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The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad, which was a pivotal development in the industrial growth of the nation during the late 19th century. The Commodore's grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, became Chairman and President of the New York Central Railroad system in 1885, and purchased a wooden house called The Breakers in Newport during that same year. In 1893, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a villa to replace the earlier wood-framed house which was destroyed by fire the previous year. Hunt directed an international team of craftsmen and artisans to create a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. Allard and Sons of Paris assisted Hunt with furnishings and fixtures, Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter designed relief sculpture, and Boston architect Ogden Codman decorated the family quarters.
The Vanderbilts had seven children. Their youngest daughter, Gladys, who married Count Laszlo Szechenyi of Hungary, inherited the house on her mother's death in 1934. An ardent supporter of The Preservation Society of Newport County, she opened The Breakers in 1948 to raise funds for the Society. In 1972, the Preservation Society purchased the house from her heirs. Today, the house is designated a National Historic Landmark.
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A Musical Evening at The Breakers--Saturday, February 17Saturday, February 17
5 pm to 7 pm
Enjoy a rare winter evening tour of The Breakers set to the music of live choral entertainment. You'll be serenaded with selections by the Bridgewater State College Alumni Chamber Choir and African Drumming Ensemble as you stroll through this casual open house. Light refreshments will be served.
Enjoy advance ticket savings....adult tickets just $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Preservation Society members $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
All tickets are non-refundable. 
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Broadway at The Breakers-Saturday, February 24Saturday, February 24
5 pm to 7 pm
Enjoy the greatest Broadway show tunes as you take a self-guided tour at this casual evening open house. You'll be serenaded during your tour with live choral and solo entertainment by Cabaret Elegance, a theatrical chorus. Light refreshments will be served.
Enjoy advance ticket savings...adult tickets just $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Preservation Society members $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
All tickets are non-refundable.
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Newport Mansions ExperienceThe Newport Mansions Experience ticket provides admission to any 5 houses of your choice, excluding Hunter House.
Choose from The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff, Green Animals, Kingscote, Chepstow and Isaac Bell House.
Some properties are open seasonally. Please check operating schedule for availability.
All tickets are non-refundable.
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The BreakersAdmission to The Breakers only.
The Breakers is open daily year-round (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day). During the winter season, from January 2 through mid-April, tours are offered hourly on the hour, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Please check operating schedule for further details.
All tickets are non-refundable.
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The Breakers PlusThis ticket provides admission to The Breakers and one other Preservation Society property of your choice, excluding Hunter House.
From January 2 through mid-April, The Breakers is open daily; Rosecliff and Marble House are open weekends and holidays; both will also be open daily February 19-23 (Newport Winter Festival). Please note Rosecliff will be closed on February 10. Tours of The Breakers and Rosecliff are offered hourly on the hour. Marble House self-guided audio tours available continuously. Operating hours at all 3 houses 10 am to 4 pm.
Please check our operating schedule for further details.
All tickets are non-refundable.
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Winter PassportVisit the three houses open for the winter season, from January 2 through mid-April.
The Breakers is open daily, with tours offered hourly on the hour.
Rosecliff and Marble House are open weekends and holidays only, and also daily during Newport Winter Festival Week February 19-23. Please note however that Rosecliff will be closed on February 10 for a special event.
Rosecliff tours offered hourly on the hour. Marble House self-guided audio tours available continuously. Operating hours for all houses 10 am to 4 pm.
All tickets are non-refundable.
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