The Branch Museum of Design — Attraction in Richmond

Historically and architecturally amazing and a must see but you have to look past the present day cheap furnishings that are used by the present owner as this is headquarters for the ACA. The 3rd story, servant quarters is mostly individual offices that are closed off and there is a 20 foot conference room table in Beulah Branch's bedroom 😕. The original furnishings exist and are stored away by the VMFA. The tour guide was probably a young VCU student who was reading or should I say stumbling through, verbatim, a sheet of paper on the history of this magnificent house. I could have done a better job without any notes. If this was your job, wouldn't you study the history and not read it from a sheet of paper? It's no excuse that the tour was only $10.00. I would volunteer and do this job for $0.00. How is the student learning anything? She wasn't feeling it. I felt every social gathering, every quiet moment and every business deal that the Branch's felt, while I was in there. Thank goodness I didn't rely in the guide for that. Read up on the history, then take the tour. That's my take on it but definitely go see this...

Absolutely incredible hidden gem in Richmond!!! We had the time of our lives celebrating our wedding at the Branch Museum. Both the indoor and outdoor settings are unlike any other-- all our guests were oohing and aahing over how breathtakingly gorgeous this venue is! While they do have some light restrictions (no amplified music outside, no red wine or cigarettes), it is MORE than worth the tradeoff! Katie was so incredibly helpful with coordination and set up and she was even able to point out where and in what style table arrangements would work best. The ready rooms are incredible and spacious and our photographer had a field day with all of the windows, lighting, and potential backdrops. It is centrally located in the heart of Richmond, so it was very easy for all the guests to travel to and from wherever they were staying. Some of our local guests can't wait to check...

As someone who worked on the Branch House renovation back in the early 1980's I have a certain fondness for this building..Once a private residence it must have been a most grand & interesting place to live...However with those drafty windows & hugh open rooms probably could get a little chilly....to heat such a house the furnace room was the size of a small ships boiler room with a 5000 gallon oil tank located underground - under Monument Ave. The original servants quarters were on the top floor, with cedar lined linen closets in the hall way...Really wonderful for the senses.. Also two staircases, one for the residents & the other for the staff...Mrs. Branch's bedroom beautiful, the library, chapel, only the kitchen is, was small & uninspiring...and of course an elevator...who could live without...