For the First Time Ever, Elkins Estate Opens Its Doors to the Public for a Gilded Age–Inspired Champagne & Charcuterie Tour

For one evening only, guests are invited to step back in time and experience Philadelphia’s Gilded Age at The Gilded Tour: Champagne & Charcuterie at Elkins Estate, taking place Thursday, November 20, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Presented by By Landmark, this exclusive event marks the first time the Elstowe Manor at Elkins Estate has opened its doors to the public for a guided tour. Set amid 42 acres of manicured gardens in Elkins Park, the evening offers a rare glimpse inside one of America’s most spectacular examples of Beaux-Arts architecture, paired with an elegant champagne reception and gourmet charcuterie.

Guests will begin the evening with a glass of champagne and light bites before embarking on a guided tour of Elstowe Manor, a grand estate built in 1898 for businessman and philanthropist William L. Elkins. Designed by architect Horace Trumbauer, the mansion features marble columns, frescoed ceilings, ornate woodwork, and glittering chandeliers—an enduring testament to the craftsmanship and grandeur of Philadelphia’s Gilded Age.

The tour offers visitors a chance to wander through rooms that once hosted the city’s elite, where history, architecture, and artistry converge in breathtaking detail. From its grand staircase to its intricate plasterwork and gold-leaf accents, Elstowe Manor embodies the lavish lifestyle and design sensibilities of turn-of-the-century America.

“The Gilded Tour is our way of sharing this extraordinary space with the community while honoring the artistry and history it represents,” said a representative from By Landmark. “It’s an experience designed to bring people together—to celebrate architecture, storytelling, and the timeless appeal of hospitality.”

Tickets are $30 and cab be purchased at play.landmarkhospitality.com/event/the-gilded-tour-champagne-charcuterie-at-elkins-estate/

Event Itinerary

• 5:00–5:30 p.m. – Champagne reception with charcuterie and light bites

• 5:30 p.m. – Guided tour of Elstowe Manor (approximately 45 minutes)

• Following the tour, guests may continue to enjoy champagne and explore the mansion’s public spaces at their leisure

• 6:30 p.m. – Event concludes

Each ticket includes valet parking, guided tour, and all food and beverage service, ensuring an effortless and memorable evening.