Old Barracks Museum Tours and Activities

Old Barracks Museum
Old Barracks Museum
Old Barracks Museum featuring heritage elements, interior views and a house
Old Barracks Museum which includes interior views
Old Barracks Museum as well as an individual child


Immerse yourself in the Battle of Trenton and the Revolutionary War at this historical museum, hosted in the last British-built barracks in North America.

Emanuel Leutze’s painting Washington Crossing the Delaware is one of the most iconic in American history the building that is now the Old Barracks Museum was his destination.

Constructed during the French and Indian War by the British, the building was being as lodgings for Hessians, German mercenaries, on the Christmas night when Washington attacked and turned the tide of the war. Explore the museum with the help of a period-dressed tour guide to learn more about the battle and the period when it happened.

Start with a short film for background on the Battle of Trenton and the war. Traipse through the barracks and the Officers’ House as you follow enthusiastic tour guides, dressed for the occasion in period clothing.

As the guides lead you through the buildings, providing fascinating commentary, pay attention to the incredible level of detail added by the people who restored the rooms to match their appearance during the 1770s. Spot a copy of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on a bench or George Washington’s wallet, left as though carelessly forgotten in the hubbub of the battle and its aftermath.

Stay after the tour has finished to explore the three-room museum that delves into the history of the barracks before and after its role in the American Revolution. Examine authentic 18th-century weaponry, including rifles and bayonets or admire the craftsmanship of the 400-year-old Native American canoe that was once used to paddle up and down the Delaware.

Stand outside, imagining the shock on the faces in the window when British celebrations were interrupted by the arrival of the American rebels.

The Old Barracks Museum is located in downtown Trenton, next to the New Jersey State House and New Jersey State Museum, a 5-minute drive from the Trenton Transit Station. Park for free in the underground station beneath the state house, which requires photo ID or in metered parking along the street or in nearby lots.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from mid-morning to early evening. Tickets, which include the tour, are available for a fee. Young children have free admission.

Popular places to visit


Top Old Barracks Museum Hotel & Accommodation Deals

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ewing Princeton South
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ewing Princeton South
3 out of 5
1000 Charles Ewing Blvd, Trenton, NJ
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ewing Princeton South
Hyatt Place Princeton
Hyatt Place Princeton
3 out of 5
3565 US Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Hyatt Place Princeton
Hyatt Regency Princeton
Hyatt Regency Princeton
4 out of 5
102 Carnegie Ctr, Princeton, NJ
Hyatt Regency Princeton
Inn of the Dove Romantic Suites with Jetted Tub & Fireplace
Inn of the Dove Romantic Suites with Jetted Tub & Fireplace
2.5 out of 5
3901 Old Street Rd, Bensalem, PA
Inn of the Dove Romantic Suites with Jetted Tub & Fireplace
Hampton Inn Princeton
Hampton Inn Princeton
2.5 out of 5
4385 Us Highway 1, Princeton, NJ
Hampton Inn Princeton
River House at Odette's
River House at Odette's
3 out of 5
274 South River Road, New Hope, PA
River House at Odette's
Red Carpet Inn & Suites
Red Carpet Inn & Suites
2 out of 5
11580 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Red Carpet Inn & Suites
New Hope Inn & Suites
New Hope Inn & Suites
3 out of 5
6426 Lower York Rd, New Hope, PA
New Hope Inn & Suites
Staybridge Suites Cranbury, an IHG Hotel
Staybridge Suites Cranbury, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1272 South River Rd, Cranbury, NJ
Staybridge Suites Cranbury, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.