O Museum in The Mansion

O Museum – O Street, Washington DC I was a judicial fellow at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and arrived at the DOT office complex in L’Enfant Plaza, Washington, D.C., for my first day of orientation. It was early on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, and while I had been in Washington many times in my work as an administrative law judge, this was my first time meeting my contacts at NHTSA. The world now recognizes the losses sustained on that day, in New York and at the Pentagon (and on United Airlines Flight 93), but at 8:30 in the morning at NHTSA’s headquarters in D.C. our world was rapidly aging amidst the tragedy. My contact at NHTSA had family members he needed to get to, and he left me to my own devices. As transport systems turned into gridlock, I left the building intending to walk to my hotel in Georgetown. I had the day to explore. All the Smithsonian museums were locked down, as were most businesses. I had no agenda other than experiencing what D.C. was like during the turmoil of 9/11. I walked from L’Enfant Plaza to Dupont Circle, hoping to have lunch at my favorite restaurant, Johnny’s Half Shell. In the process, in a long wandering exploration of the District, I happened upon O Street, not far from the Dupont Circle Metro station. During the walk I passed a string of brownstone residences on O Street between 20th and 21st Streets. While my memory has faded over time, I recall walking past curious bronze sculptures of the White Rabbit, Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat, ensconced in abundant greenery that seemed to fill the streetside frontages of four or five of the brownstones. Last week I found out that what I walked past that day 25 years ago was the O Museum in the Mansion, named after the mansion’s street location. It’s a venue that evokes a rich historical heritage that runs the spectrum from the lives of the rich and famous to the lives of courageous civil rights activists who created cultural change in our nation’s capital. I learned the museum was opened in 1980 by its founder, H.H. Leonards Spero, and is housed in a mansion that now includes a boutique hotel with themed rooms. Their "Night at the Museum" tour offers an immersive overnight experience with extended access to the museum and its collection. Also known as The Secret Door Museum, there are over one hundred themed rooms, over eighty secret doors, and thousands of artifacts spanning art, music, sports, history, and American pop culture. I stopped by the display case that housed signed guitars from Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan and saw museum rooms packed with memorabilia from folk and jazz eras, and the early days of the Beatles. Nostalgia and history reign and the displays include important artifacts relating to the civil rights era in the United States, with prominent attention given to the inspired work of Rosa Parks and other civil rights mentors. The Museum features a bar, modern restrooms, an elevator, and secret doors throughout. Reservations are recommended, but I walked in without any wait (on a weekday in February 2026). Remarkably, most of the contents – probably counting in the thousands – are for sale. (So, we’re on notice by the Museum’s docents: if you break it, you buy it.) I found the Museum’s staff to be friendly, well-informed, and exceptionally enthusiastic about their work. I learned there are limited-time themed events, such as the Secret Door Experience ($33), a Champagne Tour ($62.50), a Secret Portal Hunt & Tour ($45.95), a Secret Gardens of Asia celebrating cherry blossoms ($50), a Mother's Day Secret Door & Champagne Tour ($54.50), a Night at the Museum overnight package ($550.77) and a host of events celebrating the life and work of Rosa Parks and other civil rights leaders. This may well be one of the most curiosity-inspiring venues anywhere in the world. And good luck finding the secret doors!

I've wanted to come here to do the secret door search for awhile. It didn't disappoint! Lots of fun, educational and a bit overwhelming with all the collectables. Overall we had a great time. We found 11 Secret Doors!

A truly unique, eclectic, and quirky experience with strong ’80s nostalgia vibes throughout. The space is definitely overstimulating at times—but in a fun way. It’s easy to understand why this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. For those who enjoy visual overload, pop culture references, and unexpected surprises, this place delivers. The venue advertises that most visitors find 2–3 secret doors, but we found at least 10, which made exploring even more exciting. There are four floors of fascinating rooms, each with its own theme and personality, and surprisingly, everything is for sale for anyone interested in taking a piece of the experience home. Standout favorites were the Pop Culture room, the wine cellar, and the Elvis room—all memorable in their own way. Overall, this is a great hidden gem in DC and a genuinely fun experience that rewards curiosity and exploration. The only reason for the 4-star rating is the limited parking, which can be challenging. Aside from that, the experience itself was excellent and well worth the visit.

This was the coolest museum I’ve ever been to in my life and one of the closest places I think I’ll ever visit -ever. It was the most amazing thing to be able to find all these secret passages and doors and explore. I cannot say enough good about this place!! Even just all the artifacts and memorabilia was so fun to look through. I even got to meet the owner and she was delightful. I cannot recommend this place enough!

