Everything You Must Know About The Breakers—Bookmark This All-In-One Guide

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Welcome to The Breakers, the undisputed king of Newport’s summer “cottages.” Perched dramatically on Ochre Point Avenue, this Gilded Age marvel isn’t just a house; it’s a declaration of the Vanderbilt family’s staggering wealth and social dominance at the turn of the 20th century. As you approach its imposing gates, prepare to step into a world where opulence knew no bounds and “summer home” took on an entirely new, palatial meaning.  

The term “cottage,” so often used to describe these Newport estates, is perhaps the Gilded Age’s most charming understatement. These were not quaint seaside retreats but rather seasonal palaces, built to host, impress, and solidify dynastic legacies. The Breakers, with its 70 rooms and breathtaking grandeur, stands as the ultimate testament to this era of American ambition and artistry.  

The Breakers cost over $7 million to construct at the time (1893-1895). $7 million in 1895 would be equivalent to roughly $260 million to $280 million or more in 2025 dollars.

The Breakers: At a Glance

Feature	Description
Original Owners	Cornelius Vanderbilt II and Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt
Architect	Richard Morris Hunt
Years Built	1893-1895
Architectural Style	Italian Renaissance (Neo Italian Renaissance, Beaux-Arts influences)
Year Acquired by Preservation Society	1972 (initial lease in 1948)
Key Distinguishing Features	Grandest of Newport’s “summer cottages,” 70-room palazzo, pioneering fireproof construction, iconic Great Hall with 50-foot ceiling.

A Gilded Age Dream Realized: Introducing The Breakers

The Breakers, located at 44 Ochre Point Avenue in Newport, is more than just a mansion; it’s a symbol of an era. Built as a summer residence for Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his wife Alice, it stands as the grandest of Newport’s famed “cottages” and a testament to the Vanderbilt family’s unparalleled social and financial power during the Gilded Age. The very name, “The Breakers,” evokes the image of waves crashing against the cliffs below, a dramatic natural soundtrack to the human drama and opulence that unfolded within its walls.  

The term “cottage,” as applied to The Breakers and its Newport counterparts, is a fascinating piece of Gilded Age semantics. It reflects an attempt by America’s wealthiest families to cloak their monumental new homes in a veneer of rustic simplicity, a nod to the more modest summer dwellings of earlier generations. However, one glance at The Breakers reveals the delightful absurdity of this label. This was no humble abode; it was a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo, sprawling over 13 acres and costing millions to construct. This deliberate understatement, the contrast between the modest term and the magnificent reality, is a hallmark of the Gilded Age elite, who navigated their immense wealth with a unique set of social codes. These “cottages” were, in fact, seasonal palaces, designed not for quiet retreat but for showcasing status, hosting lavish entertainments, and participating in the intricate social rituals of Newport’s summer colony.  

The Vanderbilt Saga: Lives of Unparalleled Wealth and Influence at The Breakers

The story of The Breakers is inextricably linked with the Vanderbilt family, one of America’s most formidable industrial dynasties.

Cornelius Vanderbilt II, grandson of the famed “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt who founded the family fortune in steamships and railroads, was a titan of industry in his own right. As President of the New York Central Railroad, he commanded immense wealth and influence. In 1885, he purchased the original wooden structure known as The Breakers to serve as his family’s summer retreat. Tragedy struck in November 1892 when this first iteration of The Breakers burned to the ground. This disaster, however, paved the way for the creation of the magnificent stone palace we see today. Determined to avoid a similar fate, Cornelius II, alongside his wife Alice, commissioned a new Breakers, insisting that it be as fireproof as possible, a directive that heavily influenced its design and construction. Sadly, Cornelius II would only enjoy his new, opulent summer home for a short period in good health. He died in 1899 at the age of 55 from a stroke, just a few years after it’s completion.  

Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt was the matriarch who, with Cornelius II, oversaw the creation of the new Breakers. After her husband’s death, she continued to preside over the grand estate for 35 years, until her own passing in 1934 at the age of 89. Her personal spaces within The Breakers, particularly her bedroom, reflect her role in managing the complex affairs of such a vast household.  

The Vanderbilts had seven children, and several played significant roles in the history of The Breakers. A poignant reminder of family tragedy is the bronze bust of William Henry Vanderbilt II, their eldest son, found in the library. He died of typhoid fever at the age of 21 while a student at Yale University. In contrast, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, one of their daughters, carved out a different path. An accomplished artist who famously wished to be valued for her character rather than her family’s wealth, Gertrude’s own artwork graces her bedroom in The Breakers. She would later found the renowned Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. Fittingly, Gertrude’s debutante ball, a lavish midnight dance held in August 1895, was the first major social event to christen the newly completed mansion.  

