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 his ideas influenced architect Henry Hobson Richardson and landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux who applied those principles throughout the grounds.
Tours are available from June 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.
2023 Tours and accessibility.
Our public tours, in partnership with the Lipsey Architecture Center Buffalo and Preservation Buffalo Niagara can accommodate 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. Much of the campus is an active construction site. Wear closed-toe shoes – they are required. We provide hard hats. Tours will vary each week depending on construction activities.
Tickets will be released monthly on a first come, first served basis.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here for 10am-noon tours on Saturdays and Sundays in June.
Tickets for July will be available mid-June.
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) 249-3874 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.
