We arrived around 1:30 pm & were happily surprised they still had tickets for the 2 pm mansion tour. Our guide was very informative and gave us a lot of detail on the Vanderbilt family since it was only 3 of us on the tour. The home & extensive grounds were spectacular and pretty well maintained. The unsettling part was the ‘trophy’ room full of animals killed by the son on safari. It was incredible how many wildlife were killed on a 3 week period. Even so, I would definitely recommend to visit and tour this museum.

A lovely day at a beautiful location! The grounds are so well kept and the views are spectacular! The Stars show at the planetarium was very enjoyable and informative. The Marine Museum had way more sea creatures and fish than we imagined. The Mansion itself was so stunning with beautiful ironwork, courtyards, and even a sun dial clock! The volunteers were so knowledgeable and readily shared their facts and love of the mansion with us. We would definitely return for another visit!

I bought tickets for the Planetarium without doing much research and unknowingly booked tickets for the Sesame Street show! Wish that information about the shows was easily available from the ticket website. We couldn't change times because we had to catch a train, so we sat through Big Bird and Elmo's adventures in Sesame Street, China, and the moon. It was cute, but I really wish we saw an adult show! We then made our way to the museum portion, and did a quick pass through some rooms. There were a ton of taxidermy animals, preserved marine life, insects, artifacts, and more. We didn't have time for the tour, so walking through the rooms felt like we were missing important information. Good to kill a few hours though.

This is a hidden gem. We stopped here unplanned after seeing it on Google maps. It's a beautiful Spanish revival style mansion and planetarium. We bought a 11 dollar ticket for a cool one hour show. It was neat. After we self toured the mansion which includes a collection of taxidermy, specimens, and even a mummy. It was a fun way to spend a Sunday.

Lovely place, but honestly I’m disappointed. A lot of people, including commercial photographers (in my opinion they need to book some separate time. Today it was few photoshoots and I couldn’t walk through some spots because they were occupied with equipment). Also mansion tour was very unclear. We wanted to purchase tickets for house tour and lady in reception said it’s all included in general admission. We only saw few rooms that were open for public and were highly disappointed, thinking it’s all that’s left from the mansion. In reality there is more to see, but it’s separate tour with a guide and I don’t know how it works. I saw in other comment last tour is at 3:30, and that’s the time we arrived. But nobody explained us anything. The rooms that were open though, had that “old” smell. Probably it wasn’t restored in a while. I think it worth a visit if you live nearby, but try to go early in the morning t avoid crowds and make sure you know how to get that mansion tour, and hopefully you will get better experience than I did. Update: I came back 4 months after original review. This time my experience went much better. I got to go inside the mansion with a tour. It was really interesting, great tour guide and amazing history of the place. Also, this time I visited in September and it was way less people than in June. So if you could, I recommend to go “of season” to avoid crowds. So overall I got satisfied with my experience. The main thing is - do research before you go. First time we were not properly explained, that there is few open rooms in mansion, and it’s not the whole house. To see the whole house you need to book a tour with tour guide and the last tour of the day at 3:30. So make sure you know all of that and don’t get disappointed like I did the first time!

This museum and planetarium is on the hilly area of Centerport, which is in the Suffolk country of Long Island. If your knees are aching, then this is not the place for you. Ground pass only costs $10, and the laser show in the planetarium costs extra. Laser Taylor Swift is a show where hits of Taylor Swift brought to life in a unique laser show. Mansion provides excellent photo opportunities, and the back of the mansion is even better for photo opps. I was amazed by the very detailed stone pathway all around the mansion and water management system. I will definitely go to Planetarium again.

We visited on a hot summer afternoon, arrived at 2 pm and the only mansion tour left was the one at 3:30 pm. The mansion tour costs an extra $6 but it was definitely more than worth it. Our tour guide was Jim and he was super knowledgeable, friendly and funny. We absolutely enjoyed the half-hour tour of the interior of the mansion and the life story of Mr. Vanderbilt. We didn't have time to watch the planetarium show. If you want to do that in addition to visiting the mansion, definitely budget at least 2.5 hours for the visit.

This is an absolutely beautiful place to visit. I went with my son and friend. They are 4years old but they enjoyed really enjoyed it. The museum has a.lot.of different things to see. Mr Vanderbilt was a keen marine biologist and hunter so many of the exhibits are from his and his family's hunting trips, as well as the many marine specimens he has. The grounds were just as exciting. There is an amazing view down to the sea and my son loved rolling down the hills with his friend. Another thing to note is that public libraries may have a voucher for free general admission. We got in with a voucher from Hucksville library.

