GUIDE TO VISITING THE GILDED AGE MANSIONS IN NEWPORT

Newport Mansions, also known as the Newport Preservation Society, refers to a collection of historic mansions and properties located in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. These mansions are renowned for their architectural beauty, historical significance, and their association with the Gilded Age, a period of opulence and wealth in the late 19th century. Some of the most famous Newport Mansions include The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, and Chateau-sur-Mer. Visitors can tour these mansions to get a glimpse of the extravagant lifestyles and historic significance associated with the Gilded Age. The Preservation Society of Newport County maintains and operates these properties as museums, allowing visitors to explore their interiors and learn about the history of the families who owned them. The mansions are a popular tourist attraction and offer insights into the wealth and opulence of America's upper class during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

The Mansions

The Breakers is perhaps the most iconic of the Newport Mansions. It was built as the summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and is a stunning example of Gilded Age architecture. The mansion features Italian Renaissance-style architecture, ornate interior rooms, and a beautiful oceanside location. Marble House is another Vanderbilt family mansion, constructed for William K. Vanderbilt. It is notable for its Beaux-Arts architecture and the extensive use of marble in its design. The Mable House's opulent interiors and the Chinese Tea House on the property are particularly famous. The Elms was built for coal magnate Edward Julius Berwind and is an excellent example of the Châteauesque architectural style. It is characterized by its French-inspired design, beautiful gardens, and lavish rooms. The Rosecliff mansion was commissioned by silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs and is known for its elegant ballroom, which has been featured in numerous films, including "The Great Gatsby." The mansion is designed in a Beaux-Arts style. Chateau-sur-Mer is one of the oldest in the collection and dates back to the mid-19th century. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic Revival and Italianate, and it was once the social hub of Newport society. Plan Your visit to one or more of these stunning Gilded Age Mansions.

Tickets

The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House and Rosecliff offer a self-guided experience with engaging audio tours. Fun children’s tours are also available for The Breakers and Marble House. These tours are available in the Newport Mansions App; download it before your visit, and bring your earbuds! The are several ticket packages available: The Breakers Only, which costs $29 per Adult, and One Property includes admission to The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff and Chateau-sur-Mer, this ticket costs $25. Duo/Two Properties, Includes admission to interior and grounds of two the Mansions, costs $38 per adult. Trio / Three Properties Includes admission to the interior and grounds of three the properties. Daytime tickets can be used any day and time the mansions are open. There are no expiration dates. Tickets can be purchased at the mansions or online. For a multi-mansions & gardens ticket, you do not have to see all of the mansions in a single day. Parking is free at all properties. Reservations are NOT required. Advance ticket purchases are suggested for Chepstow, Hunter House, and Isaac Bell House as well as specialty tours including Beneath The Breakers and The Elms Servant Life Tour. The Preservation Society of Newport County has an official website where they provide information about the mansions, including tour schedules. Visit the website at www.newportmansions.org. The schedule for tours and events at the Newport Mansions can change seasonally and due to special events. Be sure to check for any updates on their website or social media channels for the latest information.

What was the Gilded Age?

The Gilded Age is a term used to describe the period in American history that lasted roughly from the 1870s to the early 1900s. It was a time of immense economic growth, industrialization, and unprecedented wealth accumulation. The term "Gilded" suggests that while the era appeared golden and prosperous on the surface, it often masked underlying social, economic, and political problems, such as income inequality, labor strife, and corruption. The Gilded Age saw the emergence of a conspicuous consumption culture, where the rich displayed their wealth through extravagant lifestyles, mansions, and social events. This period also marked significant advancements in technology, transportation, and communication. The Gilded Age had a profound impact on Newport, Rhode Island, as wealthy industrialists and social elites sought to escape the sweltering summer heat of cities like New York and Boston. They built opulent summer residences, known as the Newport Mansions, in Newport, creating a social and architectural haven. These mansions, like The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, exemplify the extravagant lifestyle of the era. Newport became a hub for the Gilded Age social scene, hosting lavish parties, galas, and events. The wealthy elite would gather in Newport to see and be seen, cementing its status as a summer resort town for the wealthy. The architectural styles of the Gilded Age, particularly the Beaux-Arts and Châteauesque styles, left an indelible mark on Newport's landscape. These styles are evident in the design of many of the Newport Mansions. The influx of the wealthy elite had a positive economic impact on Newport. It created jobs in construction, hospitality, and the service industry, benefiting the local economy. While the Gilded Age brought wealth and opulence to Newport, it also highlighted the stark wealth disparities of the time. The Newport Mansions serve as a reminder of this period and continue to be popular tourist attractions, offering a glimpse into the extravagant lives of America's elite during this era. 

