The Breakers Dining Room, left, and Marble House Gothic Room

Newport County residents are invited to visit The Preservation Society of Newport County’s (Newport Mansions) open houses and properties for free on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14 and 15.

This offer applies to residents of Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton. Free admission is also extended to personnel stationed at Naval Station Newport and their immediate family, as well as Salve Regina University students. Proof of residence, Naval Station Newport identification or Salve Regina student ID is required.

Free admission includes The Breakers and Marble House. Both mansions are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to download the free Newport Mansions audio tour app, bring their earbuds and hear the fascinating stories of people who lived and worked in these grand mansions. The Breakers and Marble House also offer children’s audio tours that stimulate young imaginations with engaging sound effects and lively characters. Tour-Mate audio players are available for children who do not have a mobile device.

The free admission offer does not include specialty tours such as Beneath The Breakers or The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress.

Built in 1893-1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, one of the richest men in America, The Breakers was everything a millionaire of the Gilded Age could want in a summer getaway. A classic Italian palazzo design, the finest American and European craftsmanship, views of the sea and modern technology combined to make the ideal setting for luxurious living and entertaining.

Marble House was built between 1888 and 1892 for William Kissam Vanderbilt as a 39th birthday present for his wife, Alva. It was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces.

City of Newport residents receive free admission to the Newport Mansions year-round by presenting proof of residence.

ABOUT NEWPORT MANSIONS | THE PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF NEWPORT COUNTY

The Preservation Society of Newport County is Rhode Island's largest cultural organization, protecting, preserving and presenting the best of Newport County's architectural heritage. As a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Preservation Society's 11 historic properties – seven of them National Historic Landmarks – span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development from the Colonial era to the Gilded Age. 

Through its historic properties, educational programs and related activities, the Preservation Society engages the public in the story of America’s vibrant cultural heritage. Today, these "Newport Mansions" are an integral part of the living fabric of the city in which they stand.

For more information, please visit NewportMansions.org.