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In Depth Tour

Richardson Olmsted Complex
Buffalo, NY

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Dive deep into the rich past, present and future of the Richardson Olmsted Complex on this two-hour guided tour! Led by an experienced docent, visitors will gain access into spaces undergoing construction in the Towers Building and an adjacent wing, as well as an untouched wing still in disrepair, and additional spaces in these buildings not available on the Welcome Tour.

During the tour, visitors will experience the sites original structures as well as the healing landscape designed to serve as a therapeutic environment for patients. The In Depth Tour further examines the philosophies integrated into the 140-year-old former state hospital facility by architect Henry Hobson Richardson, landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, and mental health advocate Dr. Thomas Kirkbride.

Visitors will witness the site's transformation firsthand as the Complex is adaptively reused as a hospitality venue and cultural amenity for the city, beginning with Hotel Henry and the Buffalo Architecture Centerin 1/3 of the buildings.

PLEASE NOTE:

- Photography is not allowed on this tour. For those interested in taking photographs, please see our public photography tours.

- This is an active construction site and hard hats will be provided. It is imperative that you stay with the tour group in the designated areas - there are very unsafe areas within the Complex as well as heavy construction.

- For your safety, sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required. We reserve the right to turn away anyone without appropriate footwear. Under no condition will sandals or high heels be allowed.

- Due to construction, the tour is not handicap accessible and requires significant walking and climbing of stairs. Tour routes will vary with construction.

- There are no restroom facilities on site.

- You are strongly encouraged to bring bottled water as it can get warm inside the building in the summer.

- Please bring flashlights if possible!