Visitors begin their tour of Clermont in the Visitor Center, which is housed in the estate's carriage barn. Built in three stages between 1850 and 1890, this building replaced an eighteenth century building associated with the gardens of Margaret Beekman Livingston. Between 1962 and 1985 the carriage barn served as quarters for Clermont State Historic Site's maintenance staff. After a new maintenance building was constructed, restoration of the barn was initiated. The Visitor Center was opened to the public in 1987.

Visitor Center Interior

Inside the Visitor Center is a permanent orientation exhibit and introductory video featuring Honoria Livingston McVitty, the sole surviving member of her family to have grown up at Clermont. The building also houses the restored horse stable wing, public restrooms and the museum store. The store carries books and other items that help illuminate the history of Clermont and the "Great Estates Region" of the Hudson River Valley.

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