The Breakers eventually passed to Alice’s youngest daughter, Countess Gladys Széchenyi (née Vanderbilt). Alice bequeathed the estate to Gladys primarily because she lacked other American property and had always cherished The Breakers. It was Countess Széchenyi who made the pivotal decision to first open The Breakers to public tours, in collaboration with the nascent Preservation Society of Newport County. Other children, like Alfred Vanderbilt, faced devastating loss and unexpected duty, while Reggie Vanderbilt succumbed to a more tragic end due to his affinity for drink and gambling. These personal stories, woven into the fabric of The Breakers, offer a compelling counterpoint to its overwhelming opulence.  

The daily life within The Breakers, as suggested by the audio tour’s use of first-person accounts from family, servants, and their children, drawn from diaries, letters, and oral histories, was a complex tapestry of grandeur and routine. One of the most enduring and humanizing anecdotes is that of the Vanderbilt children gleefully riding silver serving trays down the sweeping carpet of the Grand Staircase. Such stories remind us that amidst the Gilded Age splendor, The Breakers was also a family home, albeit one on an almost unimaginable scale. The lives lived within these walls, marked by joy, tragedy, artistic pursuits, and societal pressures, offer a richer understanding of the mansion than its architecture alone ever could. The very existence of these personal histories, from Gertrude’s artistic independence to Reggie’s struggles, underscores that even immense wealth could not insulate its possessors from the universal complexities of human experience.  

Furthermore, the lineage of The Breakers’ stewardship reveals the significant role women played. Alice Vanderbilt’s 35-year tenure as its mistress after Cornelius II’s death, followed by her deliberate choice to pass it to Gladys, and Gladys’s subsequent crucial decision to partner with the Preservation Society, demonstrate a powerful female influence in the destiny of this iconic landmark. This narrative challenges any assumption that such grand estates were solely the domain and concern of Gilded Age patriarchs.  

An Architectural Masterpiece: Crafting The Breakers

The impetus for the current Breakers was the devastating fire of 1892 that consumed its wooden predecessor. Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s vision was clear: rebuild, but do so with unparalleled splendor and, crucially, with fire resistance at its core. The result was to be the largest, most opulent “cottage” in Newport.  

The architect entrusted with this monumental task was Richard Morris Hunt, a preeminent figure in Gilded Age architecture and the creative mind also behind Newport’s Marble House. Hunt, trained at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, brought a distinctly European sensibility to his American commissions. His design process typically involved initial quick sketches (the esquisse) followed by meticulously detailed rendered plans (the projet rendu). For The Breakers, he drew inspiration from the grand 16th-century Renaissance palazzos of Genoa and Turin, Italy, even referencing Peter Paul Rubens’s “Palazzi di Genova” for ornamental details. Classical Roman influences are evident in the mansion’s majestic columns and arches. Sadly, Hunt passed away in 1895, before The Breakers was fully completed, though his vision was largely realized.  

The architectural style of The Breakers is predominantly Neo Italian Renaissance, a palatial form that perfectly embodied the Vanderbilts’ status. Some sources also note Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival influences, consistent with Hunt’s training and the era’s eclectic embrace of historical styles.  

Construction spanned from 1893 to 1895. The paramount concern for fire safety dictated many of Hunt’s structural choices. The mansion was built with steel trusses and masonry, with no wooden parts in its core structure. The exterior is faced with durable Indiana limestone over a brick core. In a remarkable feat of engineering for the time, the boilers were located in a separate, underground facility beneath the front lawn, connected to the house by a tunnel, minimizing fire risk. This foresight in safety and technology was, in itself, a statement of modern luxury.  

The sheer scale of The Breakers is astounding: 70 rooms in total, including 48 bedrooms for family and staff (roughly 30 for servants), and 27 fireplaces, all encompassing nearly an acre of the 13-acre estate. The mansion rises through five levels: a basement, three main floors of opulent living and service spaces, and an attic. The materials employed were of the highest quality, sourced globally: marble from Italy and Africa, rare woods, and intricate mosaics. The Great Hall’s imposing walls are of Caen limestone imported from France , while the Dining Room chandeliers sparkle with Baccarat crystal, and the Morning Room features delicate platinum leaf. Hunt was known for his meticulous planning and efficient coordination of the numerous artisans and suppliers, ensuring that various building elements were produced and installed in a timely, overlapping sequence to enhance construction speed.

