Lifting the Curtain: Behind the Scenes of Museum Work
With 11 historic properties under our care, the team at the Preservation Society is always at work on something. But much of this work is never seen by the public – until now.
This winter and spring, we are offering small, intimate programs and tours to give visitors the opportunity to learn about ongoing research and projects, gain insights into our collections, and speak directly with our curatorial, conservation and research staff.
Behind the Boiserie: An Intimate Exploration of the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers
April 9, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Tickets from $20 to $25
Follow the history and conservation research on the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers, a highly significant but often overlooked space.
Buy Tickets
Iconic Wardrobe of “The Great Gatsby”
April 10, 2025
11:00am – 12:15pm
SOLD OUT
Get an exclusive close-up look at two of the costumes worn in the 1974 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," guided by our textile conservator and one of our research fellows.
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
April 18, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
SOLD OUT
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
April 25, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
SOLD OUT
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
More Tours, Events & Exhibitions
Beneath The Breakers Tour
Daily
10:00am
Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.
Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour
Daily
12 pm and 2 pm
For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours.
Servant Life Tour
Daily
10 am and 2 pm
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.
Behind the Boiserie: An Intimate Exploration of the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers
April 9, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Follow the history and conservation research on the Ladies Reception Room at The Breakers, a highly significant but often overlooked space.
Iconic Wardrobe of “The Great Gatsby”
April 10, 2025
11:00am – 12:15pm
Get an exclusive close-up look at two of the costumes worn in the 1974 film adaptation of "The Great Gatsby," guided by our textile conservator and one of our research fellows.
SOLD OUT
Conserving The Breakers: Exploring the Furniture of A.H. Davenport
April 18, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
Learn about the ongoing research into and conservation of the furniture on the third floor of The Breakers, which opened to the public for the first time last year.
SOLD OUT
French Inspiration and American Ambition: The Architectural Practice of Richard Morris Hunt at Marble House
April 25, 2025
11:00am – 12:00pm
The guided tour of Marble House will illuminate the French influences that architect Richard Morris Hunt incorporated throughout the mansion.
SOLD OUT
Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour
May 2 – June 27, 2025
Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where Julian Fellowes' historical drama series was filmed. Fridays only, May 2 through June 27.
Prepping Your Flower Beds
May 3, 2025
10:00am – 11:00am
Learn tips and tricks from the Preservation Society's Director of Gardens & Landscapes to help you prepare your garden beds for a successful growing season.
Iconic Trees of Newport II
May 8, 2025
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Learn about Newport’s landscape history, the threat posed by beech leaf disease and planting strategies for the future. This educational forum is a collaborative effort among The Preservation Society of Newport County, Bartlett Tree Experts, the City of Newport, Salve Regina University, Aquidneck Land Trust and The Newport Tree Conservancy.
Tree Walk at Marble House
May 17, 2025
10:00am – 11:00am
Join Jeff Curtis, Director of Gardens & Landscapes, for a guided tour of the specimen trees on the Marble House grounds.
Girl Scout Badge Day at Green Animals
May 17, 2025
10:30am – 12:00pm
Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadets will get a chance to explore Green Animals Topiary Garden and earn a badge by completing activities. Presented in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England.
The Newport Flower Show: “A Floral Fair”
June 20 – 22, 2025
Themed “A Floral Fair,” the 29th annual Show will combine the elegance of a Gilded Age fête with the good cheer of a summer county fair.
Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
September 19 – 21, 2025
Thank you to all of our sponsors, guests and volunteers for another successful Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. See you next year for the 20th annual festival, September 19-21, 2025, at Rosecliff. Become a Preservation Society member and receive early access to purchase 2025 tickets before they become available to the general public.
