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Fraunces Tavern Museum

Fraunces Tavern Museum

Fraunces Tavern Museum
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsHistory Museums
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Fraunces Tavern Museum
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
  • Whitehall St – South Ferry • 3 min walk
  • South Ferry • 3 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Evelyn B
    92 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must-see for those who enjoy American history!
    We expected to spend maybe an hour there and it turned into almost three hours. Lots of Revolutionary era artifacts that were nicely explained. We didn't realize that this site was where some early federal offices were based. That gave even greater meaning to the locale. It was humbling to stand in the room where George Washington spoke with his officers at the end of the war. We've been to several locations where Washington visited/frequented/lived and this was an important site to add to that list. They've done a nice job of adding furnishings to the pieces that are original to the museum. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this museum.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 May 2024
  • Bob Fouts
    Wheaton, Illinois18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very much worth the stop.
    Very nice place, the food was ok, we might have made better choices, drinks great! The museum upstairs is very much worth the 10 bucks if you are into history, we thought it was a bargain for how good it was. Nice Jazz quartet on Sunday afternoon.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 May 2024
  • Amanda S
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A step back in time
    We stopped in here for a late lunch while visiting the area. We were able to get a seat pretty easily, though I could see this restaurant getting crowded. We did not have reservations, but if you are able to make them, I would recommend it. I had the blackened salmon sandwich and it was one of the best things I ate while visiting New York City. The rest of my family enjoyed their meals as well. The atmosphere was great and it was just neat sitting and eating in such a historic building. We also visited the museum after our meal!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 June 2024
  • Greg Harris
    Bronx, New York2,125 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Greg & Kat’s Fraunces Tavern Museum Experience.
    The Fraunces Tavern Museum is a renowned New York City museum that is dedicated on preserving and showcasing the history of Colonial America, the American Revolutionary War, and the early days of the American republic. In July of 2024, I brought and treated my wife and myself for a guided tour of the Fraunces Tavern museum, and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience when visiting this amazing historical attraction. During our tour, we learned that the museum is housed in the oldest building in Manhattan, New York. The building was first developed in 1719 and served as the home of Stephen Delauncy, a major figure in the colonial New York Period. It was subsequently acquired in 1762 by Samuel Frances, a businessman and close acquaintance of President George Washington. Frances converted the building to a tavern and named it “Queen’s Head” In 1907, The building was purchased by the Sons of the Revolution, a patriotic organization that played a big role on converting the tavern to a museum. They also named the museum after Samuel Frances. Today, the building still contains the museum as well as a popular and well acclaimed restaurant. Our tour guide did a fantastic job on covering the notable historic events that occurred at the Frances Tavern building. The big events that that were discussed were George Washington’s farewell address to his officers in 1783 following America’s victory in the Revolutionary War, the peaceful negotiations between the Americans & the British, & that the building was used to house Federal Officials during the Early Republic years. What my wife and I also liked about the museum were its artifacts and the exhibits. We were able to see a lock of George Washington’s hair, and a remnant of his dentures. We also enjoyed viewing the “Cloaked Crusader” exhibit which features George Washington’s depictions in pop art and comic book magazines. If you are passionate fan enthusiast of American history like I am, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting the Frances Tavern museum. Both my wife and I would love to thank the museum for their amazing guided tour experience!!!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 August 2024
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, Connecticut2,234 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Deserves more praise!
    We decided to wander through this museum after eating at the tavern, and really enjoyed learning more about George Washington's usage of the tavern! We also appreciated the exhibit on the Marquis de Lafayette, who I think is under-appreciated in the history lessons on the American Revolution. We liked seeing some of Washington's personal effects, and learning more about the role of the Fraunces Tavern as a hub for the Revolution. All of the exhibits are maintained with obvious care and pride, and we really felt like we were stepping back through history. The guided tour was super informative! It's too bad this place doesn't get more attention, although I do think it's nice that there wasn't a chaotic crush of people.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles226 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
80
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
1

Citigirl61
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Couples
Loved the exhibit. Lots of different information about the revolutionary war era. The displays were authentic and had some nice photos also.
It was a much larger museum on the inside than it appeared from the outside. The price was great. We went on the 4th of July and only had to put $1.00 It was a bargain for sure.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TlvGilad
Montgomery, AL383 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2021 • Family
As a meuseum it is very small and not very interesting. The collection is small and there is no design theme or interactive software. It looks like a small memorabilia collection of the building's history and some Revolutionary War items. I would go there only if you have some spare time before a sitting at the restaurant there.
Written 18 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN5,776 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Encompasses museum and restaurant.

I wish I could give this place 3.5 stars, but I can't, and the only reason it gets four stars (a very soft four stars) is because of the historical significance of the building.

First, I didn't come here for the food, so my expectations weren't high. But I ordered the chipotle bison burger and jalapeño spread, medium, and that burger came out the shape of a hockey puck and WELL done. Fries were average. I had an Irish mule, and it was not a great drink. I had a margarita, and it was pretty good. Service was attentive, but not pushy or hovering.

