Rosecliff
Built 1902
Rosecliff is best known today for its world-class exhibitions, which fill the second floor with vibrant, ever-changing displays of art, design and culture. While its heart-shaped staircase and grand ballroom recall its Gilded Age past, the house is now lightly furnished to allow for frequent private events—letting the exhibitions and architecture take center stage. Its cinematic beauty has also made it a favorite film location, featured in more than a dozen movies, including "The Great Gatsby" and "True Lies."
Things to Do
Rosecliff Audio Tour
Daily
opening hours
As you explore this elegant Gilded Age mansion, you’ll hear stories about its owner, Tessie Oelrichs, who was so eager to throw her first party at Rosecliff that she did not wait until the house was finished! You’ll learn how Rosecliff was perfectly designed for entertaining – and how the famous Ballroom, the largest in Newport, was once used as a roller skating rink.
History
With its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport, this elegant mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean recalls lost Gilded Age summers filled with extravagant parties like the one featured in 1974’s "The Great Gatsby," which included several scenes filmed at Rosecliff.
Learn more about Rosecliff
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Original Builder
Theresa Fair Oelrichs
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Construction Dates
1899-1902
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Ownership transferred to the Preservation Society
1971
Upcoming Events
Richard Morris Hunt:
In a New Light
May 30 – November 2, 2025
This exhibition examines the mind, ambition and legacy of America’s Dean of Architecture, who shaped Gilded Age America not only through the buildings he created – including The Breakers and Marble House – but also through his ideas.
Members-Only Curator-Led Tour of “Richard Morris Hunt: In a New Light”
September 16, 2025
10:00am – 11:00am
Learn about our latest exhibition spotlighting the great Gilded Age architect with a guided tour led by one of the primary collaborators on the exhibition.
SOLD OUT
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 18 – 21, 2025
Three days of fun and educational seminars, tastings, dinners and the fan-favorite Sunday Brunch await you at Rosecliff! Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase tickets before they become available to the general public. Individual events are also listed below.
Seminar 1: Boutique Wineries from Around the World
September 19, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Embark on a global journey of flavor showcasing selections from boutique wineries around the world.
Seminar 2: The Art of Charcuterie
September 19, 2025
11:30am – 12:30pm
Indulge in the art of charcuterie with a hands-on tasting experience featuring premium meats and cheeses from D’Artagnan.
Seminar 3: Savor the Wines of Spain
September 19, 2025
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Savor the bold, vibrant flavors of Spanish wines, infused with the country’s signature flair and passion.
Seminar 4: Marky’s Caviar Tasting: Luxe Bites, Expert Insights
September 19, 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Delight in world-class caviar gracefully paired with the effervescence of Britain’s finest sparkling wine.
Seminar 5: From Bubbles to Bordeaux: A Journey Through France, Italy & California
September 19, 2025
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Explore the art and elegance of bubbles and Bordeaux varietals from the iconic regions of France, Italy and California.
Seminar 17: A Pinot Noir Grand Tour
September 19, 2025
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Take a captivating journey through the world of Pinot Noir, exploring its signature elegance and diverse expressions from renowned regions.
Seminar 7: Concha Y Toro from Vineyard to Block: The Art of Precision Terroir in Chilean Winemaking
September 19, 2025
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Discover how Chile’s most iconic terroirs reveal their truest expression from the country’s largest and most innovative estate grower.
Seminar 8: A Voyage Through Whalers Brews
September 19, 2025
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Embark on a flavorful voyage with Whalers Brewing Company, where every glass is a new adventure.
Seminar 9: Rum Decoded: Understanding Styles and GI Authenticity
September 19, 2025
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Unlock the complexities of rum with this expert-led tasting, showcasing what defines authenticity.
The Vintner Dinner: A Chef Collaboration Hosted by Marcus Samuelsson
September 19, 2025
7:00pm
Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson leads a stellar lineup of chefs to create an unforgettable menu thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines.
Seminar 10: A Taste of Valpolicella: Buglioni Organic Vineyards
September 20, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Journey to the heart of Italy’s Veneto region with this tasting of wines from Buglioni Organic Vineyards.