The O Museum was truly a fun and amazing experience. I went for a 1st Date 🥰 (yes a little unconventional, maybe?) and we had a great time. The rooms were super cool, the staff were so friendly, and you could tell that the owners placed so much love and appreciation into the building / experience. Also, Rosa Parks lived there - did you know that - because I didn’t! Check them out :)

Great experience! Went with a friend for a day trip. A bit tricky to find the entrance as it is a series of 5 conjoined townhomes, so follow the signage closely to enter (go up the stairs and ring the doorbell). The attendants were very helpful as they led us to a room where we had a brief 5 minute introductory video as well as instructions and house rules. It was a great time exploring and finding doors and hidden entrances. The crowd sometimes helps reveal which doors they came out of that you may have missed! Some of the rooms were fully functional for guests who would like to rent out of the hotel. The vacant ones were open to explore with the various antiques and historical items. Nearly all of the items you see on display are available to purchase. Also each room had a theme which was very cool and interesting displaying cool historical facts about certain exhibits within. My friend and I did take about a good 2 hours to make sure we were as thorough as possible. This is the perfect opportunity for nosey people who love to investigate! Had a awesome time! Great for a day trip and we'll worth the admission.

Cool concept but no real sense of how things work, or energy, from the lady showing the video on 03/01/2026 at about 2 pm. The other staff seemed to have more energy and interest in the patrons. The museum could do more of the smaller secret doors and seems to focus on selling everything.

What a unique and fabulous experience! O Museum has been on my DC to-do list for quite some time - I'm so glad I finally got there. My teenage daughter and I spent close to 3 hours wandering from room to room and were totally immersed in the challenge of finding hidden doors and looking at all sorts of interesting things. We did the bar beverage add on ticket option but selection and drink size were at bit underwhelming for the $15/ticket we paid, so next time I would just purchase the standard ticket. Lastly, I would not recommend this venue for children, as it's easy to get separated and it's really a place that you want to be able to take your time in (10+ is best).

O Museum - O Street, Washington DC I was a judicial fellow at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and arrived at the DOT office complex in L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, D.C., for my first day of orientation. It was early on Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, and while I had been in Washington many times in my work as an administrative law judge, this was my first time meeting my contacts at NHTSA. The world now recognizes the losses sustained on that day, in New York and at the Pentagon (and on United Airlines Flight 93), but at 8:30 in the morning at NHTSA's headquarters in D.C. our world was rapidly aging amidst the tragedy. My contact at NHTSA had family members he needed to get to, and he left me to my own devices. As transport systems turned into gridlock, I left the building intending to walk to my hotel in Georgetown. I had the day to explore. All the Smithsonian museums were locked down, as were most businesses. I had no agenda other than experiencing what D.C. was like during the turmoil of 9/11. I walked from L'Enfant Plaza to Dupont Circle, hoping to have lunch at my favorite restaurant, Johnny's Half Shell. In the process, in a long wandering exploration of the District, I happened upon O Street, not far from the Dupont Circle Metro station. During the walk I passed a string of brownstone residences on O Street between 20th and 21st Streets. While my memory has faded over time, I recall walking past curious bronze sculptures of the White Rabbit, Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat, ensconced in abundant greenery that seemed to fill the streetside frontages of four or five of the brownstones. Last week I found out that what I walked past that day 25 years ago was the O Museum in the Mansion, named after the mansion's street location. It's a venue that evokes a rich historical heritage that runs the spectrum from the lives of the rich and famous to the lives of courageous civil rights activists who created cultural change in our nation's capital. I learned the museum was opened in 1980 by its founder, H.H. Leonards Spero, and is housed in a mansion that now includes a boutique hotel with themed rooms. Their "Night at the Museum" tour offers an immersive overnight experience with extended access to the museum and its collection. Also known as The Secret Door Museum, there are over one hundred themed rooms, over eighty secret doors, and thousands of artifacts spanning art, music, sports, history, and American pop culture. I stopped by the display case that housed signed guitars from Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan and saw museum rooms packed with memorabilia from folk and jazz eras, and the early days of the Beatles. Nostalgia and history reign and the displays include important artifacts relating to the civil rights era in the United States, with prominent attention given to the inspired work of Rosa Parks and other civil rights mentors. The Museum features a bar, modern restrooms, an elevator, and secret doors throughout. Reservations are recommended, but I walked in without any wait (on a weekday in February 2026). Remarkably, most of the contents - probably counting in the thousands - are for sale. (So, we're on notice by the Museum's docents: if you break it, you buy it.) I found the Museum's staff to be friendly, well-informed, and exceptionally enthusiastic about their work. I learned there are limited-time themed events, such as the Secret Door Experience ($33), a Champagne Tour ($62.50), a Secret Portal Hunt & Tour ($45.95), a Secret Gardens of Asia celebrating cherry blossoms ($50), a Mother's Day Secret Door & Champagne Tour ($54.50), a Night at the Museum overnight package ($550.77) and a host of events celebrating the life and work of Rosa Parks and other civil rights leaders. This may well be one of the most curiosity-inspiring venues anywhere in the world. And good luck finding the secret doors!

