Mark Twain House and Museum

Mark Twain House and Museum is at 351 Farmington Ave. The unusual 25-room Victorian house was the author's home between 1874 and 1891 and the place where he wrote his greatest works, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Designed by Edward Tuckerman Potter, the brick mansion's towering turrets and large porches give it a rather magical look. In 1881 Twain commissioned Louis Comfort Tiffany and his partners to decorate the interior; details include elaborate stencils and carved woodwork. Some 16,000 items are displayed throughout the house and museum.

The museum center presents changing exhibitions of rare manuscripts, photographs, artifacts and fine and decorative arts, as well as a film biography of Twain by director Ken Burns.

Access to the house is by a guided 1-hour House Tour and requires climbing stairs; some areas are wheelchair accessible. Due to limited capacity on tours, purchase timed tickets in advance online. Also offered are guided tours of the neighborhood, including both the Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center (see attraction listing).

Guided tours are available. Food is available.