Operating Schedule
See which of the mansions are open and when. Search by date or month, or view the full year’s schedule.
Visitor Info
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Tours, Groups, Exclusive Experiences
Explore our various tour types to find what’s best for you and your group.
Accessibility
See specific information about access at each house and property.
History of Newport and the Mansions
Founded in 1639, Newport was an important port city, a center of the slave trade, a fashionable resort and the summer home of the Gilded Age rich.
What was the Gilded Age?
The Gilded Age was a period of unprecedented change in America. Fortunes were spent on luxuries such as the lavish "summer cottages" of Newport.
Deep Dive into the Show
Learn about the people, places and events depicted in Julian Fellowes' popular historical drama series.
“Inside the Newport Mansions” Gilded Age Conversations
Noted historians and authors share their insights into all aspects of Gilded Age America in this monthly series of interviews with the Preservation Society.
Become a Member
We invite you to become a member of the Preservation Society today.
Premium Memberships
We invite you to join these exclusive levels of membership for patrons interested in enhanced access and benefits at the Preservation Society.
Current Members
As a member, you can enjoy unlimited general admission to our properties and do not need tickets. Simply bring your membership card for admission.
Membership FAQs
Membership gives you free, unlimited access to regular guided and audio tours at all Newport Mansions properties.
About Us
Our mission is to protect, preserve, and present the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. Learn more about us and our work.
Wind Farm Federal Appeal: FAQs
The Preservation Society of Newport County is appealing federal agency approval of two massive wind farms off the Rhode Island coast.
Personal Photography on the Grounds
Rent our museums for commercial photography & videography, TV production, and wedding photography.
Commercial Filming or Photography
Museum Rentals & Weddings
Host your wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate event, or other celebration at our historic museums.
Richard Morris Hunt (1827-1895) was America’s premier Gilded Age architect, but his effort to transform both the built and the cultural landscapes of America is his greatest legacy. This exhibition will examine Hunt’s achievements in a new light, presenting his lived experience and how it is reflected in his life’s work: a pursuit of national pride in art and architecture.
Hunt believed America needed “culture.” As he witnessed a succession of political uprisings and cultural change in Paris during his days as a student at the École des Beaux-Arts, Hunt also experienced how the arts and building trades communicated national identity. Elevating architecture’s place in his home country became his greatest pursuit. Designing private, public, residential, business, recreational and civic structures resulted in a built environment reflecting the rapid changes of the 19th century.
Hunt was also a collector and aided his wealthy clients in acquiring significant works of fine and decorative art. This act of collecting reflected how he sought to influence the evolution of culture in America’s Gilded Age. He advanced appreciation of and education in the arts by contributing to the founding of museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and professional organizations like the American Institute of Architects.
For the first time, Hunt’s materials from the Library of Congress, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Vermont Historical Society, Bennington Museum (Vt.) and the Preservation Society’s collection – including architectural and interior drawings, his personal sketchbooks and scrapbooks, and intimate family objects and collections – will be exhibited in one location. Together they provide deep insight into Hunt’s approach to culture, private and public collecting, and architectural practice.
Image above: Thomas Couture (1815-1879), Richard Morris Hunt, 1849 (detail). Courtesy National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution.
Richard Morris Hunt, Rendering for East Elevation of William K. and Alva Vanderbilt’s Marble House, ca. 1888. Courtesy of the Hunt Collection in the AIA/AAF Collection, Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Photograph of Richard Morris Hunt's studio in Newport, showing a plaster cast of his statue as a stonemason, conceived as a tribute to the architect for the roof of Petit Château in New York City. Frank H. Child (American), 1895. Reproduced courtesy of the Hunt Collection in the AIA/AAF Collection, Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Photograph of Richard Morris Hunt's studio in Newport. Frank H. Child (American), 1895. Reproduced courtesy of the Hunt Collection in the AIA/AAF Collection, Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Richard Morris Hunt, 1874 drawing of Cologne, Germany, showing the waterfront with boats, buildings and the Cologne Cathedral under construction. Courtesy of the Hunt Collection in the AIA/AAF Collection, Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Cassone, or wedding chest, described in the catalog of the Emile Gavet Collection and purchased by Alva and William Vanderbilt to be displayed in the Gothic Room at Marble House. Attributed to the workshop of Francesco di Giorgio (Sienna, 1439-1501) and possibly Neroccio de' Landi (Sienna, 1447-1500), ca. 1475. The Preservation Society of Newport County, PSNC.12603
18th-century French drawing of a colonnade, from the collection of Richard Morris Hunt. Gabriel Pierre Martin Dumont (French, ca. 1720-ca. 1790), 1786. Courtesy of the Hunt Collection in the AIA/AAF Collection, Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.Starting September 2, offered at 10 am only.
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours.Starting November 3, offered at 12 pm only.
See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. Starting September 2, offered at 10 am & 2 pm.
