Special Exhibits
Now - Labor Day Weekend
Crafting a Gilded Estate
Take a look at intricate objects up close, focusing on the craftsmanship and skill of the artisans who created unique and artistic artifacts at Glensheen. Learn about the skillsets involved in metal, pottery and ceramics, lace, and glass. Plus, you'll learn about some of the local artisans and how they are continuing these skilled crafts today in our very neighborhood.
Featured local partners include Duluth Fiber Guild, Duluth Pottery, Lake Superior Art Glass, and Forging Community. Through their work in textile arts, pottery, glassblowing, and blacksmithing, these organizations preserve and share traditional craft techniques, ensuring these valuable skills continue to be passed on to future generations.
Now - September 3
Glensheen in Plein Air
We invite travelers to experience the beauty, history, and artistic spirit of Minnesota through a collection of plein air paintings created on the grounds of Glensheen Mansion. Produced by members of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota,
each work was painted live on-site, capturing the estate’s landscapes and architecture in real time and natural light.
From quiet woodland creeks and vibrant formal gardens to the intricate details of the mansion and boathouse, this exhibit showcases the diverse perspectives of artists immersed in Glensheen’s setting. The spontaneity of plein air painting brings an immediacy and authenticity to each piece, reflecting not only the environment but the moment in which it was experienced.
Guided Tours
Month of July & August
Guided Lock & Key tours available daily for the months of July and August.
NEW Guided Architecture & Design tours available daily for the months of July and August.
Guided Full Mansion Golden Hour Tours are available Friday and Saturday evenings in July and August.
Purchase Tickets
Promotions
Month of September
$6 off Full Mansion Tours September 7th-30th.
*Redeem in-person only. Cannot combine with other discounts. Only available Monday-Thursdays September 7-30, 2026.
Programs
Offered on Guided Tour Days
Throughout the summer, enjoy 10-minute educational programming every hour on guided tour days. These programs are meant to enhance your historic educational experience during your tour by sharing unique information. Topics include life in Duluth in 1776, style and construction of Glensheen, how Chester made his money, details on the lives of the gardeners and Wyness family, and more.
I-Spy in the Mansion...
May-August
Flags! During your tour, seek out all 25 flags hidden around the mansion. On your way out, head to the Museum Shop located in the Carriage House for a prize!
About the Museum Shop
Treasure Books
Glensheen offers exclusive Treasure books filled with activities, fun facts, and i-spies for an added tour enhancement. Perfect for kids and kids at heart! Purchase yours for just $5 at the Museum Shop.