Experience America’s beginnings with a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Here, you will be transported to Virginia’s 18th-century colonial capital, where ideas of independence and revolution formed. Hear the stories of the men and women whose thoughts helped shape a revolution.
Fully immerse yourself in 18th-century Williamsburg as you walk down Duke of Gloucester Street. Listen to the stories of the lives, dreams and struggles of the community. You might meet George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or the Marquis de Lafayette, as well as nation builders whose names may not have appeared in your history book but made significant contributions to the American story.
Exploring the Past
An admission ticket to Colonial Williamsburg includes historically dressed interpreter-guided tours of historic sites, visits with tradespeople, and theater-style programs at the Play House Stage, Charlton Stage, Hennage Auditorium, and more. Tour the grand homes of Williamsburg’s residents during pre-revolution America and walk in the very footsteps of the diverse people—free and enslaved—who lived, visited, and worked there.
Discover craftsmanship when you meet tradespeople practicing over 20 trades. Watch as they use 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in—and eventually master—blacksmithing, woodworking, or gunsmithing, just to name a few. These world-renowned experts not only make goods and provide services to this Historic Area, they also consult and produce for other cultural institutions around the world. You will not find a trades community with so many experts in one place anywhere else in the world.
The whole family will enjoy visiting active archaeology sites and seeing preservation work in action, as historical experts uncover the past to better inform our future. Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, visit a historic tavern for an 18th-century-inspired meal. To enhance your experience, book a ticket for one of many entertaining evening programs.
Discovering Art
Experience the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg—two incredible museums under one roof—where admission is free, and amazing stories are beautifully told through expertly curated exhibitions.
Discover more of the collection on view than ever, from colorful and whimsical folk art made by amateur artisans in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum to objects that are useful as well as beautiful in The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. Enjoy amenities including a museum cafe and outdoor dining terrace, and a beautiful museum store.
2026 is set to be a special year when Colonial Williamsburg celebrates America’s 250th birthday and the 100th anniversary of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. For every generation, there’s always more to explore, more to learn, and more to inspire. Forge unforgettable memories at Colonial Williamsburg, where every season reveals new chapters of America’s story.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
855-296-6627
colonialwilliamsburg.org
Lead image:
Colonial Williamsburg
Photo courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
