is an iconic Gilded Age mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II between 1893 and 1895, it is a masterpiece of American Renaissance architecture and one of the largest private homes in the United States.
History
Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a wealthy railroad magnate, commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design . Inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces, Hunt created a grand estate that reflected the Vanderbilts’ wealth and status. The mansion was built by over 400 artisans and cost approximately $12 million (equivalent to over $350 million today).
was the summer residence of the Vanderbilt family for over 40 years. During this time, it hosted lavish parties and entertained guests from all over the world. The mansion was also a witness to significant historical events, including the signing of the Portsmouth Peace Treaty in 1905.
In 1948, the Vanderbilts gifted to the Preservation Society of Newport County. The mansion was opened to the public in 1949 and has since become one of Newport’s most popular tourist attractions.
Architecture and Design
is a remarkably well-preserved example of American Renaissance architecture. Its facade is made of granite and limestone, while the interiors are adorned with elaborate carvings, murals, and tapestries. The mansion features 70 rooms, including 39 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, and a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests.
is also known for its extensive gardens and grounds. The formal gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, include terraces, fountains, and a rose garden. The estate also has a carriage house, a stable, and a greenhouse.
Today
is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the mansion’s opulent interiors, marvel at its architectural details, and learn about the history of the Vanderbilt family. The estate also hosts special events, weddings, and corporate functions.
Tours and Admission
Guided tours of are available daily. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including general admission tours, guided tours, and private tours. Admission prices vary depending on the type of tour.
| Tour Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $35 |
| Guided Tour | $45 |
| Private Tour | $250 |
is located at 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. The mansion is open to the public from March through December.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the cost of a guided tour of ?
A: $45
Q: Is photography allowed inside ?
A: Yes, photography is allowed for personal use only.
Q: How many bedrooms does have?
A: 39
Q: Who designed ?
A: Richard Morris Hunt
Q: What year was built?
A: 1895
References
The Gilded Age: A Summary
The Gilded Age was a period in American history from the 1870s to the early 20th century characterized by:
- Rapid Industrialization: Factories and railroads boomed, creating immense wealth for industrialists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.
- Social Inequality: This economic growth led to a stark divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class.
- Political Corruption: Political machines controlled cities, and bribery and graft were rampant.
- Cultural Changes: The rise of mass media, such as newspapers and magazines, shaped public opinion and reflected the era’s social and economic disparities.
- Social Reforms: Despite the corruption, the era saw the emergence of social reformers, such as Jane Addams, who fought for labor rights and improved living conditions for the poor.
United States
The United States of America, commonly referred to as the U.S. or America, is a country in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major self-governing territories, and various dependencies. The country is bordered by Canada to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. With an area of approximately 3.8 million square miles, the U.S. is the world’s third- or fourth-largest country by total area. It is the most populous country in the Americas, with over 330 million people. The capital is Washington, D.C., and the most populous city is New York City.
Cornelius Vanderbilt
Cornelius Vanderbilt was a prominent American businessman and philanthropist born in 1794.
Known as the "Commodore," he established a transportation empire that included railroads, shipping, and ferry operations. Vanderbilt’s shrewd investments and ruthless business tactics made him one of the wealthiest and most powerful men of his time.
Vanderbilt played a significant role in the development of the United States’ transportation infrastructure, particularly through his ownership of the New York Central Railroad. He also established several philanthropic institutions, including Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Vanderbilt Family
The Vanderbilt family is a prominent American family that rose to prominence in the 19th century through their success in shipping and railroads.
Cornelius Vanderbilt, the patriarch of the family, started out as a ferry operator and eventually built a vast shipping empire. He also invested heavily in railroads, making the Vanderbilts one of the wealthiest families in the United States. His son, William Henry Vanderbilt, continued to expand the family’s fortune, investing in railroads, real estate, and banking.
The Vanderbilts were known for their lavish lifestyle and philanthropy. They built several grand mansions in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island, which became symbols of their wealth and status. The family also supported numerous charitable causes, including the founding of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Over time, the Vanderbilt family divided into several branches, each with its own wealth and interests. Today, the Vanderbilt name remains associated with wealth, power, and philanthropy in the United States.
