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
View our FAQs, map & parking, guidelines and more.
Tours, Groups, Exclusive Experiences
Explore our various tour types to find what’s best for you and your group.
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.
Current Members
Current members can see a full list of benefits and any information regarding Members Events.
Become a Member
We invite you to become a member of the Preservation Society today. In addition to joining an active community of preservation supporters and advocates, members are offered unlimited access to all open houses.
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.
The Preservation Society of Newport County is one of the richest resources in the nation for the fine and decorative arts of the Gilded Age. Visiting Curator Ulysses Grant Dietz went “treasure hunting” in the historic properties of the Preservation Society, and he found 100 objects that he had seen many times — but had never really looked at. He realized that sometimes, inside these beautiful mansions, it’s hard to see the individual pieces because of all the other things around them.
This exhibition lets you look closely at objects ranging in date from the late 1400s to the early 1900s, all of which were collected during the Gilded Age. These beautiful things — furniture, metalwork, ceramics, glass, painting, sculpture, prints, and photographs — come from all over the world, and represent many different styles and tastes. They also represent the skills of exceptional craftspeople — including many anonymous workers who couldn’t afford to own the things they made.
As you explore Anything You Want, take a closer look at these works of art and think about why someone in the Gilded Age might have wanted to own them.
Les Trois Amis (The Three Friends)
(Portrait of Harold Stirling Vanderbilt) Charles Chaplin (1825-1891), 1887; Frame made by Jules Allard and Sons (active 1878-1907), Paris Oil on canvas, carved and gilded oak Bequest of Harold S. Vanderbilt. PSNC.429.
Louis XV Chest of Drawers (Commode)
Attributed to Jean-François Oeben (1721-1763), Paris, 1740-1760 Wood with marquetry veneers, marble, gilded bronze (ormolu) Bequest of Harold S. Vanderbilt. PSNC.413.a-b.
Side Chair
Unidentified maker, Boston, 1730-1740 Mahogany, maple, leather Purchased by The Preservation Society of Newport County. PSNC.1787a-b.
America
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (active 1710-present), Dresden, Germany, late 1800s Hard-paste porcelain, enamel Bequest of Mrs. Aletta Morris McBean. PSNC.9048.
Vase Decorated with Chrysanthemums (One of a Pair)
Hansuke Kawamoto V (1831-1907) or VI (1844-1905) for Hyochien (1873-1909), Tokyo, Japan, 1879 Stoneware, enamel Gift of the Estate of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives. PSNC.5098.1.
“Four Elements” Centerpiece
John C. Moore (1803-1874), New York, 1851 Retailed by Tiffany, Young & Ellis (active 1837-1853), New York Sterling silver, silver-plated brass Gift of Norrie Wetmore Sellar. PSNC.9804.
Mantel Clock and Candelabra
Attributed to Raingo Frères (active 1823-1890), Paris, 1875-1890 Retailed by Tiffany & Co. (active 1837-present), New York Marble, gilded bronze (ormolu), metal, glass, enamel Gift of Countess Anthony Szapáry. PSNC.2960.1-.3a-e.
Parlor Cabinet in the Colonial Style
Unidentified maker, England, 1870s Rosewood, tulipwood, satinwood, glass, metal Gift of Mrs. Gwendolen E. Rives. PSNC.6136.
Dining Chair (from a Set of 25)
Jules Allard and Sons (1878-1907), Paris, c. 1890 Cast bronze, gilded bronze (ormolu), cut velvet Gift of Mr. Frederick H. Prince. PSNC.430.1-.25.
Closed Armchair (Bergère)
Designed by Ogden Codman, Jr. (1863-1951), for A. H. Davenport & Co. (1880-1974), Boston, c. 1895 Painted wood, reproduction chintz Gift of Gladys T. Peterson and Countess Anthony Szapáry. PSNC.2905.11.
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
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.
This series of programs, listed below, offers glimpses into the work that happens behind the scenes at the Newport Mansions, including curatorial, conservation, preservation, historical research and interpretation.
Learn how several of the historic Newport Mansions embrace modern technology with the use of geothermal climate-control systems, an environmentally sustainable solution.SOLD OUT for January 23. This program will also be offered on February 26.
Here's a special opportunity for Preservation Society members to learn from an expert guide about one of the Gilded Age's greatest houses. This tour will be given on January 25, 26, February 1, 2, 8 & 9.
SOLD OUT
This isn’t about baseball! We'll examine the complex lives of Edward J. Berwind’s butlers as labor activism took root during the Gilded Age.
Get an exclusive close-up look at two of the costumes worn in the 1974 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," guided by our textile conservator and one of our research fellows. This program will be offered on February 6, March 13 & April 10.
Learn about ongoing preservation work throughout our properties with Director of Museum Affairs and Chief Curator Leslie Jones. Live at Rosecliff and via Zoom.
Treat yourself to a memorable day of cultural enrichment and architectural wonders in the heart of Boston. The itinerary invites members to explore the city’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks while connecting with fellow enthusiasts.
Here's a special opportunity for Preservation Society members to learn from an expert guide about one of the Gilded Age's greatest houses.This tour will be given on January 25, 26, February 1, 2, 8 & 9.
Enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at our conservation studio and the important work that happens there.SOLD OUT for February 13. This program will also be offered on March 27.
Beginning February 15. 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.
WinterFest is a weeklong celebration of the season, where families can gather to listen to a winter-themed story and create a take-home craft.
Learn how several of the historic Newport Mansions embrace modern technology with the use of geothermal climate-control systems, an environmentally sustainable solution.This program will be offered on January 23 (sold out) & February 26.
This illuminating tour examines select artworks of the ‘idealized’ portrayal and real-life expectations of Gilded Age women throughout The Elms. This program will be offered on February 27 & March 7.
Follow the history and conservation research on the Ladies Reception Room with Conservation Research Fellow Laura Bergemann. This program will be offered on March 6 & April 9.
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year. This program will be offered on March 20 & April 18.
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion. This program will be offered on March 21 & April 25.
Enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes look at our conservation studio and the important work that happens there.This program will be offered on February 13 (sold out) & March 27.
Founded in 1993, the Newport Symposium has been an annual convening of fine and decorative arts experts and enthusiasts from across the country and the world. Attendees listen to stimulating lectures, experience behind-the-scenes study opportunities and gather to network and discuss the future of our history.
Themed “A Floral Fair,” the 29th annual Show will combine the elegance of a Gilded Age fête with the good cheer of a summer county fair.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers for another successful Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. See you next year for the 20th annual festival, September 19-21, 2025, at Rosecliff. Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public.
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
