Private Colonial Williamsburg Architectural Tour
Overview
We will discuss the different philosophies of architectural preservation between Europe and the United States during the late 19th and 20th Century and how it applies to the restoration of Colonial Williamsburg. The restoration materials of Colonial Williamsburg had to appear as if they were constructed in the 18th Century. For example, the roofs of many of the reconstructed buildings were man made fire retardant composites, and the masonry emulated the original bound of the public buildings.
When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733.
It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.
When the Main College was rededicated as the Wren building, credit was given to the the famous English Architect, Sir Christopher Wren. However, there is no proof that this is true. The base of this building is a Flemish design as opposed to the English bond. As the Wren building stands today, it is a redesign of the building that existed in 1733.
It will be a comprehensive discussion of the vision of Rev. W.A.R. Goodwin and John D. Rockfeller, Jr. that resulted in Colonial Williamsburg.
Inclusions
- Colonial Williamsburg Day Pass
- Entry/Admission - Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building
- Entry/Admission - The College of William and Mary
- Entry/Admission - Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center
- Entry/Admission - Bruton Parish Episcopal Church
- Entry/Admission - Governor's Palace
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565
They will see original and reproductions of Colonial Williamsburg's architecture and watch films, if desired.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Governor's Palace, Northern End of Palace Green Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
We will enter the Governor's Palace and tour the exterior and interior of the palace, surrounding buildings and gardens.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building, W Duke of Gloucester St, Cool, Williamsburg, VA 23185
We will view the interior and exterior of the Capitol building.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, 201 W Duke of Gloucester St (Next to Palace Green), Williamsburg, VA 23185-4201
We will view the exterior and interior of the church.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: The College of William and Mary, 102 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185-3616
We will view the exterior and interior of the Sir Christopher Wren building.
Duration: 45 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, 101 Visitor Center Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4565
They will see original and reproductions of Colonial Williamsburg's architecture and watch films, if desired.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Governor's Palace, Northern End of Palace Green Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA
We will enter the Governor's Palace and tour the exterior and interior of the palace, surrounding buildings and gardens.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Colonial Williamsburg Capitol Building, W Duke of Gloucester St, Cool, Williamsburg, VA 23185
We will view the interior and exterior of the Capitol building.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Bruton Parish Episcopal Church, 201 W Duke of Gloucester St (Next to Palace Green), Williamsburg, VA 23185-4201
We will view the exterior and interior of the church.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: The College of William and Mary, 102 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185-3616
We will view the exterior and interior of the Sir Christopher Wren building.
Duration: 45 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not recommended for children and teenagers younger than 17
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Bambi_W
November 2022
Five-star tour to learn about Colonial Williamsburg architecture and restoration. I was extremely impressed how he connected the British and Colonial architecture to Palladianism. The history of Williamsburg was explained in detail without being boring and our tour guide's enthusiasm and sense of...
Five-star tour to learn about Colonial Williamsburg architecture and restoration. I was extremely impressed how he connected the British and Colonial architecture to Palladianism. The history of Williamsburg was explained in detail without being boring and our tour guide's enthusiasm and sense of humor was wonderful. The Governor's Palace was the prime example of Palladianism and Georgian designs. I was surprised that the tour included us with a one-day pass for Colonial Williamsburg buildings. It was worth every penny.NOLASaintsfan1971
March 2023
We had a great experience with Dennis touring some of our nation's most historic buildings, learning different architectural designs and touring inside Colonial Williamsburg's buildings. Two thumbs up!
We had a great experience with Dennis touring some of our nation's most historic buildings, learning different architectural designs and touring inside Colonial Williamsburg's buildings. Two thumbs up!elainerswartz
March 2023
Excellent tour. The leader was very knowledgeable and personable. He answered all my questions. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants in-depth information on the buildings in Colonial Williamsburg
Excellent tour. The leader was very knowledgeable and personable. He answered all my questions. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants in-depth information on the buildings in Colonial WilliamsburgSteve P
March 2023
I’ve been to CW many times and never stopped to looked closely at the intricate architectural detail of the buildings. This tour provided a detailed and intimate look at period design and architecture. The host was a wealth of knowledge and information, describing details one may normally overloo...
I’ve been to CW many times and never stopped to looked closely at the intricate architectural detail of the buildings. This tour provided a detailed and intimate look at period design and architecture. The host was a wealth of knowledge and information, describing details one may normally overlook when experiencing the history of CW. I learned things I never knew before and strongly recommend this tour for any history of architecture lover. Come prepared for a great educational experience. I would not recommend this tour for children, as it does go in depth into architecture and leaves out the “entertainment” factor kids would likely desire from CW.