Open daily: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.
The last entrance is at 2:45 pm.
The Museum, Museum Shop, and Grounds close sharply at 3:30 pm.
Open daily: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.
The last entrance is at 2:45 pm.
The Museum< Museum Shop, and Grounds close sharply at 3:30 pm.
Called the “Father of Radio Control” and dubbed “the Electronic Sorcerer” during his lifetime, John Hays Hammond Jr. lived a complex life and left an eclectic legacy.
During a remarkable career, Hammond pioneered innovations across multiple fields of invention.
Hammond held over 400 domestic patents, ranging from systems of remote control torpedoes to kitchen appliances, and from early color television devices to pipe organ pedals.
Hammond Castle Museum was built between 1926 and 1929 to serve not only as the inventor’s private residence, housing a vast collection of antiquities and other artifacts, but also as a new site for his extensive Radio Research Laboratory.
Throughout the 2026 season guests can enjoy a completely updated Invention Room, showcasing exciting new perspectives on Hammond’s work as a scientist, inventor and engineer, as well as a brand-new set of rotating exhibits on various topics.
Hammond Castle Museum welcomes guests to tour the many rooms of the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr., renowned as one of the most prolific American inventors of the 20th century and famously known as the Father of Radio Control.
HOURS:
Open from April 3 – January 3 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, with the last self-guided tour entrance at 2:45 pm. The Museum, Museum Shop, and Grounds close sharply at 3:30 pm. The Museum is open most national and state holidays, including Easter, Patriots’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. The Museum will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day and New Year’s Day.
Led by a member of Hammond Castle Museum’s talented tours staff, Guided Tours of the Museum last approximately 35-40 minutes and cover basic information about the history of the building and its inhabitants. Major areas covered by the tour staff include parts of the former Laboratory, the vast Great Hall, and the breathtaking Courtyard.
After the guided portion of the tour, visitors may explore the many smaller rooms and exhibit spaces in the former Hammond residence. Guests should plan at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and galleries of this historic museum.
Weekend tickets include Friday—Sunday as well as holidays. (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Columbus Day)
Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight are an opportunity to explore the history of the Spiritualist movement and the occult side of the Museum’s past. From John Hays Hammond Jr.’s attempts to communicate with supernatural entities using a Faraday Cage, to Irene Fenton Hammond’s extensive astrological writings under a mysterious pen name, throughout this 55-minute fully-guided specialty tour, the dramatic gothic-inspired architecture of the building and nighttime atmosphere will set the stage for a fun and informative seasonal experience unlike any other! Electronic candles will be provided for optional use by visitors for the duration of the Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight. Not recommended for Children under 13. For the first time, Hammond Castle Museum is offering its popular Spiritualism Tours by Candlelight during extended late-night hours, including a midnight tour, on October 22nd and 29th; offering a one-of-a-kind experience for those celebrating the Halloween season on the North Shore!
Deck the Halls By Candlelight Every Tuesday in December and Thursdays, December 3, 19 & 17)
Begin your evening as you come upon our holiday illumination, where holiday lights set the Castle and its iconic arches aglow. From there, embark on a fully guided Candlelight Tour through the Hammond Castle Museum. Inspired by John Hays Hammond Jr.’s preference for working through the night at the encouragement of his mentor, Alexander Graham Bell, these tours highlight the Hammonds’ lives within their home while showcasing the Museum in a new light. Guests are invited to carry the provided miniature electronic lanterns as they explore each space. Tickets are expected to be available starting in September.
Gloucester Gratis Days – Complimentary Self-Guided Tours for Gloucester Residents:
In keeping with our founder, John Hays Hammond, Jr.’s original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum is please offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular season which runs through each Tuesday throughout our entire season through January 4th. Guests should plan at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and galleries of this historic museum. Self-guided tours allow visitors to move through the galleries of Hammond Castle Museum at their own pace. Proof of residency for all Gloucester Gratis Days reservations is required upon check-in at the Museum.
Plein Air Artist Reservations: Advance Registration Required.
Rain or Shine.
Plein Air artists wishing to enjoy the towering architecture and stunning landscape of Hammond Castle Museum are welcome to do so between 9:00 am and 11:00 am with an advance reservation.
En Plein Air access to the Museum grounds is available for up to four artists per day during the regular tour season. Reservations are required in advance. The Museum reserves the right to refuse access to artists without a reservation. Artists may arrive anytime between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Check-in at the Museum Shop is required prior to setting up your station. When selecting your spot on the grounds, please be mindful not to impede the path of other visitors. Please note: Watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds. This reservation does not include access to the interior of the Museum beyond the Museum Shop.