A team of skilled artisans and collaborators brought Hunt’s vision to life:

• Allard and Sons of Paris, a renowned design firm also involved with Marble House and The Elms, assisted Hunt with the elaborate furnishings and fixtures. They even constructed the entire Music Room in France; it was then disassembled, shipped across the Atlantic, and painstakingly reassembled within The Breakers.  
• Austro-American sculptor Karl Bitter was responsible for the intricate relief sculpture that adorns the mansion, including the allegorical figures above the Great Hall doorways.  
• Boston architect Ogden Codman lent his refined taste to the decoration of the family’s private quarters on the second floor.  
• The magnificent stained glass skylight that crowns the Grand Staircase was designed by artist John La Farge. Interestingly, this piece was originally created for the Vanderbilts’ New York City townhouse and was later incorporated into The Breakers.  
• The grand bronze lamp posts flanking the entrance drive were executed by Henri Bonnard of New York, designed after Italian Renaissance candelabra.  
• Skilled European artisans were brought in to hand-set the exquisite tile mosaics found in the Billiard Room and the loggias.  

This transatlantic collaboration, American architects trained in Europe, Parisian design firms, globally sourced materials, and European craftsmen, underscores the international scope of Vanderbilt ambition and taste. It reflects a Gilded Age tendency among American elites to look to Europe for artistic validation, importing not just objects but also styles and expertise to create their New World palaces. The ability to manage such complex, international projects was a testament to both their immense wealth and the logistical capabilities of the era. The Breakers, therefore, stands not only as an architectural triumph but also as a monument to technological innovation and global artistic synergy.

Within These Walls: Life, Luxury, and Legacy at The Breakers

While the sheer scale and opulence of The Breakers are its most immediate impressions, the mansion was also a vibrant center of family life and grand social engagements, becoming a quintessential symbol of the Gilded Age.

Daily life at The Breakers, though sparsely detailed in some historical accounts, can be pieced together through the personal narratives featured in the audio tour, stories from family members, the numerous servants, and even their children, drawn from diaries, letters, and oral histories. Operating such a vast household required a substantial staff, estimated between 30 to 40 individuals, encompassing a wide range of roles from butlers and maids to chefs and groundskeepers. The presence of then-modern conveniences like intercoms and call buttons, evident in rooms like the Pantry and Mrs. Vanderbilt’s bedroom, hints at the structured and hierarchical nature of household management, essential for the smooth running of this palatial “cottage”.  

The Breakers was, fundamentally, designed as a stage for the Vanderbilt family to perform their roles within the exclusive echelons of high society. Its very architecture, the grand scale, the flow of rooms from imposing public spaces to luxurious private quarters, was intended to impress and facilitate the elaborate social rituals of the Gilded Age. The first major event held in the newly completed mansion was the debutante ball for daughter Gertrude Vanderbilt in August 1895, a glittering “midnight dance” that set the tone for future entertainments. Rooms like the magnificent Music Room were specifically designed for hosting recitals, dances, elegant weddings, and formal receptions, filled with the era’s elite. Over its more than 125-year history, The Breakers has welcomed an array of distinguished guests, including presidents, royalty, and notable figures from around the globe, cementing its status as a venue of international significance.  

More than just a luxurious summer home, The Breakers became an “architectural and social archetype of the Gilded Age”. It vividly reflected the immense fortunes amassed by industrialists, the sophisticated tastes cultivated through European travel and collecting, and the stark social stratification that characterized the period. The mansion was a physical manifestation of the Vanderbilts’ power and position, a symbol not only of their family’s standing but also of the broader economic and cultural forces shaping America at the turn of the century.  

From Private Palace to Public Treasure: The Preservation Society’s Stewardship of The Breakers

The journey of The Breakers from an exclusive Vanderbilt family enclave to a publicly accessible museum is a significant chapter in American historic preservation. This transition was not abrupt but a gradual process, notably initiated by the Vanderbilt family themselves.

The first step towards public access came in 1948. Countess Gladys Széchenyi, Cornelius and Alice’s daughter and then owner of The Breakers, leased the magnificent property to the newly formed Preservation Society of Newport County for a symbolic $1 per year. As part of this pioneering agreement, the Society assumed responsibility for the considerable operating expenses and ongoing maintenance of the estate. Tours of the first floor were soon initiated, primarily as a means to raise funds for the restoration of another historic Newport property, Hunter House. This arrangement marked a crucial collaboration, allowing the public a first glimpse into this Gilded Age marvel while supporting broader preservation efforts in Newport.  

The formal acquisition occurred in 1972. The Preservation Society purchased The Breakers, along with approximately 90% of its original furnishings, from Countess Sylvia Szapary, Countess Széchenyi’s daughter, for $365,000. The sale agreement included a provision for Countess Szapary to retain life tenancy, ensuring a continued family connection to the estate. This symbiotic relationship between the Vanderbilt descendants and the Preservation Society was instrumental in securing the mansion’s future. The family’s willingness to make The Breakers available, first through lease and then through sale at a price that was undoubtedly modest relative to its historic and material value, demonstrated a commendable foresight and commitment to its preservation beyond private ownership.  

