The Breakers

About

The Breakers stands as the crown jewel of Newport's famous mansion district. Built in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this 70-room Italian Renaissance palazzo overlooks the Atlantic Ocean from its perch along Ochre Point Avenue. It's the largest and most lavish of all the Newport mansions, and stepping inside feels like being transported to a European palace.

The Great Hall alone rises 50 feet and sets the tone for what's to come. Room after room reveals imported marble, gilded surfaces, intricate mosaics, and ornamental ceilings painted by some of the finest artists of the era. The dining room seats 34 guests beneath towering Corinthian columns, while the morning room was designed and built entirely in Paris before being shipped to Newport.

Outside, the grounds stretch across 13 acres with manicured gardens, sweeping lawns, and stunning ocean views. The lower terrace garden features a symmetrical design with seasonal plantings that change throughout the year. Walking paths wind along the property's edge, offering some of the best coastal scenery in Rhode Island.

The Breakers is operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, which maintains it as a museum open to the public. Audio tours guide visitors through the mansion's history, covering both the opulence of the Vanderbilt family and the stories of the servants who kept the estate running. It's a fascinating window into America's Gilded Age.

Plan to spend at least 90 minutes exploring the house and grounds. The mansion is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is recommended during summer months when Newport draws large crowds. Combo tickets for multiple mansions are also available and offer good value if you're planning a full day of touring.

Accessibility

The Breakers is partially accessible for visitors with mobility devices. The first floor of the mansion can be directly accessed by wheelchair users, and the second floor is reachable via elevator. Staff assistance is required for elevator access, so visitors should check in at the entrance to arrange this.

The mansion features ramps to help visitors enter the building without stairs. The grounds and gardens include paved pathways, though some areas along the coastal edge may present uneven surfaces. The lower terrace garden is generally accessible on its main paths.

Audio tour devices are provided for self-guided touring, which allows visitors to move at their own pace. This can be particularly helpful for those who need extra time or want to rest between rooms. Seating is limited inside the mansion, so plan accordingly if standing for extended periods is difficult.

Parking is available on-site, though specific accessible parking details should be confirmed with the Preservation Society before your visit. Restroom facilities are available on the grounds. Contact the Preservation Society of Newport County directly at (401) 847-1000 for current details on accessible restrooms, companion policies, and any temporary changes to accessibility features.

Visitors with sensory needs should be aware that the mansion interior can be crowded and acoustically reflective during peak hours. Visiting during off-peak times or shoulder season months can provide a quieter, more comfortable experience.

More accessible places in Rhode Island

• The Elms (Newport)
• International Tennis Hall of Fame (Newport)
• Roger Williams Park Botanical Center (Providence)
• Roger Williams National Memorial (Providence)
• Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium (Bristol)
• Newport Car Museum (Portsmouth)