Denver: Molly Brown House Museum

If you’re planning a visit to Denver, Colorado, the Molly Brown House Museum is a must-see. Nestled in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, this museum provides an intriguing look into the life of Margaret Tobin Brown, famously known as the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Renowned as a Titanic survivor, philanthropist, and activist, Molly Brown’s legacy comes to life in this beautifully preserved Queen Anne Victorian home.

Here’s a glimpse of what we experienced on our trip to this educational yet fun family attraction in Denver. I also included some essential tips to enhance your visit so you can make the most of your time doing fun things in Denver with the whole family.

Arriving at the Molly Brown Museum

When planning our visit to Denver, we made sure to include the Molly Brown House Museum on our list of must-see attractions. We arrived early, just before the first tour of the day, but the museum was already buzzing with activity. If you’re planning your trip, be sure to get there early to secure tickets, as tours can fill up quickly, especially on weekends or holidays.

While we waited, we browsed the small gift shop filled with unique souvenirs. Though a few items caught my eye, I decided to wait until after the tour to make any purchases.

Exploring the Molly Brown House

The Molly Brown House Museum is housed in a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian mansion that Margaret and her husband moved into after striking it rich in Colorado’s mining industry. As we stepped inside, we were transported back to 1894, the year Margaret moved into the house.

The interior is filled with period-appropriate decor, and many of the rooms are restored to look just as they did when the Brown family lived there.

The tour highlighted Molly Brown’s progressive nature and her passion for issues like women’s suffrage and labor reform, reflecting her modern mindset, much like the house itself, which was equipped with advanced features like electric lighting and indoor plumbing.

One of the standout features of the home is the stunning stained glass windows, which have been meticulously restored.

We also couldn’t miss the impressive Polar Bear rug in the parlor, a unique and rare piece that adds to the charm of this historic home.

Tour Information

• Guided Tours: Tours are available every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
• Duration: Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
• Accessibility: The museum is accessible to wheelchairs on the first floor only. Be prepared for some walking, climbing stairs, and standing.

What Can I Expect from a Visit to the Museum?

• Crowds: The museum is generally quiet and intimate, attracting retirees, history enthusiasts, and occasional school groups.
• Facilities: There is no on-site restaurant; explore the surrounding neighborhood for dining options. The museum’s gift shop is minimal and can be skipped if desired.

How long is a Molly Brown House Museum Tour?

• Time-Efficient Visit: With its compact size and focused exhibits, the Molly Brown House Museum is ideal for those with limited time who want a quick yet enriching museum experience.

Who Was Molly Brown?

If you’re not familiar with Molly Brown, you may recognize her from the movie Titanic, where she was portrayed by Kathy Bates. However, there is much more to Margaret Tobin Brown’s story than just her survival of the Titanic disaster.

Margaret, often referred to as “New Money” due to her rise in wealth later in life, came from humble beginnings. She started working in a factory at the young age of thirteen, long before she and her husband found success in Colorado’s gold industry.

Beyond her Titanic fame, Molly Brown was a dedicated philanthropist and activist. She advocated for social reform, helped wounded soldiers during World War I, and raised funds for those affected by the Titanic tragedy. In fact, by the time the rescue ship Carpathia reached New York, Margaret had helped raise $10,000 for the less fortunate passengers.

Practical Tips for Visiting the Molly Brown Museum

• Guided Tours Only: Admission to the museum is by guided tour only, so plan to arrive early to secure your spot. Tours run every 30 minutes, Tuesday through Sunday.
• Accessibility: The museum is housed in a multi-level Victorian home, and only the first floor is wheelchair accessible.
• Time Commitment: The tours last around 45 minutes, and the small size of the museum makes it a great stop for those who want to explore Denver’s history without spending hours in a museum.
• Gift Shop: The gift shop is small but worth checking out for unique memorabilia.

What Was Molly Brown Known For Besides the Titanic?

While the Unsinkable Molly Brown is best known for surviving the Titanic disaster, her contributions extend far beyond that. She was a passionate advocate for women’s suffrage, labor rights, and various social reforms. During World War I, she supported wounded soldiers and raised funds for relief efforts. Her tireless activism and generosity made her a trailblazing humanitarian, leaving a legacy that reached far beyond her “unsinkable” moment.

What Happened to Molly Brown after the Titanic?

Following her harrowing experience on the Titanic, Molly Brown took on a leadership role with the Survivors’ Committee. In 1932, she was honored with the French Legion of Honour, recognizing her significant contributions both during and after the Titanic disaster. Her commendations also acknowledged her advocacy for children’s education, miners’ rights, and her volunteer efforts during World War I.

FAQs About the Molly Brown House Museum

How Much Money did Molly Brown Raise to Help the “less fortunate passengers” of the Titanic?

Margaret encouraged the first-class passengers to contribute money for those less fortunate, and by the time the Carpathia arrived in New York, $10,000 had been raised.

Does Someone Live There?

No. Although I find this question interesting, it is kind of funny considering the chatter around the house being haunted. I looked into this as I have always been interested in paranormal travel. I have even shared some of my favorite haunted places in Iowa like the Villisca Ax Murder House. So, when I found a response from a Google reviewer about the museum, I wasn’t expecting him to answer the question Does someone live there, with “Just the ghost of Margaret”.

Looking for Fun & Educational Things to Do in Denver?

If you’re looking for things to do in Denver, the Molly Brown House Museum should be at the top of your list. This historic landmark offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about one of Colorado’s most influential figures. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an interesting stop on your Denver itinerary, this museum provides a memorable and educational experience.

More Things to Do in the Denver Area

• Central Colorado Travel Guide
• Plan the Ultimate Family Adventure in Estes Park Colorado
• Lunch at Steuben’s Restaurant in Denver, Colorado
• Tips for Planning a Road Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Have you visited the Molly Brown House Museum? I’d love to hear about your visit.