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Vineland, New Jersey: Palace of Depression (In Transition)

Long-lost, eighteen-spired, pastel-colored castle built in a swamp out of rusted auto parts and mud by eccentric George Daynor. A tourist attraction for decades before demolition, so fondly remembered that it's being rebuilt by fans. Closed until some time in 2024, maybe.

Visitor Tips and News About Palace of Depression

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The Palace of Depression

Progress at the Palace of Depression was tremendous from 2017-2019, including the addition of the Dr. Frank DeMaio Historical Center and Museum. With the onset of several health issues with the staff, the Palace was forced to suspend operations in July 2019. It has been closed to the public since then. However, in 2021, with many Covid restrictions being lifted, work has begun again on the Palace. It suffered several maintenance and landscape issues, which are currently being addressed while the Palace remains closed. We are hoping to re-open next season after winter passes, but have no target date as of yet. More info on the official Palace of Depression Facebook page.

[K. Kirchner, 11/14/2021]

Dec. 27, 2021: The leader of the effort to restore the Palace of Depression -- retired Vineland city official Kevin Kirchner -- passed away due to COVID-19 in late December 2021. He'd written to us in November about another Covid death, that of a dedicated Palace supporter, Dr. Frank DeMaio.

Palace of Depression, 2020.

Palace of Depression

I drove by last night and it seems to be closed off to the public. Lots of "No Trespassing" signs. Not sure if it's because it's basically a construction site now. If you contact them through their Facebook page you might be able to set up a guided tour, depending on their schedule.

[Steve Herold, 07/22/2020]

Palace of Depression.

The Palace of Depression

Progress at the Palace of Depression in 2017 has been tremendous. If you would like a tour of the property, the Palace of Depression Restoration Association must be contacted to make arrangements. They can be contacted at: [ thepalaceofdepression @ comcast.net ]. If you're not able to physically get to the site, you can check out the progress at their official Facebook page for regular updates and news on The Palace.

[Kristian Kirchner, 12/12/2017]

Palace of Depression.

Palace of Depression

The Palace of Depression is around the corner from my friend's house.

[Alexandra Pinz, MD, 01/26/2017]

Alexandra's photo, taken "within the last month," shows the Palace's reconstruction coming along nicely.

Palace of Depression.

Palace of Depression

Sept 26, 2016. Still a construction site.

[Brittni, 09/28/2016]

It's nice to see some progress though!

Palace of Depression

Address:
265 S. Mill Rd, Vineland, NJ
Directions:
Hwy 55 Landis Ave. exit, east on Landis, then right on South Mill Rd. On the left a quarter-mile. Visible from the road; no trespassing.
Hours:
Closed until some time in 2024, maybe.
Admission:
Donations welcome.
Status:
In Transition
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Tiny Folk Art Lady LibertyTiny Folk Art Lady Liberty, Vineland, NJ - 2 mi.
Artsy Giant Martini GlassArtsy Giant Martini Glass, Vineland, NJ - 2 mi.
Fountain of Youth, Statue of LibertyFountain of Youth, Statue of Liberty, Vineland, NJ - 3 mi.
In the region:
High Beam Walkers, Philadelphia, PA - 33 mi.

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