Frequent Questions and Answers

Plan your tour of Körner’s Folly’s 22 rooms, spread across 3 stories and 7 levels, then be sure to check out other local attractions, and stay up-to-date on upcoming events. From theater productions to fun hands-on activities, holiday magic to community-wide events, Körner’s Folly offers a variety of unique and exciting events each year. Let’s get started and plan your visit.

Prefer a virtual visit? Staying connected to our community is key! We’re thrilled to unlock special selections of objects from the Körner’s Folly Foundation collection in our first-ever virtual exhibits – Check them out here.

COVID

Körner’s Folly is now open for self-guided tours by appointment only. Tickets must be purchased in-advance online, with tour times offered every 30 minutes for up to 4 people. At this time, Aunt Dealy’s Cottage, where the gift shop and tour introduction video are located, will be closed.

At Körner’s Folly, public, self-guided tours will operate with a reduced capacity and additional health and safety protocols for visitors and employees:

Timed entry for self-guided tours to ensure social distancing
Properly worn face coverings are required for all visitors over the age of 5, per NC Executive Order 163.
- Coverings must be worn at all times when inside the building and outside when within 6 feet of others.
- Acceptable coverings include medical and non-medical masks, bandannas, or cloth that cover both your nose and mouth. For more information on how to safely wear a face covering, click here.
Hand sanitizing stations available
No guided group tours
No puppet shows or other seated, indoor programs
Employee temperature checks and personal protective equipment (PPE) required
Virtual activities available in our Online Resource Catalog
Staff and visitor contact tracing program – visitors will be alerted in the unfortunate event of exposure on our premises. A valid email address is required to purchase tickets.
- In the event that guests or staff test positive for COVID-19, we will notify you via email of any potential exposure so you may monitor your health accordingly. In the event you become sick or test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of visiting Körner’s Folly, please notify us so we may inform other visitors in which you may have come into contact. Your identity and contact information will remain confidential and will not be shared with any third party unless necessitated by contact tracing requirements.
No one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the previous 14 days, is permitted to enter Körner’s Folly.
- Symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:
  - Fever or chills
  - Cough
  - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  - Fatigue
  - Muscle or body aches
  - Headache
  - New loss of taste or smell
  - Sore throat
  - Congestion or runny nose
  - Nausea or vomiting
  - Diarrhea
- Learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 here.

We will be continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Forsyth County and North Carolina and adjust our procedures accordingly. All updates will be posted here and on our Facebook page. We thank the public for their patience and understanding during this time.

What is Körner’s Folly?

Körner’s Folly is the architectural wonder and home of artist and designer Jule Gilmer Körner. Built in 1880 in Kernersville, North Carolina, the house originally served to display his interior design portfolio. Visitors can now explore the 22-room house museum and its unique original furnishings and artwork, cast-plaster details, carved woodwork, and elaborate hand laid tile.

How much is admission, and what does it include?

Adult is $10.00 + tax, Child (Ages 6-18) is $6.00 + tax, and Under 6 is Free. Admission includes a self-guided tour of Körner’s Folly.

How much time should I allot to tour Körner’s Folly?

On a Self-Guided Tour, tickets are not timed, and guests may take as much or as little time in each room as you like. On average, most visitors spend about 60 – 75 minutes inside the house, including the nine-minute introductory video in Aunt Dealy’s.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance or upon arrival? OR How do I purchase tickets?

Currently, you must purchase tickets online, in advance. Buy your tickets today!

Is it a guided tour, and do tours start at certain times?

Körner’s Folly Historic House Museum offers self-guided tours every 30 minutes to groups of 4 or less. On a self-guided tour, there are informational signs in each room that help you navigate the house and tell you the history of each room. Self-guided tours are particularly good for groups who enjoy taking photos, socializing, or would prefer to move through the house at their own pace.

At this time, we are not accepting private, guided group tour reservations.

How do I arrange a visit for a school group or group of adults?

At this time, we are not scheduling field trip or private tours

Does Körner’s Folly offer audio tours?

No, we do not offer audio tours at this time.

What are Körner’s Folly’s hours?

Körner’s Folly is open to the public for self-guided tours Wednesday – Saturday from 10 AM – 4 PM, with the Last Entry at 3 PM.

*Last Entry is at 3 PM to ensure visitors have an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. On a self-guided tour you may take as much or as little time in each room as you like, but most visitors spend about 60 – 75 minutes on average inside the house.

Is photography allowed in Körner’s Folly?

Yes! Amateur photography during tours are not only allowed, but also encouraged! Tag us in your photos @kornersfolly on Instagram and Facebook.

Körner’s Folly is available for private photo shoots when the house is not open for public tours: Monday-Tuesday 9am-5pm, Wednesday-Saturday 4pm-6pm, and Sunday 9am-1pm and 4pm-6pm. Rental policies apply.

How can I donate an object to Körner’s Folly?

At Körner’s Folly, we only accept objects that belonged to the Körner family or are related to the building of Körner’s Folly or Reuben Rink Decorating business. Read our collections policy here.

Where should I go to eat/visit after my tour?

Kernersville and the surrounding areas have so much to offer! Check out our “Visit Like a Local” section for our recommendations.

Does Körner’s Folly have parking?

We have a gravel parking lot adjacent to the historic house, bus parking is available.

Is the museum handicapped accessible?

Unfortunately, at this time Korner’s Folly is not wheelchair accessible. Those who use walkers for mobility usually manage well only on the first floor of the house, but those who use canes for mobility can typically tour the whole house. If you have specific accessibility concerns, please contact us (336) 996-7922.

Are there a lot of stairs?

There are 120 stairs throughout the Folly’s three floors and seven levels. However, while on tour, visitors gradually climb the stairs as they wind through the hom. For example, you walk up one flight of stairs to the second level, then tour 3 rooms, and then walk up an additional flight to see more rooms.

Is Körner’s Folly kid friendly?

Yes! Be sure to ask for a scavenger hunt and look for the “Please Touch Baskets” around the house. We also offer a variety of children and family events, activities, and puppet shows throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events and look for anything tagged “Family-Friendly.”

Can I give a tickets or membership as a gift?

Yes! Tickets and membership make wonderful gifts for any occasion. If you wish to purchase tickets or membership as a gift, please purchase online and add your recipient’s name on the ticket purchase form or call us at (336)-996-7922

Can I eat or drink in the house?

No, food and beverages are not allowed in the house.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, our gift shop is located in Aunt Dealy’s, where you can purchase unique, local gifts from Körner’s Folly memorabilia to Victorian games. Each purchase benefits the Körner’s Folly Foundation and our mission to restore and preserve the historic house.