Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area
Colonial Williamsburg
America's largest living history museum, recreating the original look of the 18th-century capital of colonial Virginia, where costumed actors bring to life everyday existence on the eve of independence.
Colonial Williamsburg covers about 120 hectares. Beginning in 1926, with funding from the Rockefeller family, it restored and rebuilt hundreds of 18th-century buildings. Duke of Gloucester Street, the main street, runs from the Capitol in the east to the College of William & Mary in the west. Along the way are craft workshops, including blacksmiths, coopers and wigmakers, and costumed interpreters. There are also reenactments of legislative debates, military parades and fife-and-drum processions. The streets are free to walk all day. Entering buildings and joining guided talks requires a pass, which costs from about $50 for adults and can be used over several days. The visitor center has parking and shuttle buses. Plan at least one full day.
Opening hours
District open all day; buildings approx. 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Merchants Square
- Bruton Parish Church
- George Wythe House
- Governor's Palace
- Raleigh Tavern
- Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
- Capitol (Colonial Williamsburg)
- Wren Building, College of William & Mary