Destination guide for the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver.
History
In Denver’s beautiful Capitol Hill district sits the home that once belonged to James Joseph and his wife, Margaret “Molly” Brown. Purchased in 1894, the home was considered modern at the time as it had features such as electricity and indoor plumbing. When Molly died in 1932, the house was sold, and over the years, new owners repurposed and redesigned the home. In danger of being demolished, a group of citizens banded together to form Historic Denver and raise sufficient funds to purchase the home. They bought it on December 11, 1970, and successfully restored Molly Brown’s house to its original Victorian glory.
About Molly: Molly and her husband were avid travelers and philanthropists, having made millions as shareholders in the mining industry. They separated in 1909, but Molly continued her travels and, in 1912, boarded the ill-fated Titanic. She managed to escape the sinking ship and was eventually rescued by the Carpathia. The tales of Molly’s survival and her charitable efforts to help the less fortunate survivors thrust her into the national limelight and got her the nickname “Unsinkable Molly Brown.” She used her new fame to further her philanthropic efforts and activism, including becoming part of the women’s suffrage movement.
Visiting the Molly Brown House Museum
I love historic homes and have always been fascinated by the story of the Titanic, so this was the perfect place to visit in Denver. Having watched countless Titanic documentaries, I had heard about Molly Brown but did not know much about her life. After visiting the Molly Brown House Museum, I left with a wealth of knowledge and a newfound appreciation for her accomplishments and altruistic spirit.
The Molly Brown House Museum is a great place to explore, and unlike Molly’s famous voyage, it won’t leave you with a sinking feeling. The staff at this site, through masterful curation, has done a superb job of bringing to life the story of Molly and her family and showcasing how she helped change the political landscape of Colorado.
What to see in the house? The Molly Brown House Museum consists of three floors and a basement. While touring the 1st and 2nd floors, visitors will see the rooms where the Browns lived, worked, and entertained guests. The 2nd floor also has two exhibits: Titanic and Acquirement of Culture. The 3rd floor has an activity center and the servants’ bedroom. Finally, in the basement is the Natural Resource Center, which houses an exhibit about James Brown and Colorado’s mining history.
When visiting this cozy home, guests have the option to explore independently or join a 45-minute guided tour. I usually join guided tours, but this site provides visitors with a wealth of resources, so I decided to check out the house on my own. Most rooms have a bin filled with images, information cards, and more, plus a self-guided tour is available via the Bloomberg Connect app. Also, staff are stationed throughout the house to answer questions.
The guided tours are not included in the admission fee. No cost is associated with the Bloomberg Connect app, which can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple Store.
The Molly Brown House Museum has compiled a comprehensive list of services it offers to visitors who need additional support. For more information, visit its accessibility page.
Tour scripts are available in several other languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish.
This information card was very interesting. It is the insurance claim Molly submitted for items she lost during the sinking of the Titanic.
For those fascinated by the history of the Titanic, the gift store has a large selection of Titanic-related items. The store also has a great selection of books, teas, household items, and other wonderful mementos. Definitely a great place to stock up on souvenirs and gifts!
Travel Tip
The Molly Brown House Museum is a short walk from the Colorado State Capitol and Civic Center Park. After touring the historic home, head to the State Capitol for a free tour, then enjoy a stroll through the park to view beautiful gardens and interesting sculptures. For more details on these two sites, visit my destination guide on the Colorado State Capitol.
Resources
Visit the Molly Brown House Museum website for more information.
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