By Kate Bartlett
Join Explore Buffalo for an exclusive opportunity to tour inside the historic mansions on Delaware Avenue on June 11. The Twilight Tour of Mansions offers the opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the unique craftsmanship and architectural detail of the mansions, as well as see the various ways in which these mansions are being used today.
Explore Buffalo has been offering this Twilight Tour for several years in efforts of supporting their mission – to encourage visitors and locals to explore and rediscover our great city. “It’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate these incredible buildings, along with the architecture of this time”, says Brad Hahn, Executive Director of Explore Buffalo. “These tours offer a glimpse into the history of the Gilded Age at what life was like back during these times for these people.”
Knox mansion), and carriage house, to the Twilight Tour for
the first time in 2025. The second floor of the Knox Mansion,
home to Cellino Law, will be open along with the basement
ballroom.
Most of the mansions on Delaware that are included on this tour were built during the late 1800’s-early 1900’s and represent the way Buffalo’s wealthy citizens lived. “The mansions were a status symbol; a way to show off their wealth,” says Brad. They hired the best architects, the best artisans and craftsmen to build for them. It’s an incredible look into the past.”
Participating locations include the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site; the Clement Mansion, home to the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; Cellino Law at the Knox Mansion; OWM Integrative Wellness at the Foster Mansion; and the Himalayan Institute, plus Westminster Presbyterian Church and Temple Beth Zion. Explore Buffalo is excited to welcome Blessed Sacrament Church, rectory (the former Knox mansion), and carriage house, to the Twilight Tour for the first time in 2025. The second floor of the Knox Mansion, home to Cellino Law, will be open along with the basement ballroom.
Most of these buildings are not typically open to the public, nor are they open all on the same evening. “It’s a great opportunity to view these spaces, and it’s incredibly convenient. Everything is located within walking distance (0.9 miles from start to finish) and will be staffed with docent volunteers to answer questions. We encourage guests to take their time at each location and make an evening of it; take advantage of the docents and learn about the buildings.”
While some buildings have changed quite a bit, others have remained mostly representative of how they originated. The Clement Mansion has only had 3 owners in its history and has therefore maintained most of its original design and structure. Others, however, like the Foster Mansion, have changed owners several times, with various purposes and are now a blend of historic details and modern updates. “It’s interesting to see how each has changed, or not changed, yet remained reflective of its time.”
Tickets start at $40 and include admission to all mansions at a self-guided pace. Guests are invited to start at one of two tour check-in locations: Blessed Sacrament Church (north end of the tour) or Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site (south end of the tour). Here, guests pick up a map of the participation locations and visit the locations in any order at their own pace. Docents inside each location will share history and answer questions, offering interesting facts and little-known pieces of information.
Tickets are available with start times of 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, and 6:30pm. Tour locations open at 5pm and close at 9pm. In general, Explore Buffalos advises to plan about two hours to go through all the locations. The total distance between the ends of the tour is 0.9 miles, making it easily accessible for most abilities. The Twilight Tour of Mansions proceeds rain or shine: dress for the weather, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
For more information call: 716-245-3032 or visit: explorebuffalo.org/events.