I've lived in DC for 15 years and this has to be one of the coolest and most unique experiences I've had in DC. The Mansion On O Street provides history, intrigue, pop culture, and shopping all in one. With over 100 rooms and 80 secret rooms, part of the fun is wandering, exploring, and trying to find the secret doors. Each room is also themed often relating to popular culture like superheroes, music, sports, or historical figures such as Rosa Parks who even lived there. We spent two hours there with our 6 year old and all of us had a blast, could have spent longer, and left planning another visit. Part of the fun is also seeing the many fascinating items for sale and learning more about the history of the building and its tenants. Great for tourists and residents alike!

What a cool and unique experience! The hubby and I went here on 7/23/2025; we went on a Wednesday at about 10am and although other people were at the mansion, it was not crowded which is why we chose to go on a weekday. The idea of this place is to find as many hidden doors as possible, in the intro video, it was shared that there are over 80 hidden doors and even the children of the owner don't know where all the hidden doors are, you are considered above average if you find more than three of the hidden doors - the hubby and I found about 20! The mansion is huge with a bunch of themed rooms, a lot of artifacts and knick knacks which are all for sale. The mansion has a lot of history including Rosa Parks being a long time guest. Another cool thing is this is also a functioning hotel. The hubby and I had a lot of fun exploring this venue, finding hidden doors and hidden rooms, looking at all the artifacts and even playing some of the games, like checkers and the pinball machine. You can truly get lost in here and you can certainly enjoy this spot for a long time, the hubby and I were here for three hours and feel we could have stayed for a longer period of time. All and all, a very cool experience both good for big and small groups.

The O Museum in DuPont Circle is definitely one of the more unique experiences you'll find in D.C. Housed inside five interconnected row houses, the space is part museum, part functioning hotel--and packed with surprises. From Marilyn Monroe memorabilia to Prince's golden suit, to the 1988 Miss America crown and countless other quirky, fascinating items, there's no shortage of things to discover. And yes, there are hidden doors and secret rooms to find along the way. I'll admit, the idea of it also being a hotel felt a little odd to me at first. While it's highly rated for overnight stays, the thought of staying in a room while visitors roam the hallways on treasure hunts feels a bit unconventional. Still, that unusual blend is part of what makes this place so memorable. As for the price--this is where I felt a bit torn. Admission isn't exactly cheap, especially when compared to the many free museums in D.C. But I do understand that the fee goes toward preserving the space, maintaining the interactive elements, and supporting the staff. And honestly, many of those free museums have exhibits or hands-on components that no longer function properly--so in that context, the price starts to make more sense. All in all, I'm glad I gave it a try. It's a fun, offbeat experience that feels like a true hidden gem right in the heart of DuPont Circle.

What a BLAST!!! This is an absolute must-visit when coming to DC area! Over 100 rooms with dozens of hidden doorways and rooms! All filled to the brim with memories and memorabilia - nearly everything donated and also just about everything for sale! It is a collectors dream! There is so much history in one place it is amazing- I am pretty sure I could come here 10 times and still not see everything! Plan ahead with tour tickets and timing to ensure you have plenty of time to explore! Right off dupont circle there is tons to see and do in the area as well!

My daughter, wife, and I were headed to the nearby Phillips when we came across the mansion. We decided to pop in for a quick visit, but didn't leave until two hours later, only after setting a timer with an alarm. The hotel is huge, with winding hallways, up and down half-level stairs, and, of course, all the hidden doors. Every room was chock-full of bric-à-brac and interesting collectibles. Some rooms were themed, and they have an augmented reality app that can help you find things or just tell you the name of the room you are in. There are vinyl LPs everywhere, along with signed guitars. We came across action figures and comic books. The lighting and ceilings in each room were vastly different and varied. We could have spent many more hours there, but it does get overwhelming. My main complaint is the admission price. $33 a person is a bit steep.

Came here for the Museum Walk since it was free, and it was a waste of time and effort. I should have read the reviews on Reddit instead of wasting my time. The concept looked interesting online and is somehow rated 4.5 stars on Google but don't fall for it. It was free and I didn't even like it. I definitely would not come back and pay over $30 per ticket for it. The interior smelled badly of body odor, sweat, and worse. The free part was only 2 rooms and the "secret" garden which usually costs money was tiny and had some objects, some paintings and a fountain. The whole place gave old house hoarder vibes. Walked through everything that was free in 5 minutes. It took use over an hour of metroing to get there and I would not return even if it the rest of the rooms were free.

A hidden gem in Georgetown -- a hotel turned museum! It's full of eclectic rooms filled with vintage pieces and collectible items you can actually purchase. I had a lot of fun discovering all the hidden rooms throughout the space. The tickets are definitely worth it, especially since they're not timed -- and there's a bar, too!

Amazing place! So much history! We found a lot of hidden doors. Such a blast. Need to go back again!

A hoarder's paradise! Well themed rooms with things for sale everywhere. Looking for the secret passages can be fun and tricky. People in the museum w you are nice enough to give hints. The museum has various events which may cost more but allow you to roam through the museum too. If you are inside for a long time, the place can be a bit stuffy but the museum does a good job maintaining this place to the best of their abilities. They have relationships with celebrities and it seems like it could be a fun, tiring place to work. The Tattooed Guy Room is total eye candy for appropriately being in the DuPont Circle area. If you're into guys and in this area, you must go to seek out this room if nothing else. You can even buy the pictures if you wish. I don't feel I would personally want to go back but I wouldn't be opposed. Great place for souvenirs if you live in the area. Staff is super friendly.

