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Robert Mills House
Gardens of the Robert Mills House
Robert Mills Carriage House
Robert Mills House Interior
Robert Mills House Interior
Robert Mills House Interior
Robert Mills Carriage House - Doted to be the first born American professional architect, Robert
Robert Mills House
Robert Mills House Interior
Gardens of the Robert Mills House
Robert Mills House & Gardens Historical Museum ·$$

It was supposed to be the home of Ainsley and Sarah Hall when they asked Robert Mills, a renowned American architect in 1823. However Robert Mills House and Gardens didn't become the dream house due to Ainsley's death and the building was sold by his widow to the Presbyterian Church. If you love architecture or historical buildings, then this one which is among the five National Historic Landmarks in the city will certainly intrigue you. This grand Classical Revival building was the home of the Columbia Theological Seminary from the 19th Century till 1960. After a massive renovation, it opened as a house museum in 1967 and displays some of the best early 19th-century decorative art pieces in Columbia. The gardens were not part of the original plan and was added after it became a museum. The beautiful, landscaped gardens are available for private functions and weddings.

Website: historiccolumbia.org

Phone: (803) 252-7742

Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Blanding St and Pickens St

Closed now

  • Wed 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

1616 Blanding St Columbia, SC 29201 ·289.88 mi

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Amenities

  • Accessible
  • Family friendly
4.5
64 reviews
5 star
36 4 star
22 3 star
5 2 star
1 1 star
0
Tripadvisor traveler PuzzleSolver855 05/29/26

I am so glad we were able to fit this into our visit and walk from our central hotel. The docent was enjoyable and although the grounds were sparse with regard to the garden, it was a great visit that I would recommend.

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Tripadvisor traveler scott r 06/25/25

This is a pretty little (relatively speaking - it's a modified 4x4 configuration) house that is something of an architectural gem, though also fairly restrained. Not used long as a private residence, it became a seminary college before being restored with period vs. family contents. Informative tour, and you get the sense that the whole operation (there are other houses on offer) is very professionally run. Some interesting new audio vignettes available in the basement - devices provided. I gather the gardens are nice too, but the day was well into the 90's and I did not explore.

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Tripadvisor traveler nashtonA1 12/09/22

The home was lovely and the guide was excellent. I went on the Christmas tour and expected a bit more of the holiday decorations but was told the decorations were more muted during the 1820's.

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Tripadvisor traveler Dave2015Joan 09/29/19

A wonderful old home, that was never actually used as a home. You will have to visit and have your guide explain the interesting story. Our guide was full of information, which provided great conversation among our small tour group. We're glad we stopped by, this was a good sight to see.

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Tripadvisor traveler 702thomasd 07/27/19

A look into a time long past and how the well to do lived in a forgotten era. Guides are very informative, ready to answer questions, and helpful

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