Outdoor Historic Walking Tour of the Athens Asylum

Tour the famous Athens Asylum, one of the few Kirkbride Asylums left. George Eberts, long time Asylum employee and local expert on the Athens Asylum, will be leading an outdoor walking tour of the historic Asylum grounds. His insights on patient treatment throughout the asylum’s 150-year existence are peppered with stories, personal anecdotes, and hidden locations throughout the grounds.
Learn about the history of the famed Kirkbride and other buildings, the renowned landscaped grounds, historic cemeteries, and the evolution of mental health treatment from the inception of this storied institution until its closure a quarter century ago. The tour will last approximately two hours. Due to Ohio University restrictions, access to the inside of the buildings is limited, but you can tour the main entryway as well as the Kennedy Museum.
We do meet at the front Kennedy Museum of Art located at 100 Ridges Circle, Athens, OH 45701.
Parking in the dark green lots is free on the weekend. If you choose this option, you must ensure you are in a valid, non-metered, and non-restricted space within a dark green lot (located in front of the Museum's entrance). However, availability cannot be guaranteed, and guests should arrive early with the expectation that these spaces are likely to fill up first when there are large events.
This is an outdoor tour, so please plan as needed. The tour will cover the entire loop of the grounds, so if you have small children bring a stroller!
Preregistration is required
Ticket Prices:
Students - $10
Southeast Ohio History Center Members - $15
General Admission - $20
Children 12 and Under - Free
Tickets can also be purchased in person at the History Center
NOTE- If you cannot book online, it is either past the cut off point or the tour group has reached max capacity
REFUND POLICY- Refunds will be given only under the following circumstances:
Requests that are pre-paid and made at least 48 Hours prior to tour.
Inclement weather (discretion of SOHC).
Level 2 or higher snow emergency.