James J. Hill House Virtual Tour
Can’t visit us in person? Connect with the James J. Hill House from the comfort of your own home!
Built for railroad titan James J. Hill, this 36,000-square-foot Gilded Age mansion was once the largest private residence in the state. With 13 bathrooms, 22 fireplaces, 16 chandeliers, a reception hall nearly 100 feet long, sophisticated technical systems, and a two-story, skylit art gallery, the house was a symbol of success, personal taste, and family life.
When it was completed in 1891, the mansion was the largest and most expensive home in Minnesota. The house contained:
- 36,500 square feet on five floors
- 13 bathrooms
- 22 fireplaces
- 16 cut-glass chandeliers
- A two-story skylit art gallery
- An 88-foot reception hall
- A profusion of elaborately carved oak and mahogany woodwork
- A three-story pipe organ created by renowned Boston organ-maker George Hutchings
- Sophisticated mechanical systems throughout the mansion for central heating, gas and electric lighting, plumbing, ventilation, security, and communication
Virtual tour tips
- To look around, click and hold on the mouse or touchpad. Then move the mouse or a finger on the touchpad to the left, right, up or down to shift the view.
- To move on to another area, find a circled arrow and place the navigation hand on it. Words will appear describing where it leads. Click on the symbol to proceed.
- Visitors can also move on to another area by clicking on the thumbnail photos located below the main tour view.
- Fun facts and notable features are highlighted by an “i” enclosed in a circle.
- If you don't see the virtual tour, please refresh the page.
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