Lambert Castle Reopens to the Public Following Extensive Restoration
Post Date:01/20/2026 11:00 AMPATERSON, NJ — Passaic County is proud to announce the reopening of Lambert Castle, historically known as Bella Vista, to the public, following a multi-year restoration effort. The Castle will officially reopen to the public on Saturday, January 31st, with free admission offered throughout opening weekend.
Perched atop Garret Mountain with sweeping views extending to New York City, Lambert Castle was commissioned in 1892 by silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert and designed to reflect European architectural influences. The Castle was acquired by the Passaic County Parks Commission in 1927 and subsequently served as offices for both the Parks Commission and the Passaic County Historical Society, which began operating a museum within the Castle in 1934. Stewardship of Lambert Castle has since returned to Passaic County, marking a new chapter in its preservation and public use.
“This reopening represents an important moment for Passaic County,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett. “Lambert Castle belongs to the public and we are proud to welcome residents back to this extraordinary landmark. By offering free admission opening weekend, we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the Castle’s beauty, history and the care that went into restoring it for future generations.”
After being closed for several years to undergo comprehensive renovations, the Castle has been carefully restored to preserve its character while ensuring it can be enjoyed by the public for decades to come. Improvements include structural repairs, interior restoration, accessibility upgrades and a new visitor center.
The restoration of Lambert Castle was made possible through a combination of County investment and grant funding, including grants from the New Jersey Historic Trust, Friends of Passaic County Parks, Inc. and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program. These critical funding sources helped ensure that this landmark could be preserved. The work was guided by a dedicated project team led by Clarke Caton Hintz, a preservation architectural firm based in Trenton, New Jersey.
Restoration work began in May 2021 and included various elements such as the castle itself, sitework, the carriage house complex and Lambert Tower. The project was anticipated as a five year endeavor, reflecting the complexity of restoring various structures on site and its scale and historic significance. The project prioritized preservation best practices while addressing modern safety and accessibility needs.
Beginning Saturday, January 31, Lambert Castle will reopen to the public with free admission throughout opening weekend, inviting visitors to explore restored interiors, learn about the Castle’s origins and once again enjoy one of Passaic County’s most iconic destinations.
Additional information about hours, programming and ongoing public access will be announced on seepassaiccounty.org.
About Lambert Castle
Lambert Castle was constructed in 1892 as the home and showplace of silk manufacturer Catholina Lambert. Four years later, Lambert expanded the estate with the addition of an art gallery and observation tower, known as Lambert Tower. The original 53-acre estate included the mansion, gatehouse, carriage and greenhouse complex, and formal Italianate gardens, and remains one of the few fully developed examples of castellated residential architecture in the United States.
The structure is listed on the Paterson Register of Historic Places (1991), the New Jersey State Register of Historic Places (1975) and the National Register of Historic Places (1976). The Castle opened as a museum in 1934 and served for many years as the home of the Passaic County Historical Society and the Passaic County Park Commission. Today, the site is managed and operated by the Passaic County Department of Cultural & Historic Affairs, and continues to provide unique recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors while celebrating the art, architecture, and heritage of Passaic County.