Not sure how to describe this place... but if you're not into weird, wacky or random things, then the Mansion is not for you. It is a very quirky museum come hotel come antique store. We got tickets for $30 per person. It was fun exploring and walking through all the different themed rooms - a lot of the items in the mansion are very random (and on sale). There is some really cool history here - for example, Rosa Parks stayed at the Mansion for a while... as have some musicians. We had a chance to meet the owner when we first got in, and her whole life story is was very interesting to hear about. Not sure that there are many places like this in the world, so if you have a chance to visit I would recommend it. We spent about 1.5 hours here, but you certainly don't need that much time (45mins to an hour would suffice). They do have a bar and allow you to carry drinks around (if purchased from them).

Looking for something to do that's different? This is it. It's basically a theme based antique mall with hotel rooms and secret doors going between 5 row houses. Lots of neat stuff to look at and fun to explore. The wine cellar was my favorite.

One of a kind museum with a lot of history behind it! You really needy to plan on 2-4 hrs to really see it all and even then you'll likely discover something new every time you visit! My family definitely had fun exploring the different rooms, finding secret doors, and sharing our favorite rooms with each other. Tickets are $33 which is a bit more than I was expecting so I won't be making regular visits, but definitely worth at least one trip while you're in DC.

It's a cool concept and seems like a kids dream. To be able to explore in a big game of eye spy and find easy secret passageway could keep me occupied for hours as a child but as an adult it seemed a bit overpriced for what it was. Maybe it was that I was expecting more unique and difficult secret passageways, or that we didn't find the good ones but we were a bit disappointed in what we did find. We found about half and they are were very similar (push or pull a wall). I understand that they don't want people handling all the stuff they have for sale (which was everything) but it meant all of it was pretty straight forward. They had additional options like scavenger hunts that were a good idea but they also cost extra. There were a variety of rooms with different themes but only a handful of them had the desig built in and most just had that theme of items scattered around it (like a room full of Halloween decorations). I think this is a phenomenal space for people that have kids and I'm glad they are keeping a weird and artistic place but for the price i think it wasn't for me.

It could be a hit or miss. Went with my husband and good friend. It does look like someone just dumped items around. It was ... weird. But we made it fun

A tasteful curator could turn this place into something really special. As it stands, it's filled to the brim with overpriced, dusty Americana crap. The architecture and murals were incredible; we most enjoyed all of the different kinds of bathtubs. Read on Reddit from some former employees and unpaid interns that it can be quite an abusive work environment. That explains a lot.

Paid $40 per person. 2 "staff" with bad attitudes and lacks customer service. Advertised as a fun place to look for hidden rooms. We walked through an indoor junkyard/hoarder paradise. After watching the long intro video, one staff extended our time and repeated verbatim everything we just heard. Reviews said people spend 3 hours at the house. We were done in under an hour. Worst experience I ever purchased.

Disclaimer, if weird quirky places aren't your thing, then this isn't for you, but if you love history, art and bizarre things, then this is definitely for you! We loved finding the secret doors and getting lost...there were so many cool things to see and read about. I liked that everything was for sale, was like shopping in a fun house! Also super cool that you could stop and build legos, play a game or read a book anywhere you wanted. I love that they encouraged community and talking to others as you explored. The person who checked us was so friendly and gave us so much history on the mansion. Can't wait to come back and explore more!

The O Museum in the Mansion is actually a collection of 5 interconnected mansions originally designed by the architect of the U.S. Capitol building as a home for his family. It has evolved through the years and now as a non-profit with over 100 rooms and over 80 secret doors. Each room and various interiors are themed in history, art, and pop culture through immersive exhibits through an amazingly vast collection of donated memorabilia. The collections throughout The Mansion are eclectic and fascinating, and often overwhelming. It provides hours of immersive fun exploring from room to room or secret door. Fun for all ages and a variety of interests. Highly recommended as an alternative museum visit in THIS, the infamous museum city!