Opulent Mansions: A Realm of Luxury and Extravagance
Opulent mansions are architectural masterpieces that epitomize wealth and grandeur. These lavish abodes offer a glimpse into a world of unparalleled luxury and extravagance.
Owners of opulent mansions enjoy exclusive amenities, including vast living spaces, sprawling grounds, and private facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and home theaters. Interiors are meticulously designed, adorned with bespoke furniture, exquisite artwork, and opulent fabrics.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, opulent mansions serve as symbols of status and power. They often house wealthy individuals, celebrities, and business tycoons who desire the utmost in privacy, security, and exclusivity. These palatial residences are not merely homes but statement pieces that reflect the boundless aspirations of their owners.
Newport Mansions
Newport, Rhode Island, is renowned for its opulent Gilded Age mansions. These architectural marvels showcase the wealth and extravagance of America’s elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Notable mansions include:
- : The largest and most lavish of the mansions, built for the Vanderbilt family.
- Marble House: Constructed for William K. Vanderbilt, this palace-like mansion features a grand staircase and exquisite marble sculptures.
- Rosecliff: Known for its picturesque gardens and "Venetian Gothic" style, Rosecliff was once the summer home of the Newport Social Register.
- The Elms: A sprawling estate with a formal garden, stables, and a casino building.
- Chateau-sur-Mer: Built in the Norman castle style, Chateau-sur-Mer features medieval-inspired turrets and a moat.
Today, these mansions serve as museums, providing visitors with a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the American upper class during the Gilded Age.
Gilded Age Architecture
During the Gilded Age (1870-1900), American architecture flourished, influenced by European styles. Architects sought grandeur, opulence, and eclecticism. Key features included:
- Elaborate ornamentation: Richly decorated facades with intricate carvings, moldings, and gilding.
- Neoclassical Revival: Inspired by Greek and Roman architecture, featuring columns, pediments, and symmetrical designs.
- Gothic Revival: Incorporating elements of medieval Gothic architecture, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and stained glass windows.
- Queen Anne Style: A mix of styles, characterized by asymmetrical facades, steeply pitched roofs, and decorative turrets.
- Romanesque Revival: Inspired by Romanesque churches, featuring round arches, thick walls, and heavy columns.
- Chateauesque Style: Resembling French Renaissance castles, with elaborate towers, steep roofs, and intricate stonework.
Gilded Age Estates
During the Gilded Age, wealthy industrialists and financiers constructed opulent country houses to showcase their vast wealth and escape the crowded cities. These estates featured elaborate architecture, landscaped gardens, and luxurious amenities, embodying the extravagance of the era.
The Vanderbilt family’s Biltmore, located in Asheville, North Carolina, was the largest private home in the United States with 250 rooms and over 4 acres of floor space. Other notable estates included the Duke family’s Rough Point in Newport, Rhode Island, the Rockefeller family’s Kykuit in Tarrytown, New York, and the Morgan family’s Oheka Castle in Huntington, New York.
These estates served as social hubs and symbols of status, with lavish parties and gatherings hosted to entertain guests and display the owners’ wealth. Today, many of these Gilded Age estates are preserved as museums or historic sites, offering a glimpse into the opulence and excess of this bygone era.
Cornelius Vanderbilt II
Cornelius Vanderbilt II was an American businessman and philanthropist. He inherited his father’s railroad empire and expanded it into the largest in the world. He also acquired several steamship lines and built the Grand Central Depot in New York City. Vanderbilt was a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to hospitals, schools, and churches. He was also a skilled sailor and yacht enthusiast.
Alva Vanderbilt Belmont
Alva Vanderbilt Belmont (1853-1933), heiress to the vast Vanderbilt fortune, was an influential suffragette and patron of the arts.
Activism and Suffrage:
Belmont was a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement. She founded the Political Equality League and the National Women’s Party, both dedicated to securing women’s right to vote. Her wealth and social status gave her access to powerful individuals and enabled her to lobby for legislative change.
