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.
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.
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 Chinese Exclusion Act, passed by Congress in 1882, was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. Rhode Island Chinese history scholar John Eng-Wong will discuss how laws and social practices impacted Chinese family formation and reunification during this period and beyond. Drawing from adoption archives, Chinese Exclusion era documents, memoirs, articles and interviews with descendants, he will describe how exclusion unfolded in Rhode Island and illustrate how several Chinese-descent families from Providence and Newport negotiated these impacts. Almost everyone begins in a family. These chronicles explore the complications when the road forward from birth is disrupted, or not.
Chin Too family with unidentified Chinese consular official, unknown location in Rhode Island (private collection)
John Eng-Wong
John Eng-Wong was a core member of the Brown University team led by students Angela Feng and Julieanne Fontana who mounted a storefront exhibit remembering the history of the Chinese-heritage community in Providence, R.I. Eng-Wong's interest in this topic decades ago sparked his research into the story of the Chow Mein Sandwich, which in turn blossomed into study of Chinese food's migration around the world including its manifestation in Rhode Island. Retired from a long administrative career at Brown, John remains on the university roster as a Visiting Scholar in American Studies.
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
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. *Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 10:30 & 3:30. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts will be open for public tours. *TIme changes to 1:30 pm Oct. 15-Jan. 1
Marvel at the sight of 26 life-sized elephant sculptures on the oceanside back lawn of The Breakers and learn about the importance of helping these magnificent animals survive.
This summer’s Traveling Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Garden provide families and children a fun and creative way to connect with The Preservation Society of Newport County’s multiple properties by engaging with cultural heritage and nature.
The annual Jacalyn and William P. Egan Lecture will present Preservation Society Fellow Benjamin Bowery and Curatorial Research Assistant Eve Loftus discussing their recent discoveries about interior décor in the mansions.
Kids can learn what life was like for colonial kids and try their hand at making 1700s-style toys. Recommended for ages 5 to 7. Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Create homes for the fantastic creatures in this magical garden. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
The annual Eaddo and Peter Kiernan Lecture will present two of the Preservation Society's Research Fellows discussing results of their work for the past year: Dani Zhang on our collection of Chinese artwork and objects, many produced for the Gilded Age Western market; and Isla Stewart on fine and decorative objects that illustrate Americans’ changing relationship with animals during the Gilded Age.
Learn about travel modes of the past and design your own way to go. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
For the annual John G. Winslow Lecture, Dr. Philip Rylands of The Society of the Four Arts will tell the incredible life story of Peggy Guggenheim and explore her remarkable collection of Cubist, Surrealist and Abstract art.
Children will read a story, search for butterflies and create their own wings to wear. Recommended for ages 5 to 7. Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Our annual black-tie fundraising event promises a fun and elegant evening of dinner and dancing amid a magical garden setting.
Go on a collecting adventure and make a treasure chest to store your collection. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Get ready for an hour of movement and dance with an instructor from Newport Contemporary Ballet. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
On the 50th anniversary of the opening of Monumenta in Newport, we will celebrate this pioneering modern sculpture exhibition that shaped the way the world now interacts with outdoor contemporary art.
Enjoy fun activities centered around the mansion's cool Sod Maze. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Learn about the different types of pollinators, what they do and how we can help. Recommended for ages 5 to 7.Family-Level members, go to "Member Login" for free registration.
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, September 3 through 27.
Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences. Plus, special guest appearance by Jacques and Claudine Pepin!
Step back into the Gilded Age and indulge in an exquisite five-course dinner with wine pairings in the Louis XV-style Ballroom at The Elms.
Join Cakebread Cellars for an exquisite wine tasting from one of the world's top Cabernet Sauvignon production locations.
Discover some exciting Pinot Noirs from around the world!
Sharpen your mixology skills while tasting delicious cocktails from the Remy Cointreau portfolio.
Experience an in-depth tasting of Knights Bridge wines that represent the character and personality of the Knights Valley Estate
Discover the history and different styles of Ports, White, Ruby, Tawny and Vintage from the acclaimed Houses of Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca & Croft.
A fun and exciting tasting seminar that combines the cuisine of a James Beard Award Semifinalist chef with craft Japanese sake.
Join us for a masterclass and tasting of Sonoma County wines and Kentucky whiskeys finished in French oak wine casks.
Taste a variety of Sparkling, White, Sagrantino and Shiraz wines along with a Boar’s Head Pairing Plate.
Taste organic wines while diving into the concept of regenerative organic certification, biodynamics and how climate change is shifting the wine landscape.
With Claudine Pépin and Rollie Wesen of the Jacques Pépin Foundation as our co-hosts, savor a four-course dinner prepared by four talented chefs and paired with world-class wines.
Enjoy a mini charcuterie tasting plate and wines from France and Italy while learning how to create the perfect charcuterie board
Learn about and taste exemplary French dishes with paired wines and a sprinkling of history and culture. Presented by Rollie Wesen and Claudine Pépin of the Jacques Pépin Foundation.
Explore the magical characteristics of the Rioja Alta region of Spain through a selection of its world-renowned wines.
Take a tantalizing trip around the world of beer at this fun and educational seminar.
Experience a sophisticated yet approachable expression of the centuries-old tradition of mezcal.
Learn culinary secrets from two award-winning chefs and taste their creations with wines selected by our Festival Wine Director.
A lavish buffet brunch, selected wines and spirits, and jazz on the piano in the stunning Rosecliff Ballroom – the perfect way to start your festival Sunday.
This tasting will explore some of Italy's finest wines, including the powerful and opulent Amarone Riserva.
Learn and experience why the pairing of sparkling wines and caviar is a connoisseur's favorite.
Chef, author, television personality and educator Jacques Pépin shares stories of his remarkable life while guests enjoy French wines and an elegant tasting plate.
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