If Willy Wonka designed a mansion instead of a chocolate factory, it would be O Street Mansion. Essentially it's a self guided escape room without the time pressure. I brought my 10-year-old, and let me tell you, this is the sweet spot for kids: old enough to appreciate the mystique and not just tear through the place like they're on a secret-door speed run. We started counting the secret doors but quickly gave up because the sheer volume is mind-blowing. (Also, counting takes focus, and I was busy being amazed at the next quirky corner.) Take time to look at the ceiling...everything indeed has a purpose. Let's talk about the price--yes, I read all the reviews beforehand and also had that moment of, "Wait, how much?!" But two hours later, I was sold. This isn't just a ticket to a mansion; it's a ticket to an immersive experience that has clearly been curated with years of love and care. What some might call "clutter," I call an intricate masterpiece. Every knickknack has a story, a purpose, or at least a strong vibe. And yes...everything is indeed for sale...but there's no pressure to buy anything. Pro tip: Go when it's quieter. A Wednesday afternoon or a random Thursday at 5:30 PM was perfect for us. It started getting busy around 7 PM, and by that time, I was already closing secret doors quietly behind me so as not to ruin the surprise for others. This is the kind of place where you savor the experience. Don't be the person in a rush. The staff? Absolutely amazing. The kind of people who make you feel like they've been expecting you all day. Parking? Surprisingly easy for D.C.--street parking was a breeze. And the best part? The unspoken rule of not spoiling it for others. We took plenty of pictures, but you won't see them here because where's the fun in that? I've been in DC a long time...I have the SSI to prove it...and this was my first time...but it won't be my last. One final note: Avoid Reddit. Just don't go there. Let the mansion be your guide, not the internet. And whatever you do, don't open the "Do Not Enter" doors unless you want to become part of the mansion's lore. All in all, O Street Mansion is worth every penny and perfect for families, friends, or anyone with a sense of adventure and an appreciation for Nutella-loving chefs. Just go and get lost literally. You will catch the hang of it after a while.

1 of my fav museums in DC. There's 100 rooms and 80 secret doors to explore spanning 5 townhouses and 4 floors plus a garden. We found 21/70 secret rooms. You're above average if you find more than 2 secret rooms. The secret rooms could be big as a human walking thru to the smallest & hardest one of finding tinkerbell. ‍You can purchase anything in this museum. This was also voted the Top 7 hotels in DC. Even Rosa Parks has stayed here. There is a John Lennon, an Elvis, UK , chucky room , and a Prince room too. ‍Make sure to watch your little ones because you will get : $30 : 4 hrs to explore : Free street parking on the weekends all day; 2 hr max on weekdays. All on O street & nearby streets. : DuPont Circle : you can purchase food & drinks there. : We heard there's 8 secret doors on the 2nd floor, a couple in the log cabin room (I found 3), 4 in the basement, and 1 in the garden.

Such a cool, unique and interesting find in DC! My friend and I visited here earlier today, and spent about two hours exploring the various rooms and floors of this hotel/museum. I had never heard of it before, but my friend had sent me a reel of O museum ahead of her upcoming visit, so I added it to our itinerary of things to do. Once you get there, they have you watch a video which gives a brief overview of the museum and then staff provides some background knowledge. Then, you get to go on a self guided tour. I would say it's a very eclectic blast to the past, with antique relics from history. I wish there was a bit more information in each room, or a map of the museum because I wanted to see the Rosa Parks room but missed it. Every item in the museum is a donation, and can be bought, but I guess the beauty of the museum is in discovery and seeing what you find. It's very whimsical and I can't wait to visit again!!

Eccentric, peculiar, unconventional, offbeat, quirky. If those adjectives appeal to you or describe you, then schedule a visit to the Mansion on O Street in DuPont Circle. The Mansion is a series of five interconnected row houses--over 100 rooms and more than 70 secret doors. We spent a rainy morning at The Mansion on O Street. We signed up for the Secret Gardens of Asia and we were led through a secret door--behind a bookcase--to a secret room with beautiful kimonos, and other artifacts and art. Behind the secret door in the secret garden we met the owner of the O Mansion and she shared some background information on some of the items in the room and gave us a clue to access the hidden wine cellar. We started on the fourth floor (there are four floors) and began searching for the secret doors. If you find more than two you are above average. (This is probably to make you feel good, we found about six or seven). Each room is chock full of bric-a-brac, memorabilia, Knick-knacks and the walls are covered in artwork. Everything in O Mansion is for sale. Proceeds go to the museum to fund their projects and causes. There is a Rosa Parks room -- where Rosa Parks lived in O Mansion for 10 years. In fact, many celebrities, politicians, musicians and artists have stayed here--it's also a hotel. We were told that there is a guitar in every room and all of the ceilings are different. There's a John Lennon room, a hidden Elvis room, a ceiling by Love muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer, a log cabin suite, and a lot more. O Mansion is part flea market/antique store, memorabilia shop, history museum, bed and breakfast, curiosity shop. It's exciting to find one of the secret doors. How you feel about this experience overall depends on the individual. I enjoyed my visit although most of the items are not to my taste and I think one visit was enough. One of our party found the items dated and the mansion in disrepair. The other two enjoyed the secret doors, although they found the experience strange and unusual. Parking is on the street and difficult to find. Our tour included a cherry blossom drink (we picked a soda instead) and there are a few snacks for purchase but no food.

Cool experience overall! Very friendly staff. The place was really fun and unique, definitely something different to do. A bit of history, Rosa Parks, and much nostalgia! That said, the price was a bit too high to make it worth a return visit -- $30 a person, with no discounts for seniors, kids, or groups, came to $120 for our family of four (one child, five years old) plus snacks. The items for sale were very cool, but a little unrealistic for the average budget. Great time otherwise! Also, we heard sometimes, celebrities stay in the rooms, but we didn't meet any!

