La Duchesse
The 106' houseboat La Duchesse brings the gracious River lifestyle of one hundred years ago to life. Built in 1903 for millionaire hotelier George Boldt, manager of New York City's famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel, the houseboat has been in continuous use as an elegant summer residence ever since. Generously donated by the McNally family, of Wellesley Island, NY, and Chicago, IL, she opened for visitors at the Museum in July of 2005. In the last two years more than 20,000 visitors have enjoyed seeing her luxurious interior and original furnishings while hearing the story of this unique summer home from one of our volunteer docents. A 30-minute guided tour of La Duchesse is included with your regular Museum admission, but you must reserve a place on a tour at the Admissions Desk. Owing to the design of her historic structure, La Duchesse is not wheelchair-accessible.