The view is good and the garden management is also sweet. It's good to take a walk with your family. There is also a museum where children can study nature. It is a good course to remember.

If you grew up here, you’ve probably been to the Planetarium before. As adults, the mansion, museum & the story behind the Vanderbilt’s is really incredible. Definitely recommend. We walked the grounds for a while which are absolutely beautiful & the view is stunning. We did the guided tour of the mansion which I’d highly recommend because you get to see many parts that you wouldn’t if you ventured on your own. Gerry was our guide & he was so knowledgeable and nice. There are several parts to the museums in different locations that are all worth seeing. We spent about 2 hours, including the tour. Would love to go back again & would recommend as well.

I visited this museum for the first in July, and I fell in love with it. It has a beautiful ground with a great view of the Long Island Sound, and there are multiple museums within it. The planetarium shows are ok. I highly recommend the mansion tour. Our tour guide was great and kept the group interested. I purchased a membership for two after my first tour. It really pays to be a member. I've made three trips so and it already paid off. Planetarium shows and mansion tours are included in the admission fee. I also like that there are carts that can take visitors and members from the Planetarium to the mansion if they are unable to walk the distance. It is also a nice place to have a picnic. Parking is free, and there is no admission fee to visit the grounds.

A little out dated really nice for young adults that are interested in marine animals and the history of how animals have involved from the 1920s to today.Shows the history of William K Vanderbilt the founder aswell as his wife's Virginas mansion which is where the museum is aswell as the marine animals museum which is in a separate building would recomend going during the summer since its warm and you can jog around the trail under the building and down the hill.General admission is $10 but when tour walking from building to building they don't ask to show tour bracelet.Would also recomend the guided tours so you dont get lost tho each us building is sorta small but still nice to take pictures of. !WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IF YOU DISLIKE TAXIDERMIED ANIMALS !

I still don't know exactly what this museum is trying to tell us, but the visit was somehow worth it anyway. The facility is quite beautiful. the tour was also reasonably interesting and if you should ever have enough of New York this one and a half hours away site is worth the trip.

There is so much to enjoy here. It is a great place to take the family or simply relax. The waterfront views are spectacular. Get here early! So much to see!

Nice location overlooking water area. Museums have a lot of collections about animals and insects, and old artillery. Garden is nice. You pay $10 for general admission.

It’s also nice place.it has a beautiful ground whith a great view of the Long Island sound and there are multiple museums whithin it..

Very clean and peaceful location for a getaway with family or friends ample parking. Planetarium is a great 👍 experience! Kids as well as adult's will 😉 enjoy. Museum with vast collection from Vanderbilts travel around the world marine to animals. Bring some food and blanket and picnic on the Vanderbilt grounds.Property is well cared for. I recommend this place to all 😊👍👍.

Great spot to visit, has plenty of locations for photography. Do recommend to wear comfortable shoes or backups as certain sections have slopes so it may be hard for someone walking with heels or dress shoes. Price is low and the staff is always kind

Very peaceful and unique place to spend a lovely summer day. The views were breathtaking, the garden was spectacular. Overall a great place for a family to enjoy. 4/5 would recommend to a friend.

We really enjoyed our fall stroll at the property. The grounds are well maintained, and the views are spectacular. The kids really enjoy looking over the various creatures at the marine museum. There is quite a bit to see and explore at this museum, we will definitely come back for another visit!

Such a beautiful place! People hold weddings there and you can even go for a picnic. Just sit there and enjoy the views. I will go again and again.

Got there at 2:15 pm Saturday closes at 5 pm. Wonderful day. Next time I'll get there at noon.. and stay till close. Brought my lunch.. lots of places to picnic through out the estate. Beautiful grounds. Saw the planetarium show plus maritime museum. Next I'll see everything. Best in beautiful weather. I had good weather which makes a real difference due to walking between areas. The estate also will drive visitors between areas of interest upon demand at no charge in golf carts. I will use the free golf carts next time as I expect to explore the estate grounds further.

Excellent estate, great tour, nice planetarium. Nice little food section and gift shop. Old cars, and stuffed wild animals, with cascading views of the li sound.