Okay, so. My husband and I came to Washington DC and after researching things to the O Mansion was on the top of my list. Every thing I read about was how amazing it was and unique it was. I was so excited to visit! I was waiting to find the perfect keepsake to brag to all my friend and family about how magical and amazing the O Mansion was! Unfortunately, it was not the amazing experience I was hoping for. We brought tickets, I thought since they sold ticket there would be limited number of people touring. Instead of having space it is like your exploring in a sardine can. You can hear people exploring and they yell with excitement "I found a secret door", which I love for them but wanted to find it myself. I know this can't be 100% avoided but if the tickets were more limited or people were told to start on different floors it would feel more special. Another thing is that there are things everywhere, which is the point. But it doesn't feel curated, just stuff mix matched. When I heard themed rooms I was excepting a Christmas room and all the items being Christmas or a blue room but it is like they just shove items wherever there was room. It made it feel less magical. As someone who loves antiques and has a strong appreciation for tchotchkes, I couldn't believe the price of some of the items. I understand that the items are sold and money is donated back to the museum and other things but I couldn't find anything to take home with me. I would fall in love with item only to see a price tag of $250 or more. Even small items were priced at $40. After spending $60 for 2 tickets and feeling like we had no space, I couldn't justify spending another $250 or more. So, do I think this place is worth the cost, maybe if you have a teen who loves corky things or don't mind a chaotic experience. I just think there are a lot of little details if fixed could make this place unbelievable.

The property itself is very cool. There are 80+ hidden doors throughout; I think I found about 5 of them. The wooden room with the upper section was the coolest, imo. It would be cool to stay overnight, rather than just explore for a few hours. There are a lot trinkets that are mostly for sale that have been donated. People exploring can purchase these items, most of which are vintage/nostalgic.

A true DC institution. Lots of past history here. Check out the Rosa Parks room. Hidden doors and spaces. Everything here inside is for sale. You can spend hours here!

Definition of tourist trap. Tacky AF. Drinks watered down and total ripoff. Speciality tours complete waste of money. GA is $42 a person, to be their potential consumers. Items "lovingly donated" my ass -- more like they hung around the goodwill and grabbed whatever wasn't taken in at the donation center. Anything of actual value and special is overwhelmed by their attempts to get revenue by any means necessary...and they're so insecure about their offerings that they constantly advertise themselves within the house once you've paid for entry. DO NOT waste your time or money here. Bullshit

It feels more like a flea market than a museum as almost everything is for sale. There isn't historical significance to most of the things here, think old star wars bobble heads, dishes, dated women's clothes, art prints, barbies. The different themed rooms and passage ways are interesting, and it's a fun place to get lost in and enjoy the weirdness. There are different painted ceilings in each room and frequent angels and other religious imagery as the owner wants you to "look up, [realize] there's something bigger here than you. And understanding that God has a plan for everybody". The connection to Rosa Parks is interesting, but her living there for ten years is not fully supported by facts. I'm from Detroit, after the young man broke into her home in 1994, she received help from local leaders and moved into a secured apartment building in Detroit called Riverfront until her passing in 2005. While she may have stayed at the hotel a few times when she came to DC, the insinuation that she lived here made me skeptical of the other claims being made in the museum. Still happy I visited!

Looking for something unique & a fascinating experience? This is your place. We biked from the National Mall area & would recommend a visit if you are in the area & enjoy music, vintage items & looking for hidden doors. Interesting place & love the owners reside on the property (somewhere) & there are hotel guest, as well.

This cool little adventure...the search for secret doors. We found 10 of the almost 90 and we were there for three and half hours. Interesting how everything without a heartbeat has a price. The rooms are themed sort of. We seen the spy room, Rosa Parks Room and Halloween room to name a few but it's a cluster of different donated items that make it cool from collector toys to autographed memorabilia. Everyone in your group bound to find something that interest them. We also had a second to chat with the caretaker of the non profit which was also lovely she talks about the heart of the mansion. It was a joy!!!!

Amazing experience. I just scratched the surface of finding the hidden rooms. I strongly recommend using the app you get or download. It's in the beta phase and it is awesome it's interactive. The staff is super helpful and everything is for sale. You can buy Jimmy Hendrix guitar for $500K or a letter from John Lennon for $250K or a simple item for a reasonable price. Overall it's a must do. I will return to find some more secret rooms.

