St. Joseph is known for an extensive collection of beautiful mansions built in the late 1800s, and the Wyeth Tootle Mansion at the corner of 11th and Charles Streets is a prime example. With three floors, a tower and more than 40 rooms, it stands today as one of the best examples of St. Joseph’s late 19th century wealth and opulence, featuring stunning woodwork, hand-painted ceilings and imported stained glass.
The first floor of the Wyeth Tootle Mansion has been partially restored to its Victorian grandeur. Old photographs of each room help visitors visualize the interior as it was around 1900. Each room’s ceiling is impressively different, from the cherubs that float above the Louis XVI parlor to the dark rich colors that cover the Moorish room. Ornate parquet floors and walnut woodwork change from room to room. The upper stories contain museum exhibits: Edifice: The Architecture of E. J. Eckel; Intersections: Of Time and Buildings; Confluence: The Great Flood of 1993; and the history of the St. Joseph Museums. Interactive programming and guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more.
Admission: $10; age 62+, $8; students, $7; age 4-6 – $3, 3 and younger and museum members FREE.