The Breakers received national recognition for its historical and architectural importance when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and subsequently designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994. Today, it stands as the flagship property of the Newport Mansions collection, operated as a museum by the Preservation Society and open to visitors year-round. It attracts hundreds of thousands of people annually, each eager to experience its Gilded Age grandeur.  

Preserving a landmark of such scale and complexity is an immense and continuous undertaking. The Preservation Society is committed to this ongoing work, which often involves highly specialized expertise and significant financial investment. Several major restoration projects highlight this commitment:  

• The Historic Underground Boiler Room: In 2014, a significant project was undertaken to excavate, repair, and waterproof the roof of the century-old boiler room, located beneath the front lawn. This vital piece of the mansion’s original infrastructure, a testament to its advanced engineering, is now stabilized and even accessible as part of the “Beneath The Breakers” tour.  
• The Main Gates: The iconic main gates of The Breakers, each towering 12 feet high and weighing 5,600 pounds, along with the decorative crown and two side gates, began a meticulous $500,000 restoration in 2024. Decades of exposure to Newport’s harsh coastal climate—salt air, rain, and ice—had taken their toll. Connecticut-based Stratford Steel, specialists in historic metalwork, are undertaking the project, which involves sandblasting to bare metal, applying protective zinc thermal spray, finishing with marine-grade paint, and precisely replicating any severely corroded sections to maintain historical accuracy. The project is anticipated for completion in April 2025.  
• Landscape Revival: In the spring of 2019, a multi-year, multi-million dollar project began to rehabilitate the historic 13-acre landscape originally designed by Ernest W. Bowditch. Guided by a Cultural Landscape Report and a master plan developed by Reed Hilderbrand landscape architects, this effort aimed to restore the grounds to their former glory. The project, which received a Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award, progressed in phases, with the third phase focusing on the area around the Children’s Cottage completed in 2023.

These extensive projects underscore that the preservation of Gilded Age estates like The Breakers is not a static, one-time effort. It is an evolving, costly endeavor requiring constant vigilance, research, specialized craftsmanship, and substantial funding to combat the effects of time and the elements, ensuring that this architectural treasure endures for future generations.

Step Through the Grand Doors: A Guided Tour of The Breakers

A visit to The Breakers is an immersive journey into the apogee of Gilded Age luxury. The standard way to explore is via a self-guided audio tour, conveniently available through a free downloadable app for your smartphone. These tours are offered in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish, with printed scripts also available. For younger visitors, a specially designed children’s audio tour brings the mansion to life with engaging stories, such as the “dragon in the dining room”. It’s advisable to allow at least one and a half hours to fully appreciate the house and its magnificent grounds. Remember, timed tickets are required for entry to The Breakers, so planning ahead is essential.  

Your experience begins as you pass through the meticulously restored wrought iron gateways, proceeding along a gravel drive flanked by four ornate bronze lamp posts (designed by Henri Bonnard of New York after Italian Renaissance models) towards the grand porte-cochere of the northwest facade.  

First Floor: A Symphony of Opulence

Stepping inside, you enter a series of reception rooms, including the Gentlemen’s Reception Room and the Ladies’ Reception Room, designed for greeting guests according to the strict social protocols of the era. The Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour notably begins in the Gentlemen’s Reception Room.  

The heart of the first floor is the breathtaking Great Hall. Measuring an astounding 50 feet in every direction (height, width, and length), it was conceived by Richard Morris Hunt in the style of an open-air Italian Renaissance courtyard, though necessarily covered due to Newport’s climate. The walls are crafted from carved Caen limestone imported from France, adorned with plaques of rare and colorful marbles, including pink varieties from Africa and green ones from Italy. A massive, elaborately carved and gilded cornice, featuring the Vanderbilt family emblem of acorns and oak leaves (symbolizing strength and longevity), encircles the room. Above, the ceiling is masterfully painted to resemble a windswept sky, further enhancing the illusion of an outdoor space. Over each of the six imposing doorways, limestone figure groups sculpted by Karl Bitter celebrate human achievement in various fields: Galileo for science, Dante for literature, Apollo for the arts, Mercury for speed and commerce, Richard Morris Hunt himself for architecture, and Karl Bitter for sculpture. Dominating one end is the Grand Staircase, famously remembered as the site where the Vanderbilt children would slide down on silver trays. Tucked behind this staircase is a charming sitting alcove featuring a whimsical fountain and pool.  

