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Super fancy and just what you would expect from one of these Newport mansion! While it wasn't my favorite, what WAS very high on my list for the day was the tea house and dining there. So very fancy and man, what a view! Make a reservation during busier months for sure. We were lucky to walk in and get seated but it was mid-June and we felt both surprised and incredibly lucky!
I chose Marble House as my first mansion to tour on our most recent visit to Newport. On the Cliff Walk, you pass by all these historic mansions from the Gilded Age and my interest was piqued. Vanderbilt lore and how beautiful the house looked from the water and on the Cliff Walk path were why I went with Marble House. I bought tickets online from newportmansions.org and was able to print out my QR code at the hotel where we were staying. When you're on the website, you'll have different options. You can go to The Breakers and then add one (or more) of the other properties. With our timing, I bought the ticket where you can visit just one of the mansions. You can download the self-guided audio tour ahead of time (I recommend doing this). It app has a lot of content to select based on your interests - more history, more about the architecture, etc. I enjoyed listening to it even after our actual visit. Highlights for me were the Gothic Room, the Mrs. Vanderbilt's bedroom, and the kitchen. There's a gift shop inside with lots of Marble House, Breaker, and Newport items for gifts, etc. Also, don't forget to go out on the green and check out the Tea House.
The hydrangeas at Marble House during the summer! Make your plans now. The flowers are gorgeous. A memory you and your loved ones will definitely cherish forever!
The first of the Newport Mansions I've visited was The Breakers. I had such a great time exploring the mansion that I couldn't wait to see another Newport Mansion. I purchased single property tickets for my friend and I in advance online. They were $25.00 plus a processing fee each. On the day of, we arrived early and had no problem finding parking in the lot across from Marble House. After the staff scanned our tickets, we grabbed a handout with great information about each of the rooms. The handout is also available in different languages. The handout is our self-guided tour throughout the house. William Vanderbilt built Marble House as a 39th birthday present for his wife, Alva, between 1888 and 1892. How can I get such an extravagant birthday present? It is a beautiful mansion. My friend and I had a great time touring the Marble House and checking out each room. It is smaller than The Breakers, but still beautiful and elegant.
Beautiful house with the tour being a two for one experience. friendly staff You can either use the guided app or guide pack when you first walk in, that is also offered in MANY languages, to provide you with the history, background and facts of each room If you're a fan of the Gilded Age on HBO- make this stop on your list. They have a gift shop included at the end and don't forget to make your way to the backyard to see the ocean views and visit the Tea House!!!
Visited the Marble House in Newport and wow absolutely stunning! My friend and I went in the morning, which was perfect. We found parking easily and beat the crowds, so we got to take our time and really take in all the beautiful details. This is a self guided tour, You can choose between an audio tour or you review the pamphlet for a more interactive experience that walks you through the history. Highly recommend if you're into architecture, history, or just want a peaceful, scenic experience!
We went in October after the tourist two season. But still it was packed. I cannot imagine how busy it is doing this summer. This mansion is also built by the Vanderbilt. For Alba Vanderbilt. I was very touched to find out the Al was a founder of the women's movement. You must tour the Chinese teahouse outside after. I'm grateful that I'm able to vote because of her work. The mansion is beautiful and impeccably designed , a great glimpse of how the rich lived in the summer and this summer cottage. You can download the app and to a self guided tour. There's also written guide that you could read through while you walk.
Absolutely stunning house that's worth a visit while in Newport. I went around Christmas and none of the houses were crowded but in the summer there's typically a wait. *Free parking *The Chinese Tea House sometimes has afternoon tea but check the schedule.
So fun to visit during the Christmas holiday season. They had ornately decorated trees in most of the rooms, including the bedrooms! Provides an interesting peak into the opulent living quarters of the wealthy during the "Gilded Age". Our friends had a yearly membership that allowed us to get into all the mansions free. We weren't able to get tea in the tea house because it was booked in advance. So you definitely need reservations for tea!
