The mansion was constructed using 10,000 square feet of space and includes a massive walnut staircase.
William S. Culbertson rose from a poor clerk to a tycoon by capitalizing on the booming river trade in New Albany.
The interior retains original features like marble fireplaces and ornate plaster ceiling medallions.
The house was sold to the American Legion in the 1940s before being acquired by the state for historic preservation.
During the month of October, the mansion utilizes its basement and grounds for a themed haunted house event.
The Culbertson Mansion is an 1869 Second Empire-style residence built for William S. Culbertson, once the wealthiest man in Indiana. The three-story brick home features a hand-painted ceiling in the parlor and intricate woodwork throughout its 25 rooms. Visitors can tour the mansion to view original Victorian-era furnishings and examine the architectural craftsmanship of the Gilded Age. The site serves as a museum dedicated to preserving the history of New Albany and the economic legacy of the Ohio River valley. The property is managed by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites system.
The main staircase in the grand entry hall offers the best perspective of the mansion's interior craftsmanship.
Book your guided tour in advance online to ensure availability for your preferred day.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled walking shoes to accommodate the historic flooring and staircase requirements.
Do not assume you can freely wander the house; tours are docent-led and strictly follow specific paths.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; operates on a limited seasonal schedule during winter months.
Refrain from touching artifacts or furniture; photography is permitted for personal use without flash.