Leading off the Great Hall are several magnificent rooms:

• The Library: A regal space paneled in Circassian walnut, intricately impressed with gold leaf to resemble leather-bound books. The coffered ceiling features a dolphin motif, a symbol of the sea and hospitality, which is repeated elsewhere in the house. Green Spanish leather, embossed with gold, lines an alcove designed for card games. The focal point is a massive 16th-century fireplace imported from a château in Arnay-le-Duc, Burgundy, France. It bears the inscription: “I laugh at great wealth, and never miss it; nothing but wisdom matters in the end”. The room also holds two significant family busts: a bronze of William Henry Vanderbilt II and a marble of Cornelius Vanderbilt II.  
• The Music Room: Designed for formal recitals and dances, this room is a jewel box of French Baroque splendor. Its woodwork and furnishings were crafted by Richard Van der Boyen and completed by the Parisian firm Jules Allard and Sons. Remarkably, the entire room was constructed in France, then disassembled, shipped to Newport, and reassembled within The Breakers. It boasts a gilt coffered ceiling lined with silver and gold, and an elliptical ceiling molding inscribed in French with words like “song,” “music,” “harmony,” and “melody,” along with the names of renowned composers. The fireplace is of Campan marble, and a Second Empire French mahogany piano with ormolu mounts signifies the Vanderbilts’ musical interests—Cornelius II played the violin and Alice the piano. This room was frequently used for formal occasions, including weddings and concerts.  
• The Morning Room: This communal sitting room, designed by Jules Allard, faces east to capture the morning sunlight and was used by the family throughout the day. Its walls are adorned with exquisite platinum-leafed panels illustrating eight of the nine Muses from Greek mythology. Like the Music Room, all its woodwork and furnishings were crafted in France and assembled on-site. Paintings of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his youngest daughter, Gladys, are also found here.  
• The Lower Loggia: An arcaded, open-sided gallery that originally served as a semi-outdoor sitting room, furnished with wicker pieces, rugs, and abundant plants. The vaulted ceilings here showcase the tile work of Raphael Guastavino, an Italian architect and engineer who later contributed to Grand Central Station for the Vanderbilts.  
• The Billiard Room: Drawing inspiration from ancient Roman baths, this masculine retreat showcases Richard Morris Hunt’s mastery of stonework. The walls are lined with large slabs of Cippolino marble from Italy, dramatically contrasted by rose alabaster arches. The floor is a masterpiece of hand-laid marble mosaic tiles. Intricate mosaics of acorns and billiard balls, crafted from an assortment of semi-precious stones, adorn the upper walls. The room is furnished with Renaissance-style mahogany pieces, a large pool table under a distinctive bronze light fixture, and Tiffany sconces. This room was recently featured in Julian Fellowes’ HBO series, The Gilded Age.  
• The Dining Room: Arguably the grandest room in the house, the Dining Room spans an impressive 2,400 square feet. Its soaring space is defined by twelve freestanding Corinthian columns of rose alabaster, which support a colossal carved and gilded cornice. The ceiling is a canvas for a magnificent painting depicting the goddess Aurora heralding the dawn in a four-horse chariot, surrounded by majestic Greek figures. A 16th-century style carved oak table can accommodate up to 34 guests. Illumination is provided by two enormous Baccarat crystal chandeliers, which were wired for electricity while retaining gas piping as a back-up. The walls shimmer with 18, 22, or 24-carat gold gilt, meticulously applied with rabbit-skin glue. Decorative motifs throughout the room include images of harvest fruits and vegetables.  
• The Breakfast Room: Used for family morning meals, this room features modified Louis XV style paneling and furnishings. While still opulent, its decoration is somewhat more subdued compared to the lavishness of the main Dining Room, offering a brighter, more intimate space.  
• The Pantry: A vital service hub, the two-story Pantry featured a central dumbwaiter to bring additional china and glassware down from storage on the mezzanine level. It also housed the family’s extensive collection of table silver, which traveled with them between residences and was secured in a steel vault. An early intercom system allowed the butler to direct servants efficiently, with each number on the caller corresponding to a specific room.  
• The Kitchen: Unusually for its time, the Kitchen is located on the first floor, in a separate L-shaped wing. This placement was a deliberate fire safety measure, designed to keep cooking smells and fire risk away from the main house. The spacious, well-ventilated room features a massive 21-foot-long cast iron, coal-burning range with three ovens below, and a broiler with a mechanical spit for roasting meats. A large central work island is topped with zinc (a predecessor to stainless steel), and a substantial marble mortar stands ready for crushing herbs. Open shelving provided easy access to pots, pans, and utensils, with an impressive array of copper cookware often on display. Fresh food, delivered to the basement via dumbwaiter, was stored in side rooms kept cool with ice harvested from local ponds in winter; this ice also facilitated the preparation of confections.  

