Operating Schedule
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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
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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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Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” will love this guide-led tour of locations in the Newport Mansions where the Emmy-winning series was filmed. Your guide will share stories about the real-life people who lived in the mansions and inspired many of the characters in the show. And you’ll get the inside scoop on what it takes to host a major television production!
You’ll visit The Elms, which did double duty as the Russell family’s Newport cottage as well as places in their New York mansion including Gladys Russell’s bedroom and the kitchen where the household staff works and gossips. Then it’s on to Marble House to see Mr. Russell’s bedroom, the Dining Room where Bertha Russell hosted a dinner for the Duke of Buckingham, the grand bedroom that was the inspiration for Bertha’s room, and the kitchen, which appeared as Mrs. Astor’s kitchen in her Newport home.
During your stop at Chateau-sur-Mer, the exterior of which appeared as Mrs. Astor’s cottage, you’ll see the distinctive Stair Hall with its “Tree of Life” mural; the Dining Room and Ballroom used for Mrs. Fish’s doll tea party; and several bedrooms that appear in the van Rhijn and Morris households. Then it’s time to enjoy cookies and beverages on the porch!
Finally, you’ll visit The Breakers to see the Billiard Room, where Mr. Russell conducted ruthless business dealings, and the Russells’ ballroom where guests danced during Gladys’ debutante ball and Bertha had her first social triumph.
The Elms back lawn, Season 2/Episode 1 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)
The Elms Kitchen, Season 1/Episode 7 (Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO)
The Elms first-floor Gallery, Season 2/Episode 2 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)
The Elms Ballroom, Season 2/Episode 5 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)
Marble House Dining Room, Season 2/Episode 5 (Photograph by Barbara Nitke/HBO)
Chateau-sur-Mer, George Wetmore's bedroom, Season 1/Episode 3 (Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO)
Chateau-sur-Mer, Stair Hall, Season 1/Episode 1 (Preservation Society photograph)
The Breakers Music Room, Season 1/Episode 9 (Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO)
The Breakers Billiard Room, Season 1/Episode 2 (Preservation Society photograph)
“Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes chose the Newport Mansions to provide authentic scenery for his historical drama “The Gilded Age.” Explore the backstories behind each episode with our Deep Dive into the Show.
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.* May 11-May 31, tour will be offered daily at 10:30 am & 3:30 pm. June 1-Aug. 31, 10:30 am, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Sept. 1-Oct. 14, 10:30 & 3:30. Oct. 15-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.
This exhibition explores a largely unknown but important chapter in American history: the experience of a thriving African heritage community in Newport.
Our Young Patron event this year is a Kentucky Derby party! Join us as we celebrate and enjoy this historic race that dates back to the Gilded Age.
Get your garden going or find nice springtime and Mother's Day gifts for friends and family! A variety of flowers, vegetables and specialty plants are available while supplies last.
Rhode Island Black Heritage Society scholars will interpret the evolution of Black Civil Rights movements in Newport from the beginnings of the 18th-century Free African Societies to the formation of Colored Women Clubs during the Gilded Age.
The 28th annual edition of New England’s premier flower show explores the theme "At Home," celebrating the beauty and inspiration that flowers and plants bring to the spaces in which we live. Tickets now available.
Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences.
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