Tours of the Richardson Olmsted Campus, provided in partnership with the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo, are a passageway to the past and a glimpse of the future.
Led by expert docents, you’ll gain access to spaces that have gone untouched since the 1970s, experiencing the site’s original structures as well as the healing landscape designed to serve as a therapeutic environment. Plus, you’ll learn about the philosophies of mental health advocate Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride and how he worked with architect Henry Hobson Richardson and landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to apply those principles throughout the grounds.
Tours are available from May through October. Each unique experience runs between 45 minutes and two hours in length and all explore the past, present, and future of the Richardson Olmsted Campus.
Private tours and accessibility.
If you can’t fit a public tour into your schedule or are just looking to create a unique experience for your friends, family, or coworkers, we can accommodate private tours for up to 20 guests.
All guests should be aware that tours of yet-to-be-redeveloped buildings have stairs and floors that are very uneven. For individuals who use walkers or wheelchairs, we are happy to set up a docent-led tour that traverses the exterior of the Richardson Olmsted Campus.
The 2022 tour season has come to a conclusion, check back in Spring 2023 for more information!
Self-guided audio tour.
When tours aren’t in session on campus, take yourself on a self-guided adventure around the grounds with a free audio tour. To get started:
- Download the audio tour map.
- Dial (716) 249-3847 to begin the tour.
- Soak up the history and enjoy your tour!
Audio tour generously supported by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Content co-created by Deirdre Reynolds, Museum Studies Department, SUNY Buffalo State with the Richardson Center Campus.
Voiced by Mike Forster, Master Docent, Richardson Olmsted Campus.
