FAQs

Please see Tickets & Tours for current information on tickets, tours, and exhibits.

How should I begin my visit? +

Visit either the Ticket Desk at the North Carolina History Center (529 South Front St., New Bern, NC) for information, or the Waystation (610 Pollock Street) across the street from the Palace Front Gates (Pollock and George Streets), for more information and to purchase tickets.

Is parking free? +

Yes.  There is ample parking with handicapped spaces in front of the entrance to the NC History Center and at our Eden Street Parking Lot, located on the west side of the Palace grounds.

What can I see and do at Tryon Palace? +

At the Palace site, you can tour the interior of the Palace, its cellar, and Kitchen Office, explore 16 acres of beautiful gardens, including the formal Latham Garden and the abundant Kitchen Garden, explore the original Stable Office, experience a working military encampment cooking, tools and firearms, discover delightful items in the Gift Shop and view beautiful vistas of the river.  Our costumed interpreters will share their stories and knowledge of what it was like centuries ago.

A short walk away, at the North Carolina History Center are galleries and the Regional History Museum featuring eastern North Carolina history and beautiful collections of artifacts.  The orientation video will tell you more about the people who once lived here, the history of Tryon Palace and its historic homes, and give you further information about the North Carolina History Center, a LEED certified building

Can I walk the grounds without paying admission? +

No.  Admission is required for entry onto the Palace historic site grounds. A Garden Pass can be purchased if you wish simply to visit our gardens and grounds.  They are beautiful! To experience many of the galleries and exhibits at the North Carolina History Center, and our open historic homes, admission is also required.  Admission is not required to view the special exhibits in the NC History Center’s Duffy Gallery or Gateway Gallery, or shop at the Museum Store.

Are the tours guided or self-guided? +

Tours of the Governor’s Palace and Kitchen Office are guided and require a purchased ticket with a reserved time in advance of your tour. Tours of the Palace begin every 30 minutes and are about 40 minutes long. The Palace gardens and grounds are self-guided tours, as are the galleries and exhibits in the North Carolina History Center.

How much time should I allow? +

To fully enjoy your ONE DAY PASS, plan to spend at least half a day at Tryon Palace and the NC History Center.  You may visit the buildings and gardens in any order you wish, however tickets to the Palace Tours will have specific times assigned.  While at the History Center, be sure to visit the Museum Store.

Are Admission Passes refundable? +

Admission Passes to Tryon Palace are non-refundable once purchased.

Am I allowed to take pictures? +

Photography is permitted of the Palace gardens, and grounds, including the military encampment and any other demonstration. Most of the Palace interior can be photographed  – absolutely no flash, selfie sticks, and tripods. Please follow docent’s instructions.

Can professional photographers have photo sessions at Tryon Palace? +

Professional photographers wishing to do a commercial session are required to contact our Special Events staff to make an appointment and obtain a One-Time Permit Form. Email weddinginfo@tryonpalace.org, or call (252) 639-3511.

Photography Policies:  

  1. Photography sessions by a professional photographer for bridal sessions, prom sessions, engagements or other special events or subjects, in any ticketed Tryon Palace area, require a One-time Permit.
  2. With rare exceptions, photography sessions will only be scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, either in the mornings beginning at 8:00 AM, or in the afternoon, beginning at 4:00 PM, during the winter months, or 4:30 PM in the summer months.
  3. In all instances, photography sessions must be supervised by a Tryon Palace staff member.
  4. Approved photography sessions will be issued a One-time Permit with date, time of the event and signature of a Tryon Palace staff member.
  5. Photographers not in possession of a valid permit, and/or not escorted by a Tryon Palace staff member, will be asked to leave the grounds.

Can the Media take photos of Tryon Palace and the NC History Center? +

Requests from MEDIA partners may contact Nancy Figiel, Director of Public Affairs, at nancy.figiel@dncr.nc.gov

Are pets allowed? +

Pets are NOT ALLOWED at Tryon Palace. Trained and certified service animals are permitted. Please clean up after your service animal and be mindful of other guests.

Do you offer any discounts on ticket purchases? +

We do offer limited discounts for Admission Passes purchased on-site at the Ticket Desk, on day of purchase only.  Please inquire at the Ticket Desk prior to making your ticket purchase.

Are there activities for children? +

Children will have fun exploring the gardens and grounds. Many younger visitors enjoy talking with our costumed interpreters about what 18th century children might have been doing at Tryon Palace or watching a military encampment demonstration.  The interactive exhibits at the Pepsi Family Center are a favorite for children and families.  On the river side of the NC History Center is a Sturdy Beggar playground area where children can hop onboard a ship and pretend to sail away.   Children 5 & under can visit FREE at Tryon Palace.

Are strollers allowed? +

Strollers are NOT ALLOWED in the Governor’s Palace but may be parked in the covered walkways nearby.  Strollers are permitted in the NC History Center. Restrooms with changing tables are available in the North Carolina History Center, the Waystation, and in the restrooms next to the Stable Office.

How can I help support Tryon Palace and the NC History Center? +

Your donations do make a difference and are always welcome!  Visit Tryon Palace Foundation for more information on how you can donate.  If you think you might be visiting again soon, please consider a Tryon Palace Foundation Membership.  With a Membership you will receive free admission to Tryon Palace, our Palace Magazine mailed to you, Museum Store discounts and other benefits.

Information Use +

DISCLAIMER: All information provided in this website is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, the state of North Carolina and Tryon Palace assumes no responsibility for the use of this information.