Guided Tours
Each monthly tour highlights features of recent projects. We also give you a special glimpse of items never displayed before from our collection. If you become a member of our non-profit organization, you will receive a discount on tours and events.
Because of the fragile contents of this 1884 house, we are only open to the public for a guided tour once a month on the fourth Sunday from 2:00–3:45 p.m. Descendants of the original family often lead tours and will tell you entertaining stories about them.
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We are happy to open on other days and times for private group tours, private teas, photo shoots, outdoor receptions and more.
You and your guests will be astounded by the beauty of the carved curly redwood located in the entry hall of the house; the stunning collection of china and silver; the vintage clothing; the antique furniture and many family artifacts such as photographs and books.
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This beautiful house will take you back in time to when the Cohen Family lived here. It is a time capsule of how people lived in the late 19th century. It is also a complete collection of everything the family chose to save after the house was completed in 1884. For example, many of the cookbooks date from the late 1880s. The furnishings which were wedding presents to Emma and Alfred Cohen are still in their original locations. The original carpets have been copied by the Camron Stanford House Museum in Oakland. Reproduction manufacturers like Bradbury wallpapers and Mt. Diablo papers have copied our wallpapers. The pattern called Emelita's Frieze, made by Bradbury, is a favorite, often purchased by those who are restoring Victorian houses. It is named after Emelita Cohen who lived in this house for her entire 90 years.
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We are a study center for the area's history, decorative arts and gardens of the 19th century. Graduate students work on our collections for their academic careers.
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You are welcome to take photos; all royalties go to the house. Please #cohenbrayhouse in social media. Like us on Facebook and Instagram.
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Please be aware that this is a home—not a museum with a high volume of visitors.
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For protection of the house: we ask that none of the items in the house be handled unless it is given to you by the tour guide. All tours will have a tour guide; we ask that tour participants stay close to their guide. The house does not have a handicap ramp and there are eight steps up to the front door. The bedrooms are on the second floor; the attic and tower room are on the third floor.
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​If you want to wear a mask, feel free to do so. The tour guide will not be wearing a mask.
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If you need assistance, please be sure to contact us in advance to let us know:
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(510) 326-0506 or email patricia@cohenbrayhouse.org
