Brucemore Receives $400,000 Enhance Iowa Grant

Campaign Reaches Milestone

August 21st, 2019

Photo-Jun-14-7-50-14-AM-reduced.jpgBrucemore reached a milestone in its Pride and Preservation campaign in September by raising $3.55 million towards the $5 million goal. Campaign funds will be used to accelerate preservation efforts across the nationally recognized estate and to ensure it remains a treasure in Eastern Iowa.

Brucemore was awarded a $400,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the Enhance Iowa Board in August. This funding was leveraged through financial support from the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County. The Enhance Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa.

Using the 26-acre estate requires on-going preservation of the landscape, buildings, and infrastructure. The $5 million Pride & Preservation campaign will support the three most critical areas—preservation of historic assets, investment in capital infrastructure, and improvements to security and fire initiatives—as determined through studies by experts. Early campaign gifts are funding the current work in progress on the mansion’s roof and south façade that kicked off in May 2019. Over 80% of funding spent on campaign projects will go to Corridor businesses.

The three-phase Mansion Envelope Restoration Project began in 2018. This $4 million project aims to stabilize the structure by fixing the causes of deterioration. This work will protect the irreplaceable works of art, furnishings, and documents that tell the story of Brucemore. Phase I of the Mansion Envelope Restoration project was completed in April 2019.  Phases II and III will focus on the roof, north, south, east, and west facades of the mansion, specifically restoring the roof cresting and slate, window glass and wood, exterior trim, doors, light fixtures, and exterior brick walls.

More than one million people have visited Brucemore since 1981, building the organization’s reputation for offering a signature menu of community, cultural, and heritage events. The 1880s mansion, six other historic structures, 26-acres of gardens and grounds, and tens of thousands of objects and archival documents serve as an irreplaceable backdrop representing more than 130 years of history.

Donations to fund campaign projects can be made online, by calling (319) 362-7375, or by sending a check to 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

General

Do I need to pay to enter the estate and walk on the grounds?

No. Visiting the Brucemore estate during grounds hours is free. Tickets are only required for scheduled tours and events, and they can be purchased in advance online.

Is a reservation needed to visit Brucemore?

You do not need a reservation to visit the grounds on your own. You do need a ticket to go inside the mansion. We recommend advance reservations for any of our mansion tours or other scheduled special themed tours due to limited capacity. Please visit our calendar to see upcoming opportunities and to purchase your tickets.

Touring the Mansion

Can I take pictures inside the mansion?

Yes. Photography is allowed during tours for personal, non-professional use. Tripods, selfie-sticks, or other photography equipment will not be permitted. Photographs should not distract from others’ enjoyment.

How large is the mansion?

Brucemore is approximately 15,000 square feet.

How many fireplaces, rooms, and floors does Brucemore have?

There are 21 “main” rooms, 14 fireplaces and four floors plus an attic.

Is all of the furniture original to the house and families?

Much of the furniture you will see on display belonged to the second or third families to live at Brucemore; however, some pieces had to be replaced with replicas or similar antiques.

Is the mansion handicap accessible?

The Brucemore mansion includes multiple floors and several staircases. Because of the historic architecture, some spaces are not accessible. Due to preservation work, the wheelchair lift that offers accessibility to the first floor is not available at this time. An elevator is not available from the first floor to the other floors at any time. Learn more about accessibility at Brucemore.

Group and School Tours

Is there an age requirement for students visiting Brucemore?

You do not have to be a certain age to visit or attend a program at Brucemore. Different programs are best suited for different ages. Tours of the mansion are recommended for 4th grade and older due to the concepts and historic collection.

Where do we park?

Parking is available on site a short walk from the mansion or carriage house. Buses must follow special instructions. Large events may not be able to accommodate on-site parking; please see the event calendar information for exceptions.

Is bus parking available?

Yes. Bus parking is available near the carriage house. Buses must arrive via special directions as they are unable to fit in our historic gates.

Is there a lunch area at Brucemore?

There is not a designated area indoors or outdoors to eat; however, you are welcome to bring your own blanket or chair to picnic on the grounds. Please carry out any trash to help our small staff keep the grounds beautiful.

Does my group have to arrive together?

Please let group members or chaperones know where they can meet the group.

What is your payment policy?

Brucemore admission is to be paid prior to the visit and a deposit may be required. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card and should be paid in one sum.

Do I need to make an appointment to tour the mansion?

You must have a ticket to a tour or program inside the mansion. Many tours do sell out in advance; purchase online or by calling 319-362-7375 in advance of your visit to guarantee your spot. See the schedule here.

Is the mansion wheelchair accessible?

The mansion is not currently accessible to wheelchairs due to preservation work. The mansion includes multiple flights of stairs. Most of the outdoor areas of the site are accessible. See our full accessibility information and contact us with additional questions regarding your visit.

Can I walk on the property?

Yes, the grounds and gardens are open daily most of the year. Several self-guided interpretive panels and tours via QR codes are available. See hours here.

What is Brucemore’s ticket policy?

Tickets are non-refundable, but may be rescheduled for comparable programs as space allows. Learn more.

I’m attending a large event at Brucemore. Where do I park?

Large events may require you to park offsite. Please read the event details on the calendar for specific information for each event.