Preservation and Program Support in Perpetuity

Brucemore Reaches Fourth Family Fund Goal

January 12th, 2018

GCRCF-color-stacked.jpgBrucemore completed a milestone goal to raise $100,000 for the Fourth Family Fund at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in December.

Through an Endowment Challenge Grant, the Community Foundation matched the $75,000 in donations from 130 individual donors with an additional $25,000. This endowment fund will provide annual distributions to Brucemore in perpetuity to support preservation and program initiatives.

Endowment-growth is a critical strategy as Brucemore’s Board of Trustees and staff work to ensure organizational permanence. According to Executive Director David Janssen, “Like any other business, Brucemore must grow in order to thrive. We preserve and use this irreplaceable site to make the community stronger, but historic preservation at this level gets more costly every year.”

In addition to maintaining seven historic structures and 26 acres of gardens and grounds, Brucemore also hosts an extensive menu of annual programs, tours, and events. Janssen notes that earned revenue has its own costs, and accounts for less than 10% of the organization’s income.

“Brucemore’s financial stability depends on diversified support from foundations and government grants, individual contributions, corporate support, and endowments,” said Janssen. “Those revenue sources simply aren’t enough to sustain us into the decades ahead. This grant challenge was an important step in addressing that.”

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation improves the quality of life for all by promoting charitable giving, connecting donors to the causes they care about, strengthening non-profits through grants and support, and providing leadership on community issues that involve charitable giving. Brucemore is proud to have a strong partner in the Community Foundation and looks forward to working with them in the future to grow organizational sustainability.

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.