East Haddam's Gillette Castle Interior Reopens To The Public

EAST HADDAM, CT — For the first time since late 2019, Gillette Castle has reopened and will be available for public visits during Gillette Castle State Park's regular opening hours, park officials said in a statement.

The mansion built a century ago by the late stage actor William Gillette remained closed throughout 2020 due to the pandemic.

The park's grounds are open from 8 a.m. until sunset daily. The park offers visitors a chance to use the park's varied hiking trails, stroll around Gillette's unique home and perhaps spot the eagles that frequently nest with their young along the river at many times of the year.

Self-paced tours of the castle are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, with each day's final tour starting at 4 p.m. After Labor Day, tours will be conducted only on weekends through Columbus Day. Tickets are $6 and may be obtained at the Castle entrance on the day of visit.

State officials report that ticket sales will also be available for pre-purchase for up to 12 individuals for specific time slots at 15-minute intervals. To guarantee a slot, advance purchase is recommended. To pre-reserve, guests in time will be able to check online at the Reserve America website under “Gillette Castle State Park Tours.”

In anticipation of the official opening May 29, a limited “soft opening” of the structure's interior one week earlier allowed park officials and tour guides to practice their presentations with members of the Friends of Gillette Castle State Park, who received a “sneak peek” in exchange.

Most Connecticut state park buildings, museums, nature centers and other enclosed structures were opened on Memorial Day weekend. Under the state's guidelines, six feet of social distancing must be maintained at all times while inside park buildings. Masks will be required inside the structure, regardless of vaccination status.

“The home of William Gillette is the true centerpiece of this wonderful park, and it was frustrating for us not to be able to share this jewel's inner beauty and wonders with everyone,” Lynn Wilkinson, president of the Friends organization, said in a statement. “Now, thanks to a lot of hard work by many people, we're excited to say that it's ready to go back on display.”