I hoped this would be my first review of 2024, but then I forgot, so it's actually number 2. Tickets are $40 per person for the secret door tour, which is pretty dang high for museum, but for a special occasion, it is worth it. One thing I didn't realize going in, you get free snacks with admission. Not a meal, but there was a buffet of cookies, cakes, chocolates, etc to choose from. The cookies are actually pretty amazing. They also have a bar, but that is not free. Did you know they make their own cocktails? I didn't! But the old fashion, which the bartender took great pride in, comes infused with some cherries and is just delightful. For the tour, we spent a good two hours exploring. You get to just wander at your own pace, and there is so much to find. The real fun is finding secret doors, so if you see a bookcase, a mirror, a large poster, etc, give it a gentle tug and live out your childhood dreams. There are even secret "doors" hiding in bed posts, shelves, etc. Some just have goofy stuffed animals, or a mini Tinkerbell behind them, but others lead you to full on rooms. And these are some cool rooms. They are a history lesson unto themselves. So much pop culture goodness to re-experience. There is a Beatles room, an Elvis room, a toy room, a Chucky room (i.e. Halloween themed, dark and spooky), etc. etc. So many cool things to find. I can guarantee you have never had an experience quite like this, so if you need to try something new and fun, go for it!

This was the worst "museum" experience I've ever had, and I've been to a ton! This old building is architecturally stunning. The problem is that is filled to the brim with dusty junk! Not historical, just... weird. With much of it for sale! The "hidden passageways" were some barely hidden doors connecting rooms. We added a drink ticket each, so it was $55 essentially for two drinks. Save your money and your time. Sorry I visited, this felt like a missed opportunity to be something better than it was.

I loved my visit, but I don't really care to return. It's a super unique venue. I've certainly never seen anything like it. Part flea market, part hunt for hidden doors, it's a lot of fun, at least for a one time visit. Almost all the items you see are for sale, but also the things I might have wanted were out of our price range. You must be able to go up and down stairs, despite the elevators. You won't be able to see the entirety of the mansion by elevator alone. It's not a fun place if you're claustrophobic either. Some spaces are cramped enough that I actually think they should warn people. Still, my friends and I had a great time.

Very American and an eyesore. Anyways, I hope my doll is haunted :) BTW, the Chucky room didn't have Chucky :(

Recently stayed the night for my birthday (a surprise gift from my husband!) and overall, the experience was so unique and memorable. We found 27 of the 70+ hidden doors and had access to nearly the entire O Museum, aside from the kitchen and wine cellar, which were closed off due to recent flooding. Disappointing, sure, but understandable. Bad timing happens. We spent hours wandering the empty museum after hours looking for doors. We didn't see or hear another person the entire time. It was a little eerie at times but that just added to the otherworldly feeling of it all. I probably wouldn't spend the night again purely due to the cost, but I've already recommended the day pass to several friends. It's worth a visit. Unfortunately, I'm giving 3 stars because of a really disappointing experience while trying to make a purchase. I found a ~1.5ft outdoor metal sculpture clearly marked at $115. When I brought it up to buy, the staff said they'd need to check with a manager. Totally fine. We wandered for another 15-20 minutes and checked back. This time, we were told we could buy it... but the price was now $156. Not due to a mislabel or error or anything. Just because the manager liked it and decided to raise the price. I want to be clear: the item was labeled, I was ready to pay, and the price was changed mid-purchase. That's not quirky or whimsical. That's bad business. It felt opportunistic and honestly left a sour taste after what had been a really special visit. I expected better.

What an odd experience. It was so much fun exploring I even contemplated trying to get a hotel reservation. Until I saw staff washing a toilet seat in the kitchen sink. There was no price tag, so I don't think that was part of the exhibit. I'm afraid my aversion to biohazards will not allow me to return. I recommend experiencing the walk through at least once in your life, but I wouldn't recommend consuming food there.

The Mansion on O street was a surprisingly unique treat for us while visiting DC over the weekend. From the outside looking in, you are already intrigued as to what awaits on the inside. It also doubles as a hotel! The staff were friendly and helpful. This museum was an eye full and the hunt for secret doors was a sleuths dream! While most people only find two of the rooms, we found ten! We experienced so many different realms and still left many things unseen. Would highly recommend adding this one to your itinerary, I surely can't wait to return and uncover more secret doors!

A large group of us, 11, decided to try something different when in DC. This is surely off the beaten path but well worth a stop in. The goal is to find as many secret doors/rooms as possible (~80). Keep in mind this is a functional hotel while you are searching for the doors. We found over 20 and they say the average is 2...truth be told the kids were the main finders. The staff was very friendly. They don't give clues except for one at the beginning while you are watching a video. Definitely a fun stop and the owner's hospitality makes all the more enjoyable.

If you're a lover of Odd Experiences, Pop culture artifacts, and pop culture antiques.... You will love this place. My only regret is that I didn't come prepared ... Everything you see is for sale. It's worth is determined by what you are willing to to pay. Rooms within rooms, hidden doors and staring dolls will keep you entertained for a few hours worth of enjoyment. Just when you think you've seen it all... you will discover there is a bit more. This space covers damn near a city block, but it doesn't look that way from the outside. Many steps, and although there is an elevator, it's a hassle to get permission to use. Not a place for the elderly or feeble. Also.... If you smell, stay home... the halls are tight, bathroom is small, and the windows are closed. Passed a few chunky persons in there and the BO broke through my Covic-damaged sense of smell to accost me from several angles. Please... be courteous... Good luck

Worth the money, and take your time some doors are BIG and some are small. And almost everything you see in the hog-posh eclectic mania on that is over 30,000 square feet and takes up five row homes is for sale. Hint: BiG mirrors and oddly placed handles in random spots...they open! Good for a date, family fun, fund with friends or solo. It's not just an attraction it's a hotel and yea you can get drinks and bites here too...and their is a pool if you're a guest. I plan on going back there are 70-80 doors and I (we) found 12 or 13. And make sure you see the room Rosa Parks stayed in.