The Breakers

The Breakers was built as the summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a prominent member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, in 1895. The mansion was designed by the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, who was known for his work in the Beaux-Arts architectural style. The mansion is a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture, specifically inspired by the architecture of the 16th-century palaces in Genoa and Turin. It features a grand limestone facade, extensive terraces, and ornate details both on the exterior and interior. The interiors of The Breakers are equally lavish. The mansion boasts opulent rooms with intricate detailing, including gilded ceilings, marble fireplaces, and beautifully decorated spaces. The Great Hall, Morning Room, and Dining Room are among the highlights of the interior. The Breakers is located along the cliffs of Newport, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The location provides breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape, making it a picturesque setting for a summer retreat. The mansion is surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens with fountains, statues, and a beautiful path that leads to the ocean. The Italianate gardens are an integral part of the estate's charm. The Breakers has entertained presidents, royalty and guests from across the world for more than 125 years and today is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. It is the flagship of the Newport Mansions and a world-famous iconic image of the City-by-the-Sea. The Breakers is a significant cultural and historical landmark, showcasing the extravagance and wealth of the Gilded Age. Its remarkable architecture and stunning location on the coast of Newport make it a must-visit attraction for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Marble House

Marble House was built for William K. Vanderbilt, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, in 1892. The mansion was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, who also designed The Breakers. Marble House is known for its opulent Beaux-Arts architectural style. The mansion gets its name from the extensive use of marble in its construction, both inside and out. The white marble exterior gives the mansion a grand and pristine appearance. The interiors of Marble House are equally luxurious and feature intricate marble detailing, as well as gilded moldings, ornate ceilings, and beautifully decorated rooms. The grand ballroom is one of the standout features of the mansion, known for its stunning architecture and decor. On the mansion's grounds, you can find a small Chinese Tea House. This unique and elegant structure offers a change of scenery from the opulence of the main house and provides a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The mansion is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that include fountains, pathways, and a Rose Garden. The gardens offer a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Alva Vanderbilt was a leading hostess in Newport society and envisioned Marble House as her “temple to the arts” in America. The Vanderbilts divorced in 1895 and Alva married Oliver H.P. Belmont, moving down the street to Belcourt. After his death, she reopened Marble House and had a Chinese Tea House built on the seaside cliffs of the property, where she hosted rallies for women’s right to vote. She sold Marble House to Frederick H. Prince in 1932. The Preservation Society acquired the house in 1963 from the Prince's estate. In 2006, Marble House was designated a National Historic Landmark. Marble House is another example of the extravagant summer residences built by America's elite during the Gilded Age. Its distinctive use of marble, opulent interiors, and beautiful gardens make it a fascinating historical and architectural attraction in Newport.

The Elms

The Elms was built for Edward Julius Berwind, a wealthy coal magnate, and his wife, Herminie, in 1901. The mansion was designed by Horace Trumbauer, a prominent architect of the Gilded Age known for his Beaux-Arts style. The Elms is a stunning example of the Châteauesque architectural style, which was influenced by French châteaux (castles) of the 18th century. The mansion features a symmetrical and balanced design with a classical facade and a striking central entrance. The interiors of The Elms are equally impressive. The mansion is known for its elegant rooms, including the grand ballroom, the library, and the ornate dining room. The decor is characterized by intricate woodwork, ornamental details, and rich furnishings. The Elms is famous for its meticulously landscaped gardens that were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, known for his work on Central Park in New York City. The gardens feature terraces, fountains, sculptures, and a classical sunken garden. Mrs. Berwind died in 1922, and Mr. Berwind invited his sister, Julia, to become his hostess at his New York and Newport houses. Mr. Berwind died in 1936 and Miss Julia continued to summer at The Elms until her death in 1961, at which time the house and most of its contents were sold at public auction. The Preservation Society of Newport County purchased The Elms in 1962 and opened the house to the public. In 1996, The Elms was designated a National Historic Landmark. The Elms is a remarkable example of the opulence and architectural grandeur of the Gilded Age. Its French-inspired design, intricate detailing, and beautiful gardens make it a must-visit attraction for those interested in exploring the history and elegance of this bygone era.

