Welcome to Applewood

Please read the items below to plan a successful visit. Due to the size of the estate, your visit may include a significant amount of walking over a variety of uneven terrain, such as paved and gravel walkways, grassy areas, and up and down hills.

Family walks by house
Person photographs yellow tulips

Plan Your Visit

To ensure the safety of guests, staff, and volunteers:

  • Face masks are respected but not expected inside the historic home and throughout Applewood. Please note that the historic buildings have space constraints and a lack of modern air handling.
  • Please stay home if you are feeling sick.
  • Restrooms and frequently touched surfaces are regularly cleaned. Help prevent the spread of germs by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public space where people are present. The Ruth Mott Foundation cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to COVID-19 or any other illness during your visit. Guests visit at their own risk of exposure.

 

The new Applewood parking lot is located on Walnut Street between Robert T. Longway Boulevard and Kearsley Street (next to Buick Gallery). The lot is just north of the main entrance to Applewood at 1400 E. Kearsley St.

The main visitor entrance gate on Kearsley Street

Applewood’s arrival gate is at 1400 E. Kearsley St., which historically was the main entrance to Applewood when the Mott family lived here. The entrance is close to the Visitor Parking Lot, which is located on Walnut Street. Upon arrival you will be welcomed by a greeter who can answer questions and help direct you for your visit.

Applewood is open rain or shine; however, if dangerous weather occurs, Applewood will close temporarily or for the remainder of the day. If Applewood closes, information will be posted on our Facebook page and at the property’s gates.

Visitors are welcome to explore outdoors anytime Applewood is open. Please dress according to the weather.

We are committed to continually reviewing and expanding accessibility for visitors. If you have a comment or request related to accessibility, please check the link below for more information.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drink to Applewood to enjoy during a visit. Please, no glass bottles. There are benches and tables located throughout the estate available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no restaurants or food service available on site.

Food and drink are not permitted inside any historic buildings.

Staff and board members enjoy the covered seating area

The covered seating area is a great place to sit and enjoy a brown bag lunch.

Help us preserve Applewood as a community resource by not touching museum objects and by not leaning or climbing on doors and walls. The objects in our gardens are also historic, and we ask visitors to please not stand or sit on statuary, fountains, gates, or railings. To preserve our historic landscape, please refrain from climbing trees and entering garden/vegetative beds. Please do not pick fruits or vegetables unless offered by a staff member.

Policies and Guidelines

Guests who visit Applewood are welcome to take photographs and video for their personal use, including social media. If you have a special request for photography inside the house, permission is required and permitted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Director of Collections & Education for more information. Drone use is not permitted at Applewood.

Amateur photography is permitted on the grounds provided all guidelines for the property are followed. Any breach will result in the end of photo sessions.

Professional photography sessions, including for weddings, engagements, senior photos, and other similar occasions, are not permitted at Applewood.

Pets are not allowed at Applewood. Only service animals are permitted. Visit our Accessibility page for service animal guidelines.

While at Applewood, please respect any wildlife you may encounter and keep a safe distance. *Bee* cautious as Applewood is home to many pollinators that may cause allergic reactions in people.

Applewood's Bee Hotel

Applewood's Bee Hotel

Applewood serves as an inspiration to artists of many media.

Painting and Drawing
Artists may not set up inside any buildings. Visitors may sketch and paint outdoors; no sprayed materials, permanent markers, or electrical tools are permitted. Applewood reserves the right to prohibit any materials staff deem unsafe for the public, estate, or historic collections. Art materials may not be left unattended. Paint and waste products may not be discarded or cleaned on site at Applewood, either in bathrooms or on the grounds. For these materials, Applewood is a pack-in, pack-out location.

Professional Images at Applewood
Professional photographers, videographers, and artists must make special arrangements through Applewood’s Director of Estate Operations to work on site. A permission form must be completed, signed, and approved before work may begin. Written guidelines will be provided and must be followed. Drone use is not permitted. Professional photography sessions, including for weddings, engagements, senior photos, and other similar occasions, are not permitted at Applewood.

Every visitor to Applewood Estate is advised that there are inherent risks and dangers involved with visiting the property which could result in bodily injury, property damage, or other harm. These risks and dangers can make walking, using a wheelchair, or being a passenger in a golf cart difficult. As a result, visitors must remain aware of their surroundings at all times and act safely and responsibly during the course of their visit.

During your visit to Applewood Estate, you voluntarily assume the risk of any loss, property damage, or personal injury by accident or otherwise that may be sustained by you and your guests. You further agree that the Ruth Mott Foundation is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, property damage, or other harm caused by the action, inaction or negligence of you, a visitor, or any other party during the course of your visit.

Any minor 16 years old or under is not allowed to enter the estate unless accompanied by an adult (someone 17 or older).

Applewood is not available for weddings, fundraisers, or private gatherings. Grantee partners may contact their program officer or Applewood’s Director of Collections & Education for convening requests.

Your rights are waived to any images and/or recordings you may appear in while at Applewood and any/all related promotional or documentary materials.

Drinking alcohol, using drugs, or smoking in any form (including vaping) are not permitted at Applewood at any time. Weapons are not allowed on site at Applewood.