Four townhomes lashed together into one museum with "secret doors" (read: maybe a mirror or a bookshelf that pushes or pulls open) separating them from side to side. Four stories of absolute hoarder kitsch. It looked like someone just ran their arm down a bookshelf at a flea market or thrift shop and scooped up thousands of books from the '60s/'70s/'80s that all manage not to be interesting, then moved on to records that interest nobody, then picked up some DVDs for good measure. Having wrapped up the media section, they purchased several Christmas trees with cheap decorations and hundreds of lame art prints. But just to keep it interesting, they bumped into a few real life artists and got some of their stuff, too. 1 worthwhile item per 500 objets-du-trash. Everything is for sale! All the Readers Digest Condensed Book collections and Harry Potter DVDs your heart desires! The cool artists' art, though? Well over $1,000 a piece. Those lame framed goodwill prints will put you back over $200, too. I refuse to believe more than a handful of items were donations. I have NEVER been to a place that advertises itself WHILE you're touring it. There are televisions in several of the rooms blasting the credentials of the location as you walk around. Every bathroom sink is stuffed with museum shirts to buy. It wasn't quirky or even weird, unless you consider how weird it is to charge people admission to a thrift store full of junk. Maybe fun for kids; I used to enjoy rifling through my grandmother's nonsense when I was young, too. But I wouldn't go back if they paid me the price of admission to.

The Mansion on O street is definitely a unique experience. My best friend and I came here to do the secret door experience. At this time there are over 80 secret doors. They say if you find more than two you're above average. Not to brag but we found almost 20 completely on own, to include tinker bell. The museum is definitely nestled right in a residential area, so you could've passed it before and never noticed. With that said, the parking situation is primarily street parking, but they have some sort of way you can reserve parking spots via spot genius. I would advise just taking the train though. When you first get there, they have you watch a short video which gives you a rundown of the museum and the general rules. We started from the top floor then worked our way down. There is a lot of stuff to look at and anything that isn't breathing is for sale lol. There is so much stuff one may say it can feel hoaderish lol. I met one of the owners during my time so that was pretty cool. I don't think I would stay overnight here, but it was fun finding all the secret doors! Enjoy!

This was the perfect place to take the family! Fun and entertaining, took my nephew and family and we found over 15 doors!

My teenager and I came to Baltimore for a visit and popped over to DC for a quick trip to the Secret Door experience. We really loved it and thought it was super fun. First of all, the building is gorgeous and it's a lovely location. From the moment we entered, we experienced the nicest, kind staff members who were so helpful and warm. We loved that it was not too crowded and that we had enough time to wander through the mansion for as long as we wanted. This was a really fun thing to do together and we would highly recommend it.

I did the hidden doors tour and it was so much fun! Really fun to find all the doors although it's a lot of walking up and downstairs so be mindful of that. I would probably not stay a night here as it's quite expensive and I feel it would be a bit of a sensory nightmare. Multiple rooms had voice recordings and tvs going at the same time. Which I'm sure they would turn off if you were staying there, but I'd guess you'd still be able to hear the other rooms and all the people walking around.

Kinda cool but basically felt like I was in my local goodwill. I think I found one secret door and was disappointed. Fun, but I would not go back. It was also a nice break from the dc heat but pretty underwhelming.

The Mansion was a super fun and eclectic experience. Buy your tickets in advance since there was a day of ticket purchase surcharge. We paid about $35 plus tax with that charge. The Mansion is a collection of memorabilia and knick knacks, all of which are available for purchase. We love searching for the hidden doors, big and small. There were some places we weren't sure counted as a hidden door, and thought it would be cool if the inside of the official doors all had a uniform message confirming it was a hidden door. There were some hidden doors labeled as such that we weren't allowed to open or discover on our own, so that was a bummer. There were a few rooms with the do not disturb sign on where guests were staying, but that didn't detract from the experience. I don't know that I'd recommend staying here--it's super cool as a hotel, but with all the tourists traipsing throughout the property, I think it would drive me nuts as a hotel guest. Plus, it seems like that would create a ton of dirt to have people wandering throughout and knocking into beds, sitting on chairs/couches, etc. There were some rooms that weren't blocked off with towels placed on the beds, so again, another cleanliness concern. Also the rooms are fairly small for a hotel stay. But still, a fun experience to explore and get lost for a few hours! We were very proud of ourselves for discovering the wine room (without the hint) and finding Tinkerbell!