

    Learn more about field trip and school program offerings in the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites PreK-12 Education Program Guide. View guide >>

  • Commercial Photography and Videography

    If you are a photographer looking to book a shoot at Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, please review our commercial photography policy and application process. Learn more >>

PreK-12 Educator Guide cover

LOOKING TO BOOK A FIELD TRIP?

Help bring history, science, art and education to life for your students with a one-of-a-kind field trip experience. All state historic sites support Indiana Academic Standards, and feature a variety of academic topics. Call 812.944.9600 to schedule your visit to Culbertson Mansion

Learn More in Our Educator Program Guide

914 E. Main St., New Albany, IN 47150

Visit Today

Guided tours begin at the front door of the mansion, which is located on the corner or East Main and East 10th streets. Just ring the bell and wait for a guide to assist you.

Parking is available on Main Street and 10th Street. ADA compliant parking is available in the circular driveway behind the mansion; please call if you need to use the lift or if you need additional assistance.