King Manor Museum is a historic house museum in Jamaica, Queens, dedicated to Rufus King and early American life in the area. It’s about an 18-minute walk from Jets Motor Inn.
- Location: 150-03 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432
- Regular hours: Open Thursday to Saturday; closed Sunday to Wednesday
- Admission: Free; donations are accepted
- Visit length: Allow about one hour
What is King Manor Museum?
King Manor Museum preserves and interprets the legacy of Rufus King, a prominent figure in early American public life, in his former home in Jamaica. The museum opened in 1900 and is owned by the City of New York; the King Manor Association of Long Island, Inc. operates it.
King was a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution, a U.S. senator and an antislavery advocate. For a broader look at local history and arts, you can browse which museums are in Jamaica, Queens.
The house and its historical setting
The historic house began as an 18th-century farmhouse. Rufus King and his wife bought it with 90 acres in 1805; the estate and working farm later expanded to 122 acres. The house now sits within Rufus King Park, connecting the museum’s story to the Jamaica landscape around it.
King’s life links the site to the founding era of the United States as well as to the development of Jamaica, Queens. The museum focuses on both his legacy and early American life in the community.
Planning a visit and checking access
Guided tours are offered at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged, though not required. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
Opening hours
- Thursday to Saturday: 12 PM–4 PM
- Monday to Wednesday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Allow about one hour for your visit. The museum closes on major holidays, and hours or access arrangements may change, so check the official site before you go.
If you’re visiting with a group of 10 or more, call (718) 206-0545 to confirm tour availability. Limited free parking is available on site; call ahead to reserve a space.
A wheelchair-accessible ramp at the rear gives direct entrance to the Main Hall, and a small ramp serves the Servants’ Quarters. The front porch has four steps, while reaching the second floor involves 18 steps across three stair sections.
The museum says it does not currently have formal accommodations for visitors with visual or hearing impairments; contact the museum with accessibility questions or accommodation requests.
What to see around the museum
King Manor is in Rufus King Park, so the grounds are part of the setting for a visit. Grace Episcopal Church, where Rufus King and his wife Mary were buried, is a block east on Jamaica Avenue.
If you’re planning a wider outing in the neighborhood, a day route through Jamaica, Queens can help you think about how to combine local stops.
How do you get to King Manor Museum?
The museum is at 150-03 Jamaica Avenue. You can reach Jamaica by public transportation: the museum gives the E and J trains to Jamaica Center/Parsons-Archer, the F train to Parsons Boulevard, and the LIRR to Jamaica station as options. From there, walk toward 153rd Street and Jamaica Avenue.
FAQs
Is admission to King Manor Museum free?
Yes. Admission is free, though the museum accepts donations.
When are guided tours offered?
Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged but not required.
Is King Manor Museum wheelchair accessible?
A rear ramp provides direct access to the Main Hall, and a small ramp serves the Servants’ Quarters. The museum recommends contacting it about accessibility questions or accommodation requests.