East Haddam ― The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park has announced the interior of the castle is set to reopen to visitors on May 27 after the completion of a $480,000 project to restore its terrace.

A limited soft opening of the the interior will be conducted this coming weekend.

Members of the friends group can tour the house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at no cost. Non-members may tour it for a $5 donation. At 2 p.m. Sunday William and Helen Gillette will be portrayed by longtime friends supporters Harold and Theodora Niver.

The surrounding park and trails at 67 River Road remain open and visitors may stroll the grounds from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Through Sept. 4, the mansion may be toured daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance purchase of tickets from park staff is highly recommended, and may be done at www.ReserveAmerica.com under “Gillette Castle State Park Tours.” Questions about tickets should be directed to park staff at (860) 526-2336.

The castle is the home of the late stage actor William Gillette.

“Our plans over the past couple of years are coming to fruition — with more to come,” said Lynn Wilkinson, president of the the friends group.