General Information
Gari Melchers Home & Studio
Belmont, 224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA 22405
(540) 654-1015 fax (540) 654-1785
Public Hours
From November 1- March 31, the museum is open daily 10 am – 4 pm. April 1 through October 31, the museum is open daily 10 am – 5 pm.
The garden and trails are available to enjoy free of charge every day during public hours. Bikes are not permitted on the woodland trails. A bike rack is available at the Belmont-Ferry Farm Trail terminus.
Our site is closed to the general public between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. Gates at the museum’s entrance will be locked at 5 p.m. Museum-sponsored programs and approved rental events that occur outside of regular hours will continue, supervised by museum staff.
2019 Closings
The Museum and Stafford County Visitor Center will be closed: Jan. 1; April 21 (Easter Sunday); July 4; November 28 (Thanksgiving Day); December 24, 25, 31. During inclement weather, call 540-654-1015 to check on our opening status.
Admission Fees
General Admission: $10
AAA members: $9
Students 18 years old and younger are admitted free with an accompanying, paying adult, limit two.
Friends of Belmont free
Current UMW staff and students free
UMW Alumni: $8, with UMW issued Alumni ID card
Group Tour Members: $10
Blue Star Museum
As a Blue Star Museum, we offer free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve. In 2019, the program will begin on Saturday, May 18, Armed Forces Day, and end on Monday, September 2.
General Tours
Please allow an hour and a half for your visit. The complete tour includes a 12-minute introductory film, a 30-minute guest-driven, sensory-rich tour of the historic house museum, and time spent experiencing the Studio’s four gallery spaces. Guests can explore the restored gardens and grounds on their own. Tours run continuously throughout the day. The last house tour is 4:30 p.m. during summer hours and 3:30 pm during winter hours.
Photography Policy
Please visit our main Photography page for commercial and amateur photography session information.
Visitors are welcome to take casual photography in the house, studio, galleries, and grounds only during public hours. Please, no flash or tripods. Also, share your photos using #garimelchersbelmont.
Accessibility
Due to the historic nature of many of the areas of the property and buildings and the existing terrain, there may be some areas that are not fully accessible to everyone. Efforts have been made to provide alternate experiences that give patrons remote access in these instances.
All new construction areas are ADA Accessible. Some things to be aware of before your visit are:
Two transport chairs – one in the Visitor Center and one in the Studio – are available for guest use.
An upstairs house video is available to show visitors who cannot access the house museum’s second floor.
The average width of doorways in historic areas is 32 inches.
A ramp with handrails is available at the house to access the first floor.
Several folding chair/walking sticks are available to borrow in both the historic house museum and studio.
A personal amplifier is available to borrow at the front desk for use on tours, programs, or Pavilion events.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, each situated next to a water fountain or cooler, are located in the Visitor Center and Pavilion.
Service dogs are welcome.
With advance notice, tours can be offered to the visually or hearing impaired by contacting the Education and Communications Manager at 540-654-1851.
Please contact our Visitor Services Manager at 540-654-1843 for any questions/concern about accessibility.
Picnic Facilities
We offer several outdoor picnic tables for your dining or relaxing pleasure.
Pet Policy
The estate grounds are perfect for walking your pets, but please keep them securely leashed at all times. Pets (except service dogs) are not allowed in any building. Please be courteous of others and pick up after your pet. Please do not leave pets unattended.