Second Floor: Private Sanctuaries

The second floor, primarily decorated by Ogden Codman, housed the family’s private living quarters. While still luxurious, these rooms generally possess a more subdued elegance compared to the grand public spaces below.  

• Mr. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom: Designed in the Louis XIV style, this room features a carved walnut bed and a mantel of rouge royal marble topped with a large mirror to enhance light. It contains memorabilia of family and friends. Described as somewhat more dramatic than other bedrooms, it has ample seating and an attached dressing room with interesting long hangers. The adjoining master bathroom boasts a spectacular 3,000-pound bathtub cut from a single slab of marble, complete with faucets that could pour heated fresh or salt water.  
• Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom: Alice Vanderbilt’s room is a perfect oval, with multiple doors connecting to other family bedrooms, facilitating movement and communication. It was equipped with four closets to accommodate her extensive wardrobe (Gilded Age hostesses often changed outfits up to seven times a day) and a pager system to summon servants. This room also served as her private study and was lined with bookshelves. Discreetly designed corridors allowed female servants to attend to laundry and costume needs almost invisibly. A small portrait of Alice as a child hangs above her bed, and call buttons were conveniently located nearby. Her closet also featured the long hangers seen in her husband’s dressing room.  
• Miss Gertrude Vanderbilt’s Bedroom: Reflecting her artistic nature, Gertrude’s room features several pieces of her own artwork, including “The Engineer” (inspired by her brother’s service in World War I), “Laborer,” and another commemorating the American Expeditionary Force. A portrait of Gertrude at age five by Raimundo de Madrazo y Garreta hangs above her bed, with a sketch of her as a young woman beside it. One visitor described this room as a “visual stunner with bold floral patterns, intricate millwork, and feminine textiles”.  
• Guest Bedroom: This room exemplifies the Louis XVI style through its furniture, woodwork, and light fixtures, with Neoclassical elements throughout. The original green wall paneling has impressively never been retouched.  
• Countess Szechenyi’s Bedroom (Gladys Vanderbilt): Designed by Ogden Codman, this room reflects an 18th-century simple elegance with an ivory and cream-colored motif.  
• The Upper Loggia: Opening to the east and the Atlantic Ocean, this space served as an informal family living room. During the summer, its large glass doors overlooking the Great Hall could be opened to create a cooling breezeway. The walls are painted to simulate marble, and the ceiling depicts three illusionistic canopies against the sky. Originally, it was furnished with comfortable wicker pieces, rugs, and an abundance of plants, creating a relaxed, airy atmosphere.  

Interestingly, most of the bedrooms were designed to face the gardens and lawns rather than the ocean. While the ocean view was prized during the day (enjoyed from the terraces and loggias), at night it offered only a black expanse, making garden views preferable for the private chambers.  

Other Floors (Contextual Information)

While not typically part of the standard tour, it’s worth noting the other levels of The Breakers:

• The Third Floor contains eight additional family bedrooms and a sitting room, also decorated by Ogden Codman with Louis XVI style walnut paneling. The north wing of this floor was dedicated to domestic servant quarters, part of nearly 30 bedrooms across two distinct third-floor staff areas. This unusual height for staff quarters was due to the Italian Renaissance pitched roof, unlike French classical houses that could conceal staff wings more easily. (See Special Tours for the “Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour”).  
• The Attic Floor housed more staff quarters, general storage, and innovative cisterns. One small cistern provided hydraulic pressure for the original 1895 Otis elevator (still functional, though the house was wired for electricity in 1933). Two larger cisterns supplied fresh and salt water to the mansion’s numerous bathrooms.  
• The Basement contained the laundry and staff restrooms. (See Special Tours for “Beneath The Breakers”).  

The sheer number of specialized rooms highlights that The Breakers was designed as a nearly self-sufficient ecosystem. From its multiple reception rooms and distinct family, guest, and servant wings to its massive kitchen and advanced utility systems like the underground boiler room, the mansion could support the lavish lifestyle of the Vanderbilts and their numerous guests with remarkable internal efficiency, akin to a small, ultra-luxurious hotel.

The physical layout itself powerfully reflects and reinforces the rigid social hierarchies of the Gilded Age. Grand, opulent public spaces on the first floor were for display and entertainment. Luxurious but more intimate private family spaces occupied the second floor. Functional, largely hidden servant quarters were relegated to the upper floors, separate wings, and the basement. Even the kitchen, a critical hub, was in a separate wing to isolate its activities from the main house. This spatial organization mirrored the social structure: the elite were central and visible, while the extensive labor supporting their lifestyle, though essential, was kept largely out of sight.