Rosecliff

Rosecliff was commissioned by Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a silver heiress and socialite, and was built between 1898 and 1902. The mansion was designed by architect Stanford White of the prominent architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. Rosecliff is designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, characterized by its grand and symmetrical appearance, classical elements, and opulent detailing. The mansion's exterior features a white terracotta facade, which adds to its grandeur. The interior of Rosecliff is equally impressive. The mansion is renowned for its grand ballroom, which is often considered one of the most beautiful rooms among the Newport Mansions. The ballroom is adorned with crystal chandeliers and mirrors, and it opens up to a beautiful terrace overlooking the ocean. Rosecliff is located along the cliffs of Newport, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The seaside location is a key attraction for visitors and adds to the mansion's appeal. Rosecliff is located along the cliffs of Newport, providing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The seaside location is a key attraction for visitors and adds to the mansion's appeal. Scenes from several films have been shot on location at Rosecliff, including “The Great Gatsby,” “True Lies,” “Amistad” and “27 Dresses.” Rosecliff is now preserved through the generosity of its last private owners, Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Monroe, of New Orleans. They gave the house, its furnishings, and an endowment to the Preservation Society in 1971. Rosecliff, with its exquisite architecture, stunning oceanfront location, and historical significance, is a popular attraction for tourists and a favorite venue for events and celebrations in Newport. It stands as a testament to the opulence and elegance of the Gilded Age.

Chateau-sur-Mer

Chateau-sur-Mer was built for William Shepard Wetmore, a successful China trade merchant, and his family in the mid-19th century. The mansion's construction began in 1852, and it underwent several renovations and expansions over the years. It was originally designed by Seth Bradford and later underwent significant alterations by architect Richard Morris Hunt. Chateau-sur-Mer is known for its eclectic architectural style, blending elements of the Gothic Revival and Italianate styles. The mansion features asymmetrical facades, pointed arches, ornate details, and a distinctive tower. The combination of various architectural styles is a reflection of the 19th-century taste for architectural eclecticism. The interiors of Chateau-sur-Mer are equally impressive. The mansion features beautifully decorated rooms with rich woodwork, stained glass windows, and ornate plasterwork. Notable rooms include the Gothic-style dining room, the elegant salon, and the grand hallway. Chateau-sur-Mer boasts well-maintained gardens, including terraces, fountains, and various ornamental plantings. The gardens provide a peaceful and picturesque setting for visitors. The house was purchased by the Preservation Society in 1969. In 2006 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Chateau-sur-Mer is particularly notable for its historical significance as one of the earliest examples of the Victorian style of architecture in the United States. It offers a unique perspective on the architectural trends of the 19th century and the lifestyle of the wealthy elite during that period. The mansion is an important part of the Newport Mansions collection, showcasing the rich history of Newport and the Gilded Age.

Why Visit Newport Mansions?

The Newport Mansions represent a fascinating chapter in American history, particularly the Gilded Age. These mansions showcase the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era, offering insights into the lives of the wealthy elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mansions themselves are architectural masterpieces. They feature a range of architectural styles, including Beaux-Arts, Châteauesque, Italian Renaissance, and more. Their design, intricate detailing, and luxurious interiors are a feast for the eyes. The Newport Mansions are a reflection of the cultural heritage of the United States. They demonstrate the influence of European architecture and design on American society during the Gilded Age. The mansions have been featured in numerous films and television shows, including adaptations of classic novels like "The Great Gatsby." Visiting these locations allows you to walk in the footsteps of actors and filmmakers. The Newport Mansions offer excellent photography opportunities, both inside and outside the properties. You can capture the beauty of the architecture, interiors, and gardens. Visiting the Newport Mansions allows you to step back in time and experience the grandeur and elegance of the Gilded Age, offering a captivating journey through history, architecture, and culture.