Breathtaking experience... every Newports mansion is absolutely magnificent and worth to experience Speechless
This was a great time with my girlfriend. We were able to learn about the history of Newport, enjoy intricate architecture and look out at the beautiful waterfront views
If you have time to tour multiple mansions while visiting Newport, be sure to include Marble House on your itinerary. While not quite as grand as The Breakers, Marble House definitely displays opulence and is quite impressive. We enjoyed it just as much as Breakers. After spending about an hour walking throughout the inside rooms, we headed over to the Tea House for some treats! Not only does the Tea House serve yummy treats, but it's situated directly on the water so you can enjoy the lovely view while you indulge. Note that you can buy tickets for the mansions online in advance of arrival. I recommend this as you can walk right inside and skip the line if you already have tickets.
This was the first "house" we were able to visit. It was incredible! Every single detail was amazing, from the door handles and hinges to the fabric covered walls and window treatments. I loved all of it! I love interior design and architecture so this was a dream to get to see up close!
21st September 2026 Bellevue Newport RI Cloudy 65°F Marble House was gifted to Alva Vanderbilt by her husband, William on her 39th birthday. Tremendous amount of imported marble, gold, carved mahogany wood paneled fixtures, walls. The construction took a few years. The HBO series GILDED AGE was filmed here, and if not, some of the mansion features were of influence. Definitely worth a tour of the cottages in Newport. read more
My second favorite mansion. Mrs Vanderbilt's lavender room is probably my favorite of all rooms at all of the mansions. It's just lovely and they also did some filming for the gilded age here. The dining room is fantastic as well, and the whole house is wonderful to stop at and visit. The copper in the kitchens is some of my fave, and the tea house out back has been on my bucket list for almost 20 years. At some point I'll make it out there for tea! read more
Super fancy and just what you would expect from one of these Newport mansion! While it wasn't my favorite, what WAS very high on my list for the day was the tea house and dining there. So very fancy and man, what a view! Make a reservation during busier months for sure. We were lucky to walk in and get seated but it was mid-June and we felt both surprised and incredibly lucky! read more
1 year ago
I chose Marble House as my first mansion to tour on our most recent visit to Newport. On the Cliff Walk, you pass by all these historic mansions from the Gilded Age and my interest was piqued. Vanderbilt lore and how beautiful the house looked from the water and on the Cliff Walk path were why I went with Marble House. I bought tickets online from newportmansions.org and was able to print out my QR code at the hotel where we were staying. When you're on the website, you'll have different options. You can go to The Breakers and then add one (or more) of the other properties. With our timing, I bought the ticket where you can visit just one of the mansions. You can download the self-guided audio tour ahead of time (I recommend doing this). It app has a lot of content to select based on your interests - more history, more about the architecture, etc. I enjoyed listening to it even after our actual visit. Highlights for me were the Gothic Room, the Mrs. Vanderbilt's bedroom, and the kitchen. There's a gift shop inside with lots of Marble House, Breaker, and Newport items for gifts, etc. Also, don't forget to go out on the green and check out the Tea House. read more
5 months ago
The hydrangeas at Marble House during the summer! Make your plans now. The flowers are gorgeous. A memory you and your loved ones will definitely cherish forever! read more
1 year ago
The first of the Newport Mansions I've visited was The Breakers. I had such a great time exploring the mansion that I couldn't wait to see another Newport Mansion. I purchased single property tickets for my friend and I in advance online. They were $25.00 plus a processing fee each. On the day of, we arrived early and had no problem finding parking in the lot across from Marble House. After the staff scanned our tickets, we grabbed a handout with great information about each of the rooms. The handout is also available in different languages. The handout is our self-guided tour throughout the house. William Vanderbilt built Marble House as a 39th birthday present for his wife, Alva, between 1888 and 1892. How can I get such an extravagant birthday present? It is a beautiful mansion. My friend and I had a great time touring the Marble House and checking out each room. It is smaller than The Breakers, but still beautiful and elegant. read more
Beautiful house with the tour being a two for one experience. friendly staff You can either use the guided app or guide pack when you first walk in, that is also offered in MANY languages, to provide you with the history, background and facts of each room If you're a fan of the Gilded Age on HBO- make this stop on your list. They have a gift shop included at the end and don't forget to make your way to the backyard to see the ocean views and visit the Tea House!!! read more