The Grounds

After touring the interior, visitors can stroll the magnificent 13-acre grounds. Originally landscaped with rare flowers, shrubs, and trees by Ernest W. Bowditch, the grounds are currently undergoing a multi-year “Landscape Revival” project. Key features include the Serpentine Path and the area around the charming Children’s Cottage. The eastern edge of the lawn offers access to Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, providing spectacular ocean vistas.  

Unveiling Hidden Stories: Special Tours and Unique Perspectives at The Breakers

Beyond the standard audio tour, The Breakers offers several specialized, guide-led experiences that provide deeper insights into its history, technology, and ongoing preservation. These tours allow visitors to explore normally unseen areas and appreciate the mansion from unique angles. Advance reservations are highly recommended for all guide-led tours.  

Beneath The Breakers Tour This fascinating tour takes you into the underbelly of the mansion, exploring the very foundations of its Gilded Age luxury: its advanced technology and infrastructure. You’ll discover:  

• The development of electricity and its impact on Gilded Age life.
• The emergence of the modern elevator.
• The revolutionary systems that heated and cooled the grand house, including the underground boiler plant.
• The modern plumbing and laundry facilities that transformed attitudes about hygiene and cleanliness. The tour is based on meticulous research by Preservation Society staff and the detailed daily journals of the original house engineer, offering a rich understanding of how these systems functioned and evolved. This underground experience passes through some enclosed spaces and involves 44 total stairs (38 down / 6 up); comfortable, flat shoes are recommended. It is approximately one hour long and is not accessible for those with mobility devices. It is offered daily (10 a.m.), with increased frequency (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) from June 1 to September 1. Ticket holders should meet in the gravel driveway just inside the entrance gate a few minutes before the tour.  

Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family and staff spaces are open to the public through this exclusive guide-led tour. This is not just a glimpse into previously unseen bedrooms, bathrooms, and recreational areas used by generations of Vanderbilts and their household staff; it’s an opportunity to witness preservation in action. Visitors will see:  

• Restoration work currently underway.
• Floors and walls that have been meticulously restored alongside others left untouched to show the effects of time and the coastal environment.
• Décor spanning from the 1890s through the 1940s and later, reflecting the family’s evolving use of this private floor. This tour offers a dramatically different experience from the main house tour, providing a unique appreciation for the Vanderbilt family legacy and the complexities of preserving such a historic structure. The tour is approximately one hour long and involves climbing 85 stairs and descending 95; there is no public elevator access to or from the third floor. Photography is not permitted on this tour, and group sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 people to ensure an intimate experience. It is offered daily at 12 pm and 2 pm (with some seasonal adjustments to frequency) and begins in the Gentlemen’s Reception Room on the first floor.  

The Breakers Family Tour (Audio) Designed specifically for younger visitors, this self-guided audio tour offers a fun and engaging perspective on the mansion. It highlights whimsical details like a “dragon in the dining room and a dolphin under the stairs,” making history accessible and exciting for children.  

Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour (Multi-Mansion) Fans of the popular HBO historical drama series “The Gilded Age” will delight in this guide-led tour that visits filming locations in four of the Newport Mansions, including The Breakers. This tour is typically offered on Fridays only from May through June (e.g., May 2 – June 27, 2025).  

Virtual Tour For those unable to visit in person, or for a pre-visit glimpse, a virtual tour of The Breakers is available online, allowing exploration from the comfort of home.  

The availability of these diverse tours demonstrates a thoughtful strategy by the Preservation Society. By offering multiple layers of engagement—from the technological underpinnings to the private family quarters, from child-friendly narratives to connections with popular culture—they cater to a wide range of interests. This approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also encourages repeat visits, allowing individuals to continually discover new facets of The Breakers’ complex history and enduring legacy. It’s a dynamic way to present a historic site, moving beyond a single, static narrative of Gilded Age opulence.

A Mansion for All Seasons: Celebrations and Events at The Breakers

The Breakers is not merely a static museum; it comes alive throughout the year with special events and seasonal celebrations, most notably during the Christmas holidays.

Christmas at The Breakers The holiday season transforms The Breakers into a festive wonderland, a cherished tradition that draws visitors from far and wide. The mansion is lavishly decorated, with nearly 30 Christmas trees, each uniquely adorned to complement the specific décor and theme of the room it graces. For instance, Mr. Vanderbilt’s tree in his bedroom might be ornamented with period-appropriate trains and top hats, evoking his role as a railroad magnate. The centerpiece of the holiday display is a magnificent 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree located in the Great Hall. Composed of approximately 150 individual poinsettia plants, it provides a stunning backdrop for holiday photos. Throughout the mansion, hundreds of additional poinsettias, lush garlands, festive wreaths, and fresh floral arrangements add vibrant color, warmth, and life to the already opulent interiors, while holiday music fills the air.  

