Gloucester Gratis Days: Complimentary Self-Guided Tours for Gloucester Residents
Step inside the breathtaking home of one of the most prolific inventors of the 20th century, John Hays Hammond, Jr. In keeping with our founder’s original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum is pleased to offer free self-guided tours to Gloucester residents every Tuesday throughout the regular tour season, which runs through early November and during the holiday season, Museum-wide temporary exhibit, Deck the Halls. Proof of residency is required for all Gloucester Gratis admissions.
Over the last several seasons, Hammond Castle Museum has evolved into a dynamic STEAM museum, blending its historical significance as both a historic house museum and a lapidarium. Inside, you’ll not only discover ancient, medieval, and Renaissance architectural elements and artifacts—including stone archways, sarcophagi, grave markers, and an extraordinary collection of stone and marble works—but you’ll also find a vibrant museum offering fresh educational and cultural arts programming. Visitors can explore items from the archival collection that have not been publicly seen in generations, along with newly curated content and the most up-to-date information on the provenance of many pieces in our collection.
New this season, the Museum features four temporary exhibits that explore John Hays Hammond Jr. as both an individual and a scientific innovator. In the Natalie Hays Hammond Temporary Exhibit Room, Curatorial Director John Leysath presents Spinning Platters with Hammond: Inside the World of Vinyl Records, on display through August 31st. Beginning September 10th and running through the end of the 2025 season on January 4th, Leysath will showcase Hammond and Italy: The Love Affair Between Hammond and Italian Culture.
Additionally, the Inventions Exhibit Room will highlight Hammond's groundbreaking Videotape Technology during the spring and summer months, followed by Hammond’s Ahead of Their Time Advertising Signs in the fall.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hammond Castle Museum is a repeated Reader's Choice Best of the North Shore (BONS) award winner by Northshore Magazine, as well as a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award recipient.
Over the last several seasons, Hammond Castle Museum has evolved into a dynamic STEAM museum, blending its historical significance as both a historic house museum and a lapidarium. Inside, you’ll not only discover ancient, medieval, and Renaissance architectural elements and artifacts—including stone archways, sarcophagi, grave markers, and an extraordinary collection of stone and marble works—but you’ll also find a vibrant museum offering fresh educational and cultural arts programming. Visitors can explore items from the archival collection that have not been publicly seen in generations, along with newly curated content and the most up-to-date information on the provenance of many pieces in our collection.
New this season, the Museum features four temporary exhibits that explore John Hays Hammond Jr. as both an individual and a scientific innovator. In the Natalie Hays Hammond Temporary Exhibit Room, Curatorial Director John Leysath presents Spinning Platters with Hammond: Inside the World of Vinyl Records, on display through August 31st. Beginning September 10th and running through the end of the 2025 season on January 4th, Leysath will showcase Hammond and Italy: The Love Affair Between Hammond and Italian Culture.
Additionally, the Inventions Exhibit Room will highlight Hammond's groundbreaking Videotape Technology during the spring and summer months, followed by Hammond’s Ahead of Their Time Advertising Signs in the fall.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hammond Castle Museum is a repeated Reader's Choice Best of the North Shore (BONS) award winner by Northshore Magazine, as well as a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award recipient.
Flexible Arrival Times for Self-Guided Tours
Experience Hammond Castle Museum at your own pace with our new flexible arrival times for self-guided tours. Your reservation grants you entry anytime within your session time, ensuring you can arrive stress-free and enjoy your visit to the fullest. We recommend planning for at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and interior galleries of the Museum. Proof of residency is required for all ticket holders.
- Gloucester Gratis Days Self-Guided Tours are available every Tuesday throughout the entire 2025 tour season from May 6th through January 4th.
- Advance registration is recommended but not required. You may also register upon arrival in the Museum Shop.
This Shop Our Members is promoted by Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