I recently visited this gorgeous place with some friends and it was fantastic. The museum offers a wide array of exhibits to see. It's clear that Mr. Vanderbilt had a passion for marine biology and hunting, as many of the displays feature items from his and his family's hunting adventures, along with numerous marine specimens. The grounds are equally impressive. The view overlooking the sea is simply breathtaking. Also, a pro tip: you might want to check with public libraries for vouchers that offer free general admission. This place is definitely worth a visit!

We took photos here on our wedding day on 11/22/23, before our ceremony. We did bridal party, parents, and first look pictures. The location was beautiful and made for perfect scenery and background for our photos. They all look incredible and couldn’t have picked a better spot. Booked with Carol and everything went smooth. Thank you!

What an incredible day we had at my BFFs daughters wedding. As a child growing up here it was always part of a school field trip, or a day outing with my family. I was excited to bring my family and share this amazing mansion and especially for a wedding. My kids also remember my dad telling them about how he, his dad and brothers were part of the restoration of the cars in the garage. It was so nice to explore the grandure of history that still stands. The museums collection of artifacts and butterflies are just as I remembered. My family really enjoyed this. Much of America remove places like this and it is sad for our future generations. Thank you for keeping it alive!

Always a great time. We've been members for years and love to explore. We find new things each time we are on the grounds. Lots of activities to attend as well, suitable for all ages!

Absolutely gorgeous place. I brought my boys here for a birthday party and i was in aww with beautiful art and landscape of this museum/planetarium.

General admission 10$ and student discounted 9$. It’s a beautiful place to take a walk and explore the beautiful garden and historical building and cool safari collections and samples. We had fun taking pictures here, relaxed and enjoyed the weather here. There a Instagram famous arch door way with ocean view. We waited for about 25 mins for just less than 5 mins to take some pictures here. There were 2 women crazing taking pictures there even they knew people were waiting for them, they were checking the pics and the reposed which can be really annoying. Anyway, just beware of such situation otherwise it’s a pretty chill place and the museum were amazing. They have a very impressive collection of the marine lives and the safari, almost felt like walking into the history museum in NYC. A good place for one day getaway.

Always enjoy our time here, and the beauty of the grounds is unsurpassed. Wish they used better, more updated equipment in the Planetarium. When you get used to the crisp quality at the movie theater, the shows here always look grainy, almost like watching the intermission commercials at the old drive-in movies. And I never understand why they always charge more than is listed. They told me it's a museum fee and to walk around the grounds, when sometimes I come strictly for the show. I will check out the JetBlue Planetarium in Garden City next time. Heard it's amazing!

The Vanderbilt Planetarium is a Long Island treasure. Taking my daughter to see Shakespeare performed on a warm summer night in the courtyard is something I’ll never forget! The grounds are stunning, and feel more like Italy or France than the north shore of Long Island. Although they offer a bevy of excellent programming, it is worthwhile to go even if you’re just walking the grounds.

Best value tour I’ve ever had! Our tour guide Nick shared stories of the Vanderbilt family and the mansion in a very fascinating way, a must if you visit, and only costs 6 bucks! Such a lovely landscape and relaxing escape from the city, will come back when it’s warmer. Note: skip the marine museum if specimen make you uncomfortable.

Took a day trip here from NYC. From Penn Station to Huntington it is 1 hour. You will need to take an uber from the station to the house which is about $15. Tickets are $10 to walk the grounds for adults. There are shows in the planetarium that cost just $5 extra. The sight is breathtaking and you can definitely check out some of the free museums. I will say the entire experience considering travel time, including getting food etc can cost from $59-$60 which is great considering you are getting a historical experience at a different town.

Amazing place close to NYC. Good choice to spend a day with a beautiful view, exploring the mansion and interesting place around it.

Went today for first time. Grounds are beautiful even in winter. Taylor swift light show is not worth the $. Just turn on radio, flash your lights, spin around till you feel sick. Same thing. We got through it with eyes closed (one turned hoodie around backwards to cover eyes). Sound system is stellar though! Buildings were great to go through. Hangar is not open to public neither is boat house even though map/web says it is. If building is two story, public is only on first floor. If building is 3 levels, public is only on one floor. There’s a lot left to wonder about. We plan to pay extra for living quarters tour next time and agreed there will be a next time, just no more laser shows for us. Lots of places to sit, rest, enjoy the view. Spots for light picnic, trails, & tailgating seems possible, didn’t try. Overall it was worth the 4 hours we spent there. Great location for pictures, family outings, or even a date -especially if you’re into animals, shells, & anthropology.