Seminar 11: The Legacy of Hardy: An Exclusive Cognac Journey
September 20, 2025
11:30am – 12:30pm
This seminar offers a deep dive into the history and heritage of Cognac, followed by an intimate tasting of Hardy’s rare and exceptional eaux-de-vies.
Seminar 12: Wild & Foraged: A Culinary Journey
September 20, 2025
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Discover the rich flavors of nature’s bounty gathered through the art of ethical foraging, paired with wines that enhance their natural essence.
Seminar 13: Basil Hayden Bourbon Tasting
September 20, 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Experience the smooth, rich flavors and subtle spice that make this bourbon a standout.
Seminar 14: Alma Del Jaguar Tequila: Drink Boldly, Protect Wildly
September 20, 2025
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Dive into the bold and distinct flavors of this exceptional tequila, every bottle of which supports protecting the wild jaguars of Mexico.
Seminar 15: A Tale of Two French Treasures: Delamain Cognac & Armagnac Larressingle
September 20, 2025
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Enjoy a spirited tasting adventure as we dive into two of France’s finest brandies, each with its own story, style and unforgettable flavor.
Seminar 16: Tour the Wines of Portugal
September 20, 2025
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Embark on a flavorful journey through Portugal’s diverse wine regions, showcasing the country’s unique grapes, rich traditions and bold styles.
Seminar 6: Armagnac: The Last Great Undiscovered Spirit
September 20, 2025
3:30pm – 4:30pm
BHAKTA Spirits, brought to you by Raj Peter Bhakta — also the founder of WhistlePig — is the owner of the oldest, rarest and most exquisite single-vintage spirits across Armagnac, whiskey, rum and beyond.
In Conversation with Chef Marcus Samuelsson
September 20, 2025
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Chef Samuelsson will share stories from his remarkable culinary journey and discuss his distinctive approach to flavor and culture, as you enjoy a delicious tasting plate and wine pairing.
Savor & Swing: A Chef-Paired Jazz Buffet Brunch
September 21, 2025
10:00am – 12:00pm
Indulge in a delicious brunch buffet curated by regional chefs while wine pours and music from a jazz quartet fills the elegant ballroom.
SOLD OUT
Seminar 18: Joseph Phelps Master Class
September 21, 2025
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Explore the depth and elegance of wines from this groundbreaking Napa Valley estate.
Seminar 19: Big Beautiful Reds
September 21, 2025
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Bold, rich and full-bodied — these reds are here to make a statement.
Seminar 20: Sip Happens: Discover the Wines of the Finger Lakes
September 21, 2025
2:00pm – 3:00pm
This tasting showcases the unique terroir and rising stars of one of America’s most exciting wine destinations.
Seminar 21: Rhone Valley Vineyards
September 21, 2025
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Discover the diversity, history and charm of one of the world’s great wine regions.
Seminar 22: Provence Rosé Seminar
September 21, 2025
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Join this delightful journey through Provence as you taste and explore iconic rosés.
Seminar 23: My Greatest Picks
September 21, 2025
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Festival Wine Director Matthew MacCartney shares his top five favorite wine selections of the weekend, handpicked for their character, quality and story.
The Newport Flower Show: “Pearls of Newport”
June 19 – 21, 2026
"Pearls of Newport" is the perfect theme for the 30th anniversary Newport Flower Show, celebrating the city's coastal identity and maritime history.
More Mansions and Gardens
The Breakers
Last admission one hour before closing time Open dailyAs part of your tour, the Children's Cottage will be open daily through Labor Day.
The Elms
Last admission one hour before closing time Open daily February 15 - November 2and November 22 - January 1, 2026
Chateau-sur-Mer
Last admission one hour before closing time Open daily April 1 - September 1
Chepstow
Open Fridays & Saturdays, June 6 - August 30Guide-led tours, advance timed tickets required.
Tours offered six times daily: 9:30 am., 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm.
Green Animals Topiary Garden
Last admission one hour before closing time Open daily May 10 - September 1Open weekends September 2-30 plus Labor Day
Hunter House
Open Sunday & Mondays, June 1 - September 1Guide-led tours, advance timed tickets required.
Tours offered six times daily: 9:30 am., 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm & 3:30 pm.
