At 28 East 20th Street in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, this reconstructed brownstone marks the birthplace and childhood home of Theodore Roosevelt. A guided visit takes you through five furnished period rooms and introduces the life of the 26th U.S. president and his family. Look for original objects, documents and campaign memorabilia, including a small felt-covered chair associated with Roosevelt’s childhood. Admission is free, and the tour gives access to the upper floors, which you cannot explore on your own.
A brownstone recreated on its original site
The house at 28 East 20th Street is a reconstruction of the brownstone where Theodore Roosevelt was born and spent his childhood. The original building was demolished in 1916 during a retail development. The recreated home stands on the original site in Manhattan’s Flatiron District and presents the setting of a wealthy New York family in the 1860s.
Roosevelt lived in the house from 1858 until 1872. The site focuses on his early years, before his presidency, and on the family home that shaped his childhood. Its five furnished period rooms help place the family’s life in the context of the townhouse itself.
Objects from Roosevelt’s early life
The rooms and exhibits bring together original artifacts, documents and campaign memorabilia related to Roosevelt. One object connected with his childhood is a small chair covered in felt. Because he was a sickly child and reacted to the upholstery of the time, his family provided him with the chair. It remains in the house in a spot believed to be where he sat during family conversations.
The exhibits also trace Roosevelt’s early life and later public career. A short introductory film and the exhibit gallery provide another way to explore the site, alongside the furnished rooms and objects. The house gives particular attention to Roosevelt as a child, including his efforts to build strength through exercise.
How the visit works
The visit is guided rather than self-guided. Tours take visitors through the furnished rooms, including the upper floors, and cover the Roosevelt family’s history. Staff lead the tour and add context to the objects and the house. The site also has activities for children, including a Junior Ranger program.
There are many stairs on the tour route. If you need step-free access or have questions about mobility, contact the site in advance to ask about elevator or chair-lift availability. Tours can fill up, particularly on weekends, so booking ahead and checking tour times before you go can help you plan your visit.
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Is admission to Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Can you visit the house without a guided tour?
No. Visits are guided, and the upper floors are accessible only as part of a tour. Check in at the desk and plan around tour times.
How long does a visit take?
The visit includes a guided tour, but no tour duration is specified. Check the available tour times when planning.
Is the tour suitable for visitors with mobility concerns?
There are many stairs on the tour route. Contact the site to ask about elevator or chair-lift availability.