Visited the Marble House in Newport and wow absolutely stunning! My friend and I went in the morning, which was perfect. We found parking easily and beat the crowds, so we got to take our time and really take in all the beautiful details. This is a self guided tour, You can choose between an audio tour or you review the pamphlet for a more interactive experience that walks you through the history. Highly recommend if you're into architecture, history, or just want a peaceful, scenic experience! read more
2 years ago
We went in October after the tourist two season. But still it was packed. I cannot imagine how busy it is doing this summer. This mansion is also built by the Vanderbilt. For Alba Vanderbilt. I was very touched to find out the Al was a founder of the women's movement. You must tour the Chinese teahouse outside after. I'm grateful that I'm able to vote because of her work. The mansion is beautiful and impeccably designed , a great glimpse of how the rich lived in the summer and this summer cottage. You can download the app and to a self guided tour. There's also written guide that you could read through while you walk. read more
Absolutely stunning house that's worth a visit while in Newport. I went around Christmas and none of the houses were crowded but in the summer there's typically a wait. *Free parking *The Chinese Tea House sometimes has afternoon tea but check the schedule. read more
So fun to visit during the Christmas holiday season. They had ornately decorated trees in most of the rooms, including the bedrooms! Provides an interesting peak into the opulent living quarters of the wealthy during the "Gilded Age". Our friends had a yearly membership that allowed us to get into all the mansions free. We weren't able to get tea in the tea house because it was booked in advance. So you definitely need reservations for tea! read more
2 years ago
Breathtaking experience... every Newports mansion is absolutely magnificent and worth to experience Speechless read more
1 year ago
This was a great time with my girlfriend. We were able to learn about the history of Newport, enjoy intricate architecture and look out at the beautiful waterfront views read more
3 years ago
If you have time to tour multiple mansions while visiting Newport, be sure to include Marble House on your itinerary. While not quite as grand as The Breakers, Marble House definitely displays opulence and is quite impressive. We enjoyed it just as much as Breakers. After spending about an hour walking throughout the inside rooms, we headed over to the Tea House for some treats! Not only does the Tea House serve yummy treats, but it's situated directly on the water so you can enjoy the lovely view while you indulge. Note that you can buy tickets for the mansions online in advance of arrival. I recommend this as you can walk right inside and skip the line if you already have tickets. read more
2 years ago
This was the first "house" we were able to visit. It was incredible! Every single detail was amazing, from the door handles and hinges to the fabric covered walls and window treatments. I loved all of it! I love interior design and architecture so this was a dream to get to see up close! read more
The Gilded Age. A Birthday Present. A Scandalous Divorce. Suffragette. The Marble House was the first over the top summer cottage built for the Vanderbilts during Gilded Age in Newport. The Beaux Arts mansion was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and gifted to Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt by her husband, William Vanderbilt, for her 39th birthday in 1892. The Marble House cost $11,000,000 to build from 1888 to 1892. Over 7 million was spent on 500,00 cubic feet of marble in the fifty-room mansion. The year after completion, William's older brother, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, started construction on largest of the Newport cottages, The Breakers. Three years later in 1895, Alva divorced her husband (which was uncommon at the time) due to his presumed affairs. She kept the house as it was a gift that she received during their marriage. The mansion is truly stunning. It looks a bit like the White House or the Trianon Palace at Versailles at the entry. The monogrammed doors to enter weigh a ton and a half. Both are embellished by the monogram "WV" set into an oval medallion. This opens to a two-story Stair Hall that features walls and a grand staircase made of yellow Siena marble, with a wrought iron and gilt bronze staircase railing based on models at Versailles. The 18th-century Venetian ceiling painting features mythical gods and goddesses. Walking through the mansion, you can imagine that you are at a French chateau. This is because many of the rooms are designed in the Louis XIV style. Several of the interior's marble friezes and statuary are reproductions inspired by the Palace of Versailles. In one golden room, the walls have gold gilt panels with scenes from classical mythology inspired by the Galerie d'Apollon at the Louvre. I loved the Gothic Revival-style room which was built to showcase Alva's Medieval and Renaissance collection. From bookcases to fireplace to the intricate patterns on the ceiling, there are so many interesting details. It was also unbelievable to see how many variations of marble were used in the home. Alva remarried (a friend of her ex-husband) and moved out of the home to another large summer cottage with her new husband. After his death, she moved back to the Marble House and added the Chinese Tea House along the seaside cliff walk. As an early suffragette, she hosted rallies to support women's right to vote. Parking was a challenge. The Marble House closed earlier than some of the other Newport Mansions during our visit. Check the hours. Nice to able to enter for free using our NARM reciprocity passes. Otherwise, admission is $29 or $46 for three houses. read more