Omg! This location is so very beautiful! I felt like I was in Europe. The history behind this museum is very good. It has a planetarium which I didn’t visit, but I was content with everything else. The mansion and the grounds were a sight to see. I recommend anyone to visit! And I’d visit this place over and over and over again! 😅😂🥹

A nice short visit to explore the collection of Vanderbilt. Three museums and a beautiful view of the water are highlights of my visit. They charge us $10 per person. Some parts of the buildings have scaffolding’s when we visited.

This was a great place for a family fun day. For our family of 7 (4children plus my mom) it cost $107 to do the planetarium and self guided tour of the Vanderbilt museum. This was perfect because we have some younger ones that were getting tired. I'd like to come back and do the guided tour which we were told is about 45 minutes long.

It's a beautiful place and worth the trip. Especially the magnificent view. ***Important to know though that if you purchase tickets to the museum and grounds NOT including a "tour" it means you can not walk through the residential quarters of the mansion. So you're only paying to see the grounds and exhibit rooms featuring Vanderbilt's game trophies and expedition collections. You need to go on an actual tour to see the mansion residential rooms. I haven't been in many years so this was new to me. We were unfortunately NOT told this when we purchased tickets and were a bit disappointed. We were told by a docent that we could walk back to the planetarium to purchase tour tickets but it's a long walk back and forth and an additional $8 per person. So if you are interested in the Vanderbilt family and history of the actual mansion, it seems you'd need to do a tour.

The views are stunning. The mansion is on beautiful waterfront. There are sculptures on the lawn.

Had a great time walking the grounds and visiting a car show. I didn’t have tickets for a show, but walked around the museum. I was not impressed by the museum part of the planetarium, but enjoyed walking the beautiful grounds and visiting the mansion.

Beautiful location, planetarium show was super cute and informative for kids and great place for pictures. However if you have any type of physical limitation you won't really be able to get around or enjoy different locations.

Went here for the Meserica show at the planetarium. Nice center, the seats were comfy and spread at around the dome so anywhere you sit it's a good seat. The show was fantastic, just under an hour. The staff was super friendly and the grounds are nice to walk around, weather permitting.

Great one day getaway location. The estate has beautiful architecture, gardens and views! No fees and lines. It also has free parking.

Highly recommend! Choose the tour guide option so you can have access to the upstairs area! Amazing views! Try to arrive by noon the latest to take advantage of the tour and the planetarium shows

This place is in a word, SPLENDID! Perfect place to visit during summer or the coming fall. The mansion is one of a kind and the view? It’s breathtaking. Perfect place to get some instagram worthy pictures or to make an Instagram reel. The camera quality just gets updated automatically with the view and all the lighting. If you hold a student ID and a “Bank of America” debit/credit card, then the general admission is free. Otherwise, it is $10, per person.

There were neat things inside that made for a fun time killer, and the lesson was interesting.

Tough walking conditions for anyone with physical disabilities but great time. Free ticket the first weekend of the month for bank of America card holders

So, I popped over to the Vanderbilt Museum in Long Island, just because! And guess what? It was Monday and they are usually closed, but not this time -- thank you, February break! I rolled up not knowing what to expect - I mean, some old rich dude's house, how exciting can it be? Well let me tell you, I was amazed. I grabbed tickets for both the big old house and the starry planetarium dome show. If you go, you've gotta do the guided tour to see all the cool parts of the mansion. We ran out of time and missed it, but I still saw a lot of neat stuff and learned some fun facts. Homie lived a VERY interesting life exploring and bringing back stuff from every corner of the globe. Then, there was the planetarium. Full disclosure: I haven't been to one since like 4th grade, so maybe my standards were low. But man oh man, the "Live Night Sky" show blew my primitive 9-year-old planetarium experience out of the water! So much mind-bending, perspective-altering, galaxy-gazing goodness. My mind expanded more than the universe that day! I picked the "Live Night Sky" show 'cause the friendly staff said it was great. And yep... were they right. It’s crazy how much more we know about space now. All in all, if you ever find yourself near the Vanderbilt Museum, definitely check it out. It’s like a treasure chest of old-timey explorer stuff on the bay of Long Island. Oh, and I can only imagine what the gardens look like in the Spring/Summer time.