William Vanderbilt built Marble House as a 39th birthday present for his wife Alva Vanderbilt. It was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport's subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent Gilded Age mansions.
Marble House Audio Tour:
Hear Alva Vanderbilt talk about the architectural masterpiece she helped to design, which she described as “like a fourth child to me.” Learn how she used it to cement her place in society, to arrange her daughter’s marriage to British aristocracy, and later as a rallying point for women’s right to vote.
The audio tours offer the personal stories of the men and women who lived in each house and the household staff who cared for them.
Download the Newport Mansions App in advance and bring your earbuds. Most audio tours are available in several languages.
Printed tour scripts are available at most mansions and the staff appreciates your questions.
Looking to plan your next visit to Rhode Island, check out some of the current special offers and enjoy savings, extra perks and more!