The Breakers and Marble House are really beautiful; they're simply a pleasure to behold. Looking at them, it's not a lot of effort to let your imagination roam back to the turn of the 20th century and envision the totally different kinds of people who lived here. My problem with this place is how expensive it is just to stop by and take a look. Of the two, the Marble House is the most unique, so (unfortunately) is by far the most reasonably priced. Tip: For my money, spending close to forty bucks a person is too high a price just for taking a look. read more
After breakers, this is the most luxurious one IMO. Highly recommended for Newport visitors. Whole mansion is made out of marbles, marbles everywhere!!!! Has lots of historical references, and plenty of memorabilia of the Vanderbilts. There's a Chinese tea house outside the mansion facing the ocean. They serve snacks and drinks there. read more
Absolutely gorgeous Gilded Age mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. We visited the weekend before Christmas and while this was built originally as a summer cottage, the house's halls were decked out for the holidays. A gorgeous way to explore the history of the late 19th century, especially if you're a fan of the show The Gilded Age. The group sizes were smaller than when we were at The Breakers in October and it's nice to have the option to have a self-guided tour (which you can access through the Newport Mansions app, or they have printed copies if the transcript at the entrance). The tour is not handicapped accessible in many places, with lots of stairs to the kitchen at the end. The final stop is the gift shop, which is laid out in a way that makes it easier to walk through than most. Outside, the grounds were beautiful, despite it being December. It was a frigid day, so we didn't linger long. The Chinese tea house is on the far side of the property overlooking the ocean. It's worth a quick walk to see it, even if you don't dine there. Overall, I loved it and would enjoy returning to see it in another season. read more
Wow. Must visit for Newport. Can't believe they build this in 1800. The details and materials are luxurious. And bonus Chinese tea house at the back! I can spend 1 hr to check out everything throughly. But 30mins is good for regular walk thru. **No stroller allowed inside the house. Designated area for strollers outside before entering.** read more
3 years ago
PROS: this is similar to a mini breakers house. Very elegant with nice staff. Beautiful backyard with a great view of the ocean CONS: they close early and the website says you can park on the property... you cannot. You have to park across the street in a lot that's normally full OVERALL: I would definitely come back here and if you've never seen this place before it is a must-do read more
My favorite mansion so far!Of course it's beautiful and grand and designed with impeccable architecture! Parking it's right across the mansion!No one said anything about the parking and I was having a hard time finding information about that. I would really like to acknowledge Diane who was one of the guides in this mansion and had so many great stories and information for us.She told us she was working there since 1976 and she was so delightful and patient answering all of our questions!!Don't forget to stop at the gift shop where you can find a great variety of small and big treasures.My daughter got me a really cute hand fan!We are planning to visit again in the summer or fall.Please check to see if the mansions are open before you go. read more
Everything is self-guided so you can go at your pace. If you download an app and bring headphones you can listen to the tour but we did not realize so we didn't bring headphones. They also have printouts of information in all languages so you can read about each room in the house. The architecture is stunning. The history is really incredible. It's a gorgeous property with stunning views and awesome to see the tea house out back! Lots to learn about and you can take as long as you need. read more
3 years ago
It is smaller but much more elegant compared to the 3 main mansions in Newport. This is my personal favorite. Go to newportmansions.org for further information read more
3 years ago
This home was beautiful. The marble staircase was probably the most amazing things that I saw, besides the lilac bedroom. The grounds of this house were amazing as well, with a beautiful view of the water back near the tea house. I won't bother describing the inside because you have to see it to believe it. There weren't as many rooms to see here but I think it's because this house is supposedly "smaller". Can you imagine?! My third Vanderbilt mansion tour. I enjoyed. read more