Offered every Saturday through August 30 at a different mansion each time. Stop by and get creative, and learn a little history, too! All ages and ability levels welcome.
This summer’s Traveling Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Garden series provide families and children a fun and creative way to connect with the Preservation Society’s properties.
Learn what it takes to bring Newport’s tradition of Coaching Weekend to life and hear from a moderated panel of coaching experts as we kick off A Weekend of Coaching.
Kids practice becoming birders and learn about our local feathered friends, from cardinals to hummingbirds and sparrows to hawks.
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where Julian Fellowes' historical drama series was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays, August 15, 19, 22, 26 & 29; September 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 & 30; and October 7 & 10.
A Weekend of Coaching returns to Newport with historic coaches driven each day through local streets and on the grounds of the Newport Mansions, plus a driving exhibition on the grounds at The Elms.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of dinner and dancing to celebrate Coaching Weekend in Newport.
Did you know the design of Isaac Bell House was inspired partially by Japanese architecture? Join us for this interactive introduction to Japan.
Learn about our latest exhibition spotlighting the great Gilded Age architect with a guided tour led by one of the primary collaborators on the exhibition.
SOLD OUT
Have you seen our unicorn topiary? Well, the unicorn's fairy friends need your help! We will create fairy homes and experience the garden with a sense of wonder.
Grab your clubs for an unforgettable day on the greens at the Preservation Society’s Annual Golf Outing at Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, R.I., a challenging links-style course with views of the Atlantic Ocean and Sakonnet Passage.
All Preservation Society members are invited to enjoy an evening of live music, food and good company!
Three days of fun and educational seminars, tastings, dinners and the fan-favorite Sunday Brunch await you at Rosecliff! Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase tickets before they become available to the general public. Individual events are also listed below.
Join us for an intimate culinary and wine experience, a celebration of legacy, craftsmanship and the art of fine wine, featuring Carissa Mondavi, granddaughter of the legendary Robert Mondavi, as our special guest.
Embark on a global journey of flavor showcasing selections from boutique wineries around the world.
Indulge in the art of charcuterie with a hands-on tasting experience featuring premium meats and cheeses from D’Artagnan.
Savor the bold, vibrant flavors of Spanish wines, infused with the country’s signature flair and passion.
Delight in world-class caviar gracefully paired with the effervescence of Britain’s finest sparkling wine.
Explore the art and elegance of bubbles and Bordeaux varietals from the iconic regions of France, Italy and California.
Take a captivating journey through the world of Pinot Noir, exploring its signature elegance and diverse expressions from renowned regions.
Discover how Chile’s most iconic terroirs reveal their truest expression from the country’s largest and most innovative estate grower.
Embark on a flavorful voyage with Whalers Brewing Company, where every glass is a new adventure.
Unlock the complexities of rum with this expert-led tasting, showcasing what defines authenticity.
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson leads a stellar lineup of chefs to create an unforgettable menu thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines.
Journey to the heart of Italy’s Veneto region with this tasting of wines from Buglioni Organic Vineyards.
This seminar offers a deep dive into the history and heritage of Cognac, followed by an intimate tasting of Hardy’s rare and exceptional eaux-de-vies.
Discover the rich flavors of nature’s bounty gathered through the art of ethical foraging, paired with wines that enhance their natural essence.
Experience the smooth, rich flavors and subtle spice that make this bourbon a standout.
Dive into the bold and distinct flavors of this exceptional tequila, every bottle of which supports protecting the wild jaguars of Mexico.
Enjoy a spirited tasting adventure as we dive into two of France’s finest brandies, each with its own story, style and unforgettable flavor.
Embark on a flavorful journey through Portugal’s diverse wine regions, showcasing the country’s unique grapes, rich traditions and bold styles.
BHAKTA Spirits, brought to you by Raj Peter Bhakta — also the founder of WhistlePig — is the owner of the oldest, rarest and most exquisite single-vintage spirits across Armagnac, whiskey, rum and beyond.
Chef Samuelsson will share stories from his remarkable culinary journey and discuss his distinctive approach to flavor and culture, as you enjoy a delicious tasting plate and wine pairing.
A dazzling new addition to the Wine & Food Festival! Savor selected wines and spirits and an array of delicacies prepared by celebrated local chefs, all amid the grandeur of Marble House.
Indulge in a delicious brunch buffet curated by regional chefs while wine pours and music from a jazz quartet fills the elegant ballroom.
Explore the depth and elegance of wines from this groundbreaking Napa Valley estate.
Bold, rich and full-bodied — these reds are here to make a statement.
This tasting showcases the unique terroir and rising stars of one of America’s most exciting wine destinations.
Discover the diversity, history and charm of one of the world’s great wine regions.
Join this delightful journey through Provence as you taste and explore iconic rosés.
Festival Wine Director Matthew MacCartney shares his top five favorite wine selections of the weekend, handpicked for their character, quality and story.
Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.
Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.
Partners in Preservation
