Operating Schedule
See which of the mansions are open and when. Search by date or month, or view the full year’s schedule.
Guest Information
View our FAQs, parking information, guidelines and more.
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.
With award-winning artist Bill Lane
This daylong workshop will provide a unique opportunity to paint at the most iconic mansion in Newport. Intermediate and above watercolor painters will gain valuable instruction from accomplished artist Bill Lane.
Bill will start with an on-site demonstration, reviewing equipment, talking about the chosen scene, planning the composition and determining the values. After which (roughly 11:15 am), you will head off to paint at a nearby location. Bill will provide individual attention throughout the day. The day will conclude with an informal critique led by Bill at 3 pm.
Admission to The Breakers is included for those who would like to take a break during the day to visit the mansion interior. Please note that no artist materials will be permitted inside The Breakers.
Bill Lane
“Everyday scenes intrigue me the most; be it a barren landscape, boats in the harbor or city life on a busy day. I observe how the light plays into the scene and reflects off the subjects. I work to capture that light while enhancing my point-of-interest in the painting.” Memberships: Providence Art Club, exhibiting artist member; New England Watercolor Society, signature artist member; Rhode Island Watercolor Society, signature artist member; Rockport Art Association & Museum, exhibiting artist member; American Watercolor Society, associate member; National Watercolor Society, associate member Awards Best in Show • 2016 Spring Bull Gallery “All Things Newport County”: Breakers • 2012 Bristol Art Museum “Sailing on the Bay” Frostbitten First Place Award • 2024 Spring Bull Gallery “Ocean Rhythms” Ocean Drive Glow - watercolor • 2020 RIWS Member Show, Hoppin Hill Farmhouse • 2019 RIWS Member Show, Allen's Rush Hour • 2017 Arnold Mills Community House, Walking the Dog • 2015 Cecil Byrne Gallery “Sand, Sea & Sky,” Walking the Dog
Bill Lane’s Recommended Watercolor Materials(participants must bring their own)
PAPER • Professional, 100% cotton watercolor paper. Bill uses Arches and Saunders 300# mostly Rough but sometimes Cold Press. 140# is fine but always use a good sheet of 100% cotton watercolor paper. Watercolor “blocks” are fine, too, and they give you a rigid surface to use on an easel. PALETTE • Ultramarine Blue (Winsor & Newton) • Cobalt Blue (Winsor & Newton) • Cerulean Blue (Holbein) • Cobalt Turquoise (Winsor & Newton) • Rose Madder Genuine (Winsor & Newton) • Alizarin Crimson (Winsor & Newton) • Cadmium Red (Winsor & Newton) • Cadmium Yellow (M. Graham) • Cadmium Yellow Lemon (Holbein) • Burnt Sienna (Winsor & Newton) • Raw Sienna (Winsor & Newton) • Perylene Green (Winsor & Newton) • Quinacridone Orange (Winsor & Newton) • Titanium White Artist’s Gouache (M. Graham) BRUSHES • Mostly rounds (16, 12, 8, 6) with good points. Bill uses Escoda Perla brushes. • Mop: Bill uses a 14 and 18 Escoda Aquario and a 4 daVinci Casaneo. • A hake • A few flats • A rigger MISCELLANEOUS • Water for painting • Paper towels • Pencil and eraser • Container for brushes • Container for water • Painting board, if you’re not using a block of watercolor paper • White tape, if you’re not using a block of watercolor paper • Sketchbook FOR PLEIN AIR PAINTING • Easel • Easel Umbrella (optional) • Chair (if preferred) • Sunscreen • Jacket • Hat/Visor • Water to stay hydrated • Lunch • Small trash bag • Smartphone, camera or iPad (optional)
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time. Tour times may vary. See the event webpage for details.
For the first time in the 130-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours. Tour times may vary. See the event webpage for details.
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. Tour times may vary. See the event webpage for details.
This outdoor spectacle of holiday lights will dazzle and delight you! The 13-acre landscape of The Breakers turns into a wonderland of color and light. Includes tour of the lavishly decorated rooms inside the house. Open on select evenings through the season. Includes access to The Breakers interior during the same visit.
A great Newport tradition! See the magnificent mansions of the Gilded Age dressed in their festive holiday finery. It’s the most spectacular time of the year at these awe-inspiring historic houses.
Learn how the magic of holiday decorating comes together at Newport's largest and most popular mansion. Tour will be offered on Thursdays, December 4, December 11 and December 18.
SOLD OUT
Looking for something new to put on your door this holiday season? The Preservation Society's Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop returns with plenty of unique ideas.
Members attending Sparkling Lights on this evening will be able to take advantage of special giveaways and activities!
This program will guide you through designing a paper floral arrangement to fit perfectly into your home for the holidays.
An annual tradition of celebrating the holidays with our members.
This exclusive one-night-only event at The Breakers features Skylark’s acclaimed musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, narrated by Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress Christine Baranski.
This elegant gala is set in Newport's grandest mansion dressed in its holiday finest.
"Pearls of Newport" is the perfect theme for the 30th anniversary Newport Flower Show, celebrating the city's coastal identity and maritime history.
Three days of fun and educational seminars, tastings, dinners and the fan-favorite Sunday Brunch await you at Rosecliff! Tickets available in early July 2026
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
