Old Barracks Museum
Old Barracks Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
In 1758, the Old Barracks was constructed to house British troops during the French and Indian War. During the Revolutionary War, the barracks was one of Washington's military hospitals. Today, the building is home to an interpretive museum, galleries, gift shop, and meeting space. Guided tours start on the hour from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday - Saturday.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
249 reviews
Excellent
180
Very good
54
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
3
CDR G$
Buckingham, PA617 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
The Old Barracks Museum has gallery and living history exhibits telling the story of the Battle of Trenton, the Revolutionary and French and Indian [Seven Years] Wars. The introductory video for visitors explains the Ten Crucial Days during the Revolutionary War explaining the two Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The building itself was not actually part of the Battle of Trenton but one of five barracks built across the Garden State by the colonial legislature during the French and Indian War to avoid British troops from being quartered in citizens homes. It served various military purposes thru the years as a barracks, recruiting depot and prison. Friendly and informative staff. Although located in Trenton the area is well patrolled by law enforcement and security due to the proximity to the State Capitol Complex.
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marshall B
Knoxville120 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Really cool history of both British and American history troops that were stationed there. Our tour guide Lauren was exceptional and did and amazing job of explaining the history so it was clear and easy to understand. I would recommend this site to anyone who enjoys Revolution era history.
Written May 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard S
Yardley, PA468 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Never been here. Good tour knowledgable guide. Fascinating history. Parking garage is a long walk. Go through the visitor center to the gift shop and a long flat walk to the Barack’s entrance. Could be a problem in inclement weather. Senior price of $8 is reasonable.
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa W
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Our family (ages 4-70) really enjoyed this experience. We were in Trenton for dinner and wanted to do something beforehand. Found the reviews for the Old Barracks and decided to check it out. The docents were exceptional - really made the time period come to life. It was an unassuming place and some reviewers have complained that it didn’t have lots of pomp and circumstance. I think you need to go on a special event day for that (we heard tomorrow is a big re-enactment). But even on a “normal day” there are actors in character in each room who are really knowledgeable, humorous, and friendly. I learned a lot and had fun! The gift shop is quaint with some interesting items. I found the spot to be an unexpected gem and would recommend it to anyone hoping to add new context to their understanding of the Revolutionary War.
Written December 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna B.
Bechtelsville, PA884 contributions
Nov 2022
We are Colonial American history buffs and wanted to visit this site, whose website’s homepage states (in big letters), “The Old Barracks Museum is welcoming visitors Wednesdays - Saturdays 10am - 5pm. No reservations required.” We drove here from Berks County, PA (an 80-minute drive) yesterday, only to find it closed to visitors for the day. (A man who met us at the door told us they were filming for a fundraiser.) There was nothing posted at their website; apparently, they posted it on Facebook only (we don't use Facebook and would never have thought to check that). What a big disappointment to drive all that way for nothing. Hopefully they will remember to update their website another time (and way before the morning of the closing!). Closing on one of their very few visiting days rather than, say, timing the filming to occur on a Sunday, Monday, or a Tuesday instead shows poor management IMO.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
Basking Ridge, NJ1 contribution
Jul 2021
The museum should welcome those who decide to visit on the spur of the moment and not essentially discourage them by limiting visitation to those who book in advance. I tried to visit today and was told I need to book in advance. I will NOT even consider attempting a return visit until this restrictive policy is abandoned, pandemic or no pandemic. Masks are still required, which combined with New Jersey's relatively high rate of immunization would seem to negate the reason(s) for limiting visits to those who register in advance.
Written July 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William P
1 contribution
Sept 2020
I rarely write reviews but after visiting the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton, I truly felt compelled. A set of barracks built in the 1750's, it was an incredible place to visit and the staff went out of their way to explain the lore and history of the place. Dressed in period costumes, they explained what events had taken place there and the intricacies of the era's firearms, building practices, and medication. Truly stunning. I felt lucky to have experienced it and am extremely grateful I checked this museum out while in Trenton. I urge you to do the same.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcella S
Brooklyn, NY16 contributions
Feb 2020
Excellent 23-minute video followed by guided tour of the barracks. John, our guide, was dressed in period costume. He provided a detailed and lively narrative regarding the historical significance of the Old Barracks. Free parking on premises made this a great Saturday afternoon stop!
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anderson213
Hannibal, MO832 contributions
Jul 2022
There's good information throughout the museum and what is presented through the tour. The guides knew their information backwards-and-forwards. The only disappointment was that we were under the impression that there would be others present, showcasing the time period. However, there were only two guides. As I said, they knew the material, but some of the uniqueness was lost.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luiscastellanos
Arlington, VA34 contributions
Nov 2022
En mi opinion los boletos son muy caros. No la pase bien alli. Siento que regale $20.
Solo pude ver un pequeño cuarto acerca de la guerra Franco-India y otro cuarto pequeño con una pelicula aburrida. No habian guias para acompañarme a ver otros ambientes.
(Tenia que esperar media hora, y debia retirarme del hotel). Encima, no me devolvieron el dinero y solo ofrecieron un voucher para que regresara luego (ni pienso regresar alli).
In my opinion it's too much money for the tickets. I didn't have a good time there. I feel I gave $20 away.
I could only see a small room with the French Indian War Exhibit and a small room with a boring movie. No guides were available at the time to escort me on the other rooms.
(I would had to wait half hour for that and I needed to check out at the hotel). And on top, no money back. Only a voucher so I could come back later (no way I'm coming back)...
Solo pude ver un pequeño cuarto acerca de la guerra Franco-India y otro cuarto pequeño con una pelicula aburrida. No habian guias para acompañarme a ver otros ambientes.
(Tenia que esperar media hora, y debia retirarme del hotel). Encima, no me devolvieron el dinero y solo ofrecieron un voucher para que regresara luego (ni pienso regresar alli).
In my opinion it's too much money for the tickets. I didn't have a good time there. I feel I gave $20 away.
I could only see a small room with the French Indian War Exhibit and a small room with a boring movie. No guides were available at the time to escort me on the other rooms.
(I would had to wait half hour for that and I needed to check out at the hotel). And on top, no money back. Only a voucher so I could come back later (no way I'm coming back)...
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the cost for seniors?
Written September 19, 2018
OldBarracks
Trenton, New Jersey
Hello! We just updated our admission prices so the cost for seniors is now $8.
Written October 30, 2018
Is it handicapped accessible? Are there places to sit along the way during the presentation?
Written May 17, 2016
OldBarracks
Trenton, New Jersey
We are ADA compliant, and there are chairs and benches in the rooms along the tour where you can sit, as well as benches in our galleries.
Written May 18, 2016
I have a 34 foot fifth wheel pulled by a Ford F250. Is there suitable parking for a vehicle this size?
Written April 17, 2016
not in that area, but maybe at a shopping center near by.
Written April 24, 2016
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