Campbell House

Imagine a journey back in time to the golden age of the mining industry and the elegant mansions of the early 20th century. The Campbell House is a unique historic museum in Spokane, considered one of the most striking examples of architecture in the USA. This place preserves the atmosphere of the 1910s, allowing guests to peek behind the scenes of a wealthy American family's life.

The building was erected in 1898 based on a design by the famous architect Kirtland K. Cutter. The mansion was built in the English Tudor Revival style: its facades are decorated with massive beams, stucco, and sandstone, giving it the appearance of a noble manor. Today, the house is part of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and is recognized as an important cultural heritage site.

A visit to this museum is not just a stroll through rooms, but an opportunity to see the collision of the old world and the new technologies of that time. The Campbell House is located in the prestigious Browne’s Addition neighborhood and is open to everyone who appreciates history, exquisite interiors, and the authentic atmosphere of the past.

If you are planning to visit the Campbell House, we recommend checking the contact information in advance for details on special events or group tours. The house is part of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC), so most organizational matters are handled through its administration.

Inside the Campbell House, visitors will find a meticulously recreated setting where every piece of furniture tells its own story. Be sure to visit the gilded French parlor, enjoy the coziness of the library with its famous inglenook fireplace, and admire the Dutch tiles in the dining room. Of particular interest is the office, decorated in an exotic Oriental style.

It is also fascinating to observe the "invisible" side of the house: you can climb the backstairs to the servants' quarters to compare the living conditions of the owners and their staff. In the carriage house, you can learn more about the vehicles of the time and how technology changed at the turn of the century.

If your visit falls in December, you will step into an atmosphere of Christmas magic. History comes alive during this time: an actress portraying the Swedish cook, Hulga, greets guests, tells stories of holiday traditions, and even lets visitors participate in baking traditional cookies. Such interactive moments make a visit to the museum unforgettable for the whole family.

The Campbell House is conveniently located in the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, situated in the western part of the city. Thanks to its proximity to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, finding it is easy—it is marked on all city tourist maps.

If you prefer public transport, there are regular bus routes from downtown Spokane to the neighborhood. For those choosing comfort, a taxi ride from downtown hotels takes just 5–10 minutes. The area is also excellent for walking if you decide to come on foot from the center, enjoying the historic architecture along the way.

For travelers by car, the museum provides convenient parking. The exact coordinates for navigation are: 47.6568363, -117.4468732. The area around the museum is very scenic and quiet, making the trip here a pleasant part of any city itinerary.

The story of this grand building began in the late 19th century when Amasa B. Campbell and his partner John A. Finch set out to explore mines in Idaho. A successful $25,000 investment in the Gem Mine brought them immense wealth. Due to financial crises and labor conflicts in the mining industry, the partners decided to move their headquarters to the safer and more promising city of Spokane.

In 1898, the Campbell House was built for Amasa, his wife Grace, and their daughter Helen. The house became a symbol of the family's success and a center for the city's social life. Architect Kirtland Cutter managed to create a true masterpiece, combining rugged materials like sandstone and brick with an elegant English style.

Interestingly, Helen Campbell, who lived in this house for many years, made a huge contribution to preserving her family's legacy. Today, the building is part of the collection of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, allowing modern guests to step into the past and see how the "silver kings" of that era lived.

To leisurely explore the interiors of the Campbell House, walk through the carriage house, and see the surrounding grounds, you will typically need about 1–2 hours. This is usually enough time for a self-guided tour of the main rooms and to get a feel for the family's daily life.

If you decide to join a themed guided tour or attend one of the special events, you should budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours for your visit. Remember that a ticket to the house museum often includes admission to the main exhibitions of the MAC museum, which may require additional time in your schedule.

The Campbell House is typically open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Guests are welcomed from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and the museum is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Since the schedule may change depending on holidays or private events, we strongly recommend checking the latest information on the official museum website before your trip. Also, keep in mind that access to the mansion is by ticket, which can be purchased in the main building of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Exploring the Browne’s Addition neighborhood isn't limited to just one historic mansion. The surroundings of the Campbell House are rich with interesting locations that will help you dive deeper into the cultural life and history of the region.

Nearby, you will find quiet parks and memorials as well as modern entertainment centers and theaters. Below is a list of interesting sites located within a few kilometers of the museum.