Patronage of the Arts:
Belmont was also a passionate patron of the arts. She established the Marmor House in Newport, Rhode Island, which became a renowned center for artistic and social events. She supported numerous artists and institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
Legacy:
Belmont’s contributions to the suffrage movement and the arts left a lasting impact on American society. Her advocacy for women’s rights helped pave the way for the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Her patronage of the arts enriched the cultural landscape of the United States.
Vanderbilt Family History
The Vanderbilt family rose to prominence in the 19th century as a result of their successful business ventures, notably in shipping and railroads. Here is a summary of their history:
Early Years:
- The Vanderbilt family emigrated from the Netherlands to Staten Island in the 1650s.
- Cornelius Vanderbilt I (1794-1877) started his career by operating small boats around New York Harbor.
Steamship Era:
- Vanderbilt expanded his shipping business, eventually becoming known as the "Commodore."
- He revolutionized transportation by establishing a steamship line between New York and Europe.
Railroad Expansion:
- Vanderbilt’s son, William Henry Vanderbilt (1821-1885), shifted the family’s focus to railroads.
- He acquired several rail lines, including the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.
Gilded Age Wealth:
- The Vanderbilts became one of the wealthiest families in the United States during the Gilded Age.
- They built lavish mansions and patronized the arts, leaving a lasting mark on American society.
Later Generations:
- The family continued to play a role in business and philanthropy throughout the 20th century.
- Cornelius Vanderbilt III (1843-1899) was a prominent philanthropist and founded Vanderbilt University.
- Gloria Vanderbilt (1924-2019) became a fashion icon and designer.
Gilded Age Newport
During the Gilded Age (1870s-1890s), Newport, Rhode Island, became a prominent summer destination for wealthy families. Its beautiful shoreline and large estates made it a symbol of the era’s opulence and excess.
The Vanderbilts, Astors, and other prominent families built grand "summer cottages" in Newport, sparking a building boom that transformed the city. These mansions, such as and Marble House, were marvels of architectural design, featuring elegant interiors, elaborate gardens, and breathtaking ocean views.
Newport also became a social epicenter, hosting lavish balls, parties, and regattas. High society flocked to the city to see and be seen, engaging in a whirlwind of social events and showcasing their wealth and status. The Gilded Age in Newport was a time of extravagance and grandeur, leaving a lasting legacy on the city’s architecture, social culture, and tourism industry.
Breakers Mansion Tour Summary
Mansion, a Gilded Age palace in Newport, Rhode Island, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family.
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Architectural Grandeur: Admire the mansion’s impressive exterior, inspired by the chateaus of France. Explore its lavish interiors adorned with intricate woodwork, soaring ceilings, and grand staircases.
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Exquisite Art and Decor: Discover a vast collection of furniture, paintings, tapestries, and decorative objects from around the world. Each room showcases the refined taste and era-defining style of the Vanderbilts.
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Personal Insights: Learn about the family members who resided in the mansion through captivating stories and personal artifacts. Gain a deeper understanding of their daily lives, relationships, and aspirations.
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Historical Context: serves as a testament to the Gilded Age’s economic boom and social transformation. Its construction and opulent furnishings reflect the wealth and extravagance that characterized the era.
The Vanderbilts in Newport
The Vanderbilts were a prominent American family of the Gilded Age with a strong presence in Newport, Rhode Island.
The family’s patriarch, Cornelius Vanderbilt, made his fortune in the shipping industry and became known as the "Commodore." His son, William Henry Vanderbilt, expanded the family’s wealth through railroads and real estate.
In the late 1800s, the Vanderbilts established themselves in Newport as the epitome of wealth and extravagance. They built grand "summer cottages" along Bellevue Avenue, including:
- , built by William Henry Vanderbilt II
- Marble House, built by Alva Belmont
- The Elms, built by Edward J. Berwind and later owned by the Vanderbilt family
- Rosecliff, built by Hermann Oelrichs and later owned by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
These mansions were showcases of architectural opulence, filled with valuable art and furnishings. The Vanderbilts hosted lavish parties and became synonymous with the Newport social scene.
The family’s influence on Newport lasted beyond the Gilded Age. Their mansions remain popular tourist attractions and serve as a testament to the wealth and excess of that era.
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