There is a whiskey lounge across the hall from the main dining room that has a lot of character.

So, the reason I came: I'm a George Washington nerd. Also, the tavern claims to be the oldest surviving building in Manhattan. It's part of the American whiskey trail and the New York freedom trail. Washington used this place as a headquarters sometimes during the revolutionary war. It is also where he said farewell to his troops.

There is a museum upstairs. Some original screen prints and info. Run of the mill Washington bust reproductions. It wasn't anything amazing, but it was neat to be there, to see the room where Washington said farewell, and where negotiations and planning to place. It was only eight bucks, so fair enough.

I wouldn't make a special trip unless you're diehard Washington, and the food (at least my food leaves much to be desired), but this place is only 3/10th of a mile from Battery Park, and you can see the museum without ordering food. It could be a stop off after a day on Liberty or Ellis island.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pam S
Adelaide, Australia307 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
The museum & tavern are in the only block of remaining 18th century commercial buildings. A great history lesson on George Washington. The museum is on the two upper floors and has very interesting exhibits. Well worth the small fee to visit this museum. The tavern on the ground floor is open to the public.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bob Fouts
Wheaton, IL18 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
Very nice place, the food was ok, we might have made better choices, drinks great! The museum upstairs is very much worth the 10 bucks if you are into history, we thought it was a bargain for how good it was. Nice Jazz quartet on Sunday afternoon.
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joshua
New York City, NY1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
What a lovely restaurant! It has a serene, old school atmosphere much like you would expect an 18th century tavern to be. Above the restaurant there is a museum that showcases where George Washington gave his 1783 farewell address — a must see for any history buff! The food was excellent although initially I was given the wrong dish by accident. This was quickly corrected by the attentive and friendly staff! I really loved my visit here, 100% recommend!
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SEDY2015
New York City, NY24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
If you are interested in early American history and architecture, this is a very interesting place to visit. The museum occupies the second and third floors above the tavern. It is very well organized, is very informative, and has many interesting objects from the period. It's best to book a time slot online. Ticket is only $2. Highly recommended!!
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg Harris
Bronx, NY2,125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Couples
The Fraunces Tavern Museum is a renowned New York City museum that is dedicated on preserving and showcasing the history of Colonial America, the American Revolutionary War, and the early days of the American republic.

In July of 2024, I brought and treated my wife and myself for a guided tour of the Fraunces Tavern museum, and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience when visiting this amazing historical attraction.

During our tour, we learned that the museum is housed in the oldest building in Manhattan, New York. The building was first developed in 1719 and served as the home of Stephen Delauncy, a major figure in the colonial New York Period.

It was subsequently acquired in 1762 by Samuel Frances, a businessman and close acquaintance of President George Washington. Frances converted the building to a tavern and named it “Queen’s Head”

In 1907, The building was purchased by the Sons of the Revolution, a patriotic organization that played a big role on converting the tavern to a museum. They also named the museum after Samuel Frances. Today, the building still contains the museum as well as a popular and well acclaimed restaurant.

Our tour guide did a fantastic job on covering the notable historic events that occurred at the Frances Tavern building.

The big events that that were discussed were George Washington’s farewell address to his officers in 1783 following America’s victory in the Revolutionary War, the peaceful negotiations between the Americans & the British, & that the building was used to house Federal Officials during the Early Republic years.

What my wife and I also liked about the museum were its artifacts and the exhibits. We were able to see a lock of George Washington’s hair, and a remnant of his dentures. We also enjoyed viewing the “Cloaked Crusader” exhibit which features George Washington’s depictions in pop art and comic book magazines.

If you are passionate fan enthusiast of American history like I am, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting the Frances Tavern museum. Both my wife and I would love to thank the museum for their amazing guided tour experience!!!
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amanda S
13 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Family
We stopped in here for a late lunch while visiting the area. We were able to get a seat pretty easily, though I could see this restaurant getting crowded. We did not have reservations, but if you are able to make them, I would recommend it. I had the blackened salmon sandwich and it was one of the best things I ate while visiting New York City. The rest of my family enjoyed their meals as well. The atmosphere was great and it was just neat sitting and eating in such a historic building. We also visited the museum after our meal!
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

dustythoughts
Manchester, CT2,234 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2024 • Couples
We decided to wander through this museum after eating at the tavern, and really enjoyed learning more about George Washington's usage of the tavern! We also appreciated the exhibit on the Marquis de Lafayette, who I think is under-appreciated in the history lessons on the American Revolution. We liked seeing some of Washington's personal effects, and learning more about the role of the Fraunces Tavern as a hub for the Revolution. All of the exhibits are maintained with obvious care and pride, and we really felt like we were stepping back through history. The guided tour was super informative! It's too bad this place doesn't get more attention, although I do think it's nice that there wasn't a chaotic crush of people.
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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FRAUNCES TAVERN MUSEUM (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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