2 years ago
Incredible mansion that leaves you in awe. I loved the ballroom and dining room. I will return soon again. read more
4 years ago
I'd say this is one of my favorite mansions to visit. The property is gorgeous and the grounds are so lovely! Looking forward to visiting again in December! read more
I would certainly recommend this mansion exhibit. Everyone was very nice inside. You can take an audio tour (bring your air pods), and then go at your own pace through each of the rooms. Not only is it beautiful to see the ornately decorated rooms, it's also a very interesting glimpse back into the times of the Rockefeller and other big American families, and of women's suffrage and their fight for other rights (with the family matriarch's involvement highlighted throughout the exhibits). The gift shop is lovely too, and very on theme! Check out the hats, like the suffragettes wore, and the Marble House magnets made of actual marble. read more
Welcome to my new home... if I were a lady of society at the turn of the century, or even summoned to just take out the garbage and dust every inch of this palatial (yet according to the tour a modest home by Gilded standards) this place feels like my architectural soul on display. So much detail, opulence and history. Each room thoughtfully designed even by today's standards. Some may think it gaudy but I think it's gorgeous! Make this a part of your sightseeing tour! read more
7 years ago
I'm not sure I can call this an annual tradition just yet, but I have a good feeling soon I will. I've come to New England the past two years to run the Cape Cod Marathon in Falmouth and directly following I head back to my hotel, grab a shower, pull myself together and head to Newport for mansions! cocktails and dinner :) Last year, we visited Breakers because... well I don't like easing into things I want the biggest and best right off the bat. It was so breathtakingly incredible and this year I said, let's visit Rosecliff but we couldn't due to timing (they close an hour sooner) so I decided on Marble House. I LOVE love love, touring these homes and it gives me a good way to keep moving after a marathon rather than just sitting around, the stairs in the homes also provide an opportunity to access just how sore I am ;) It's all fun stuff. I highly recommend touring Marble House. I love the self guided audio tours and all of the fun facts. Can't wait to make it back to tour Rosecliff and others. If you love extravagant elegance, you'll love these tours! read more
3 years ago
While the House itself is beautiful, it is not up kept like the Breakers. Hazardous areas to walk over and not as clean in common areas. We do not recommend visiting this house, even if it only cost $10 more to see the two, because of how one is treated by the staff while there. We visited first thing and then house was empty except for a small group of older women (who were loud). Yet, We, dressed well and quiet were followed around like we stole bubble gum from a candy store by two women. It was Very uncomfortable and obvious. My husbands hand brushed the marble hallway wall and popped out of no where, was scolded. Yet, another was leaning on the wall. (It was not in a no touch area) The group of women were met with conversation and let to do whatever they wanted loudly. We were watched with no kindness, smile or greeting. We almost let this go until We spoke to Our hotel personnel and they have heard this before from visitors. Absolutely unacceptable. I hope The Marble house looks at their cameras and does something about these two women. (One looked to be hispanic and the other dark hair). Last week, Thursday morning visit. read more
4 years ago
As the name states, this house is adorned with so much beautiful marble. Definitely my favorite of the mansions so far! I cannot wait to see how this house looks at Christmas time! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
The Marble House is beautiful. Especially if you are in Newport, this attraction is a must see. The history and the story of the Vanderbilt's is very interesting. It is amazing how detailed the architecture is inside the home and how well preserved it has been kept. The back of the Marble House is also very beautiful, you have a beautiful view of the ocean. Overall, great experience at the Marble House, my husband and I took several photos! We were marveled at the interior design, the detail of the architecture both interiorly and exteriorly. A must visit if you are in Newport. read more
8 years ago
Besides the Breakers, Marble House is the second MUST see on your mansion tour of Newport! The grounds of the Marble House are beautiful as well, if you have time, stroll through! You'll find yourself at the Chinese Tea House. You are given a headset to help guide you through the Marble House. Winters are not too bad at the Marble House. The crowds are sparse, and you get an escape from the cold. The summer is a different story. Crowds from all over the country come to Newport. You find yourself having to shuffle through. The heat from summer can make the house feel a bit stuffy. read more
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16 years ago
