The Breakers
Rhode Island
The Breakers is a monumental Gilded Age mansion situated on the cliffs overlooking Easton Bay in Newport, Rhode Island. Constructed between 1893 and 1895 as the summer residence of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, it exemplifies Renaissance Revival architecture designed by Richard Morris Hunt. The mansion boasts 70 rooms across five floors, covering 62,482 square feet of living space, and features interiors decorated by Jules Allard and Sons and Ogden Codman Jr. Its exterior is defined by imposing baroque wrought iron gates and a limestone-and-iron fence enclosing the 14-acre estate. The Breakers is renowned for its fireproof construction using masonry and steel trusses, rare imported marbles, exotic woods, mosaics, and architectural elements sourced from French chateaux. As the largest and most opulent house in Newport upon completion, it symbolizes the wealth and social prominence of the Vanderbilt family during America's Gilded Age. Today, it is preserved as a museum by the Newport Preservation Society and welcomes visitors year-round to explore its lavish rooms and scenic oceanfront grounds.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance, especially during peak summer months, to avoid long waits. The mansion is open year-round, but spring through early fall offers the best weather and views. Guided tours provide rich historical context and enhance the experience. Discounts are available for seniors, students, and groups. Comfortable footwear is recommended as the estate spans 14 acres with extensive grounds to explore.
Faits intéressants
- •The Breakers contains 70 rooms and covers over 62,000 square feet of living space.
- •Its construction used fireproof masonry and steel trusses, with no wooden parts to prevent fire damage.
- •The mansion features imported marble from Italy and Africa, and architectural elements from French chateaux.
- •It was the largest and most opulent house in Newport upon its completion in 1895.
- •During World War II, The Breakers was used as an air raid shelter known as "Newport No. 1 air raid shelter".
Histoire
The Breakers estate was purchased by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1885 after the previous mansion burned down in 1892.
Vanderbilt commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a fireproof summer home, completed in 1895.
Following Cornelius's death in 1899, his widow Alice Vanderbilt maintained the property until her death in 1934, after which it passed to their daughter Gladys Vanderbilt Széchenyi.
During World War II, the mansion served as an air raid shelter.
The Breakers was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994 and remains a key example of Gilded Age architecture and society.
Guide du lieu
Grand Hall1895
The imposing entrance hall features a soaring double staircase, marble floors, and ornate ceilings, showcasing the mansion's Renaissance Revival style and grandeur.
Library1895
Furnished with a mantelpiece imported from a French chateau, the library contains rare books and exquisite woodwork designed by Ogden Codman Jr.
Dining Room1895
Lavishly decorated with marble and mosaics, the dining room was designed for grand entertaining and social gatherings during the Gilded Age.
Gardens and Grounds
The 14-acre estate includes formal gardens, oceanfront cliffs, and baroque wrought iron gates marking the entrance, offering stunning views of Easton Bay.
Contact
Téléphone: (401) 847-6544
