Following the City’s occupation of the property and the threat of demolition in the late 50s and 60s, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum of Norwalk, Inc. was formed in 1966. The Museum opened to the public in 1967 and by 1971 the U.S. Department of the Interior had designated the Mansion a National Historic Landmark, the first in Norwalk, CT.

Over the last five decades, the Mansion has thrived as a result of the tireless efforts of its staff, generous donors, Board of Trustees, and volunteers. Major projects include returning the Rotunda’s cove ceiling to the original Lockwood era base color in 1974, the restoration of Pierre Victor Galland’s Venus at Play with Her Cupids decorating the Drawing Room’s ceiling in 1983, the cleaning and conservation of the Music Room’s walls in 1995, and the reproduction and installation of the Library’s wallpaper in 2010. In 2015, LMMM refurbished the Conservatory with support from the City of Norwalk, supporters and volunteers Paul and Hadley Veeder, and silk plants designed by Danna DiElsi of the Silk Touch, pots, and furnishings appropriate to the Lockwood era. That year, the Museum began ADA compliance construction, still ongoing, which allows for increased accessibility to each part of the building, including the never-before-seen Servants’ Quarters.

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Restoration Ribbon Cutting
Mayor Harry Rilling, Norwalk Historical Commission Chairman David Westmoreland, Trustee Port Draper, and Patsy Brescia, LMMM Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Restoration Cleaning Conservatory
Trustee Paul Veeder
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Restoration
Entrance Hall Mantelpiece Restoration