Dates: November 6 to 7, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM
Locations: Rosecliff and Marble House
Details and Tickets: newportmansions.org/events/the-newport-symposium-the-french-influence-in-newport
Explore how French art, architecture, design, and cuisine shaped the lives of Newport’s Gilded Age elite. Morning lectures and guided afternoon tours trace inspirations that flowed from France to Bellevue Avenue, from aristocratic models to culinary traditions.
Pricing
• In Person both days 450
• Professor or Student In Person 375
• Virtual 100
Program Highlights
• Richard Morris Hunt, trained at the École des Beaux Arts, modeled Marble House for Alva Vanderbilt after the Petit Trianon at Versailles.
• Horace Trumbauer drew on the eighteenth century Château d Asnières for The Elms.
• Stanford White wove elements of Versailles Grand Trianon into Rosecliff.
• Jules Allard et Fils furnished Newport summer cottages with French made and French inspired pieces.
• French chefs crafted elaborate menus for the season.
• Registration includes special access to the exhibition Richard Morris Hunt In A New Light at Rosecliff.
Thursday, November 6 at Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport
• 8:30 AM check in with continental breakfast
• 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM morning lightning round sessions, about 30 minutes each with 10 minute Q and A for in person attendees
• 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM boxed lunch
• 1:30 PM to 3:45 PM house tours and workshops by prior signup
• 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM free time to visit houses, last admission at 4:00 PM
• 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM reception at Rosecliff, separate ticket required
Friday, November 7 at Marble House, 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport
• 8:30 AM check in with continental breakfast
• 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM morning lightning round sessions
• 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM boxed lunch
• 1:30 PM to 3:45 PM house tours and workshops by prior signup
• 3:45 PM to 5:00 PM free time to visit houses, last admission at 4:00 PM
Format and Access
• Lectures presented live or via Zoom. Tours are in person only.
• Zoom registrants receive the link 24 hours before the event.
• All tickets are nonrefundable and cover attendance for both days.