A highlight of the Christmas season is Sparkling Lights at The Breakers, an enchanting outdoor spectacle. This event sees the vast 13-acre landscape of The Breakers transformed into a dazzling wonderland of color and light. Features include the twinkling Children’s Cottage and a peek inside Santa’s Workshop, creating a magical experience for all ages. Sparkling Lights typically runs on select evenings from late November through December, with specific admission times. Importantly, tickets for Sparkling Lights also include access to the lavishly decorated interior of The Breakers mansion during the same visit.

The elaborate Christmas decorations and festive events serve to re-animate The Breakers, offering visitors a vivid sense of the mansion’s original holiday grandeur. This immersive experience makes history more tangible and provides a compelling reason to visit during what might otherwise be an off-peak tourist season, allowing the public to imagine the splendor of a Vanderbilt Christmas.

Other Events Throughout the year, The Breakers hosts other notable events:

• The Coaching Weekend Dinner Dance, a glamorous affair celebrating Newport’s historic coaching tradition, is held at The Breakers in August.  
• The Breakers is a key venue for the “Inside ‘The Gilded Age’ Tour,” linking the historic mansion to contemporary popular culture.  
• Historically, the mansion was the setting for countless prestigious gatherings, entertaining presidents, royalty, and international guests for over 125 years.  
• For everyday visitors, The Breakers Café offers a place to relax and enjoy refreshments during their tour.  

These events, both seasonal and ongoing, ensure that The Breakers remains a dynamic and engaging destination, offering varied experiences beyond its architectural and historical significance.

Experience the Splendor: Planning Your Visit to The Breakers

A visit to The Breakers is a journey back to the zenith of American industrial wealth and societal grandeur. To make the most of your experience, here’s what you need to know:

Operating Hours and Tickets: The Breakers is generally open daily for tours year-round, though it’s crucial to confirm specific hours as they vary by season and for special events. Typically, the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission.  

• Timed Tickets: Admission to The Breakers requires a timed ticket, which helps manage visitor flow and enhance the experience. These can be purchased online in advance (highly recommended, especially during peak season or holidays) or in person at the Welcome Center, subject to availability.  
• Ticket Options: Several ticket packages are available, including a single-property ticket for The Breakers, or combination tickets like “The Breakers + 1” or “The Breakers + 2,” allowing visits to other Newport Mansions properties.  
• Memberships: Members of the Preservation Society of Newport County and holders of certain passes (like NARM, Access Pass) may not require timed reservations for general admission to The Breakers, offering greater flexibility. 

Check out tickets here!

Tours Available: The primary way to experience The Breakers is through the self-guided audio tour, available for adults and as a special “Family Tour” for children. For a deeper dive, consider the specialized guide-led tours: “Beneath The Breakers” and the “Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour,” which require separate ticketing and advance reservations.  

Accessibility: The Breakers is partially accessible for visitors with mobility devices. The first floor is wheelchair accessible, and the second floor can be reached via a staff-operated elevator. However, specialized tours like “Beneath The Breakers” and the “Third Floor Tour” have significant stairs and are not accessible for mobility devices. It’s best to check the Preservation Society’s website for detailed accessibility information for each tour.  

Parking: Free on-site parking is available for visitors, conveniently located across the street from the mansion’s main entrance.  

Visitor Information and Rules: For the most current information on operating schedules, ticket prices, tour availability, and visitor guidelines, the official Newport Mansions website is the definitive resource. Key rules to be aware of generally include:  

• Strollers are not permitted inside the mansions to protect historic surfaces and furnishings; stroller parking is usually available near entrances.  
• Food, gum, and beverages (with the exception of water in a sealable container) are typically not allowed inside the museums.  
• Photography policies vary; non-flash interior photography for personal, non-commercial use is often permitted in main tour areas, but may be restricted on specialty tours (like the Third Floor Tour) or in certain exhibits. Selfie sticks and tripods are generally not allowed inside.  

The careful management of visitor access, including timed ticketing and specific rules, reflects the ongoing challenge faced by the Preservation Society: balancing the desire to share these historic treasures with the public against the imperative to protect their fragile integrity. High visitor volume necessitates these measures to ensure that The Breakers can be enjoyed by many while being preserved for generations to come.

To truly experience the magic and unparalleled grandeur of The Breakers, a personal visit is essential. Plan your trip by visiting newportmansions.org, and prepare to be transported to the dazzling heights of the Gilded Age.