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
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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
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Commercial Filming or Photography
Museum Rentals & Weddings
Host your wedding, rehearsal dinner, corporate event, or other celebration at our historic museums.
Carola Schueller, Preservation Society Objects Conservator Carola will introduce the conservation work which led to our Research Fellow Ben Bowery’s long-term study of furniture made in the Gilded Age workshops of Paris-based designer Jules Allard. She will present the conservator’s perspective, which contributed to the study of manufacturing techniques and processes as well as the materials used for embellishment and décor in the furniture custom-made for many of the Preservation Society’s houses.
Ben Bowery, Preservation Society Research Fellow Ben will discuss his contributions to the Preservation Society’s long-term study of Paris-born cabinet maker and designer Jules Allard. Allard is credited with the introduction of European-inspired architectural interiors, notably the French salon, to America’s Gilded Age elite. Ben, in collaboration with our conservation and curatorial departments, has embarked upon a comprehensive survey of furniture attributed to Allard in the Preservation Society’s collection, focusing on historic precedents, materials, construction, ornamental vocabularies, measurements and proportions. Ben will share the survey process, discuss some of his findings and illuminate the working process of the man who made the Gilded Age glitter.
Carola Schueller
Carola Schueller has been with the Preservation Society’s Conservation team since 2017 and holds the position of Objects Conservator. She is a trained cabinetmaker and holds a graduate degree in Conservation from the University of Applied Arts and Sciences, Hildesheim, Germany. She has worked as conservator in private practice and international museums for the past 15 years, including the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; the Victoria and Albert Museum in London; and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
Ben Bowery
Ben Bowery earned a Master of Arts degree in Decorative Art and Design from George Washington University and the Smithsonian Associates. His Master’s focus was 20th-century American furniture and interiors. He has worked as a researcher for the Williamsburg Documentary Project via the College of William and Mary and as an intern in the American Painting, Sculpture, and Decorative Arts departments at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
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
