Moss Mansion Museum

The elegant red sandstone silhouette rising in the city of Billings instantly transports visitors back to an era of luxury and technological breakthroughs of the early 20th century. The Moss Mansion Museum is not just a historic building, but a living monument to architectural craftsmanship, designed by the famous Henry J. Hardenberg—the same architect responsible for the legendary Waldorf Astoria and Plaza hotels in New York.

Built in 1903 for the family of entrepreneur P.B. Moss, this mansion in the USA is recognized as a site of national significance.

Today, the museum invites guests to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship in every detail—from the European frescoes on the ceilings to the intricate crown molding. This site is considered the number one attraction in the region for those who value authentic history and want a glimpse behind the scenes of high-society life during the Gilded Age.

For more information about special events, private tours, or venue booking for celebrations, you can use the museum's official contact details.

Your introduction to the Moss Mansion Museum begins with a captivating 13-minute film that reveals the Moss family's role in the city's development. Afterward, you can set off on a self-guided journey or join a guide to explore the three floors of the mansion. Take a close look at every detail: from the antique library to the main parlor decorated with original paintings and Chinese porcelain painting.

Special attention should be paid to domestic innovations from a century ago, such as vintage electric curling irons and a complex heating system. Every room here tells its own story through the personal diaries and letters of family members. During the warmer months, be sure to stroll through the manicured gardens, which often serve as a venue for vibrant festivals.

If you find yourself here in summer, don't miss Spring Fest—an arts fair where you can purchase handmade goods. For fans of the mystical, special Halloween tours await in the fall. Regardless of the season, the museum offers a unique chance to feel the rhythm of life of the early settlers and enjoy the aesthetics of the past at a calm, measured pace.

Located in the heart of the city, the Moss Mansion Museum is situated at 914 Division St. If you are arriving in the region by air via Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), the drive to the attraction will take no more than 15–20 minutes via MT-3 and I-90. Convenient free parking is available for visitors on the museum grounds.

For those who prefer public transportation, the MET Transit city bus network (routes #1 and #3) stops within walking distance. Walking enthusiasts can reach the mansion from the downtown areas in about 20–30 minutes, enjoying the local architecture along the way.

You can also always use taxi services or popular apps like Uber and Lyft. A trip from the nearest train station takes about 10 minutes. The prime location makes it easy to combine a visit to the mansion with other interesting sites in the historic district.

The history of this majestic building began in 1903, when successful entrepreneur Preston Boyd Moss decided to move to Billings from Missouri. Moss was a man of tireless energy: he not only built this house but also actively developed the city's infrastructure, from irrigation systems to sugar factories. His ambitious project for a futuristic city called Mossmain was, unfortunately, never fully realized due to global upheavals at the beginning of the century.

His wife, Mattie Moss, was an equally fascinating individual. She became the first woman in Billings to get behind the wheel of a car. Mattie was a gifted artist, and today visitors can see her exquisite works—oil paintings and hand-painted porcelain—in the mansion's rooms. The Moss family, who raised five children here, turned this house into a true cultural center for the region.

Remarkably, the mansion has retained its authenticity thanks to the youngest daughter, Melville Moss, who lived here until the mid-1980s without changing the original setting. This allowed the Billings Preservation Society to open the house to the public in 1986, presenting it exactly as it appeared to its first owners over a century ago.

To leisurely explore all three floors of the exhibition and immerse yourself in the early 20th-century atmosphere, most travelers need between 1.5 and 2 hours. This time includes watching the introductory 13-minute video, which provides important historical context, and a detailed study of the mansion's rooms.

If your visit coincides with seasonal exhibitions or holiday events held in the gardens, we recommend allocating about 3 hours. This will allow you to enjoy both the architectural masterpieces inside the house and the picturesque views outside without rushing.

The museum's schedule changes depending on the season. During the summer period (June to August), doors are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM from Tuesday to Saturday, and from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday. During the rest of the year, the museum operates on a reduced schedule—from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Tuesday–Sunday). Please note that Monday is always closed.

Since tours are conducted on a schedule and operating hours may change during holidays, we strongly recommend checking the official website before your trip to plan your visit as comfortably as possible.

The area surrounding the Moss Mansion Museum is steeped in history, and a walk through the adjacent streets is an excellent addition to the main tour. Exploring this neighborhood allows for a better understanding of how the city's character was formed at the turn of the century and the people who were at its roots.

Many interesting sites are located just a few minutes' walk away, making it very convenient to plan your sightseeing route. Below are the most noteworthy places located nearby: