Bellamy Mansion Museum & Slave Quarters

The Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts is a stewardship property of Preservation North Carolina, and one of North Carolina’s premier architectural and historic treasures. Designed by architect James F. Post for the wealthy physician and merchant Dr. John D. Bellamy, the 10,000-square-foot, twenty-two room mansion was constructed primarily by skilled, enslaved workers and local, free black artisans between 1859 and 1861.

As Preservation North Carolina’s only museum site, the Bellamy Mansion Museum demonstrates our philosophy of Preservation In Action. After it was badly damaged by arson in 1972, the Bellamy Museum, Inc. worked for over a decade to stabilize the exterior and make major repairs, but the ultimate full restoration was daunting. In 1989, they made the decision to donate the property to Preservation North Carolina (PNC) and in 1993 the transfer was complete. 

PNC began immediate and extensive interior restoration efforts, utilizing the skills of the most talented local and regional craftsmen. In 1994, PNC opened the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts and preservation in progress has continued ever since. An extensive archaeological study was performed on the site; the historic gardens were restored; the extant carriage house was rebuilt in 2001 to house staff offices and a visitor center; and the decades long restoration of the original urban slave quarters building was completed in 2014.

Today, the site offers tours and changing exhibitions on history and design arts, the lives of both the enslaved and the enslavers, and historic preservation in action. Visitors can explore the original slave quarters including two five-seat privies, the main house from basement to belvedere, the historic gardens, and museum shop. The tours emphasize the architecture, construction, and restoration of the house as well as the fascinating history of its former occupants.

Click the links above to plan your visit today!

Bellamy Mansion Museum of History & Design Arts
A Property of Preservation North Carolina

503 Market Street
Wilmington NC 28401
910-251-3700
bellamymansion.org