Free Admission on Monday, February 18 and Friday, February 22
MOUNT VERNON, VA— Celebrate the national observance of George Washington’s birthday by visiting his home and burial site FREE of charge on February 18. After extensive research and restoration work, Mount Vernon will re-open the front parlor room in the Mansion on February 16. Mount Vernon celebrates Washington’s 287th birthday on February 22 with a moving naturalization ceremony. Experience holograms of George and Martha Washington through the latest offering “Mount Vernon in AR”, set to debut on February 22 (weather dependent).
Front Parlor Reopening
Saturday, February 16
Mount Vernon’s front parlor reopens after an extensive restoration. New forensic analysis of the architecture and significant documentary discoveries revealed more about the appearance and evolution of the room than was previously known. As one of the most elaborately finished rooms in the house, the front parlor served as the primary entertaining space in the Mansion for most of the Washingtons’ lives.
Visitors during Washington’s birthday celebrations (February 18 & 22) can tour the Mansion for free and view reproductions of the original furniture with vibrant Saxon blue upholstery. For more information, please visit mountvernon.org/frontparlor.
National Observance of George Washington’s Birthday
Monday, February 18 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
The traditional wreathlaying ceremony at Washington's Tomb takes place at 10 a.m. followed by Mount Vernon’s official celebration on the bowling green including a keynote speaker and 21-gun salute to the first president. Special military demonstrations and patriotic music will follow at 11:15 a.m. “General Washington” is on the grounds to greet visitors and receive birthday wishes all day. Listen to a special musical tribute for the first president from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. A wreathlaying at Washington’s Tomb takes place at 3 p.m.
Take a walk across the street to visit the Washington Library (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), normally open by appointment only. Tour the Library’s special collections and chat with our staff about ongoing programs and research at the Library. Hear from our fellows in-residence and enjoy trivia and refreshments. For more information, please visit mountvernon.org/birthday.
Mount Vernon in AR
Launches Friday, February 22
Celebrate Washington’s love of emerging technologies with the estate’s formal debut of “Mount Vernon in AR” tour on February 22. Mount Vernon is one of the country’s first historic sites to integrate augmented reality tours into its regular visitor offerings.
“Mount Vernon in AR” invites guests to enjoy lesser-known stories of the first president’s estate revealed by immersive 3D imagery layered over a view of the real landscape. Holograms of George and Martha Washington, 360-degree recreations of former buildings and gardens, and images of artifacts placed in their original context, are among the many tools used in the one-of-a-kind storytelling. This tour is $12.50 in addition to general admission. “Mount Vernon in AR” availability is weather dependent.
George Washington’s 287th Birthday 
Friday, February 22 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Visit Mount Vernon for free on George Washington's birthday and participate in special wreathlaying ceremonies throughout the day. Observe a moving ceremony honoring new citizens at 11 a.m. in the Ford Orientation Center and join “General Washington” for a slice of birthday cake (while supplies last)!
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