NRF promotes and invests in the architectural heritage of the Newport community, the traditional building trades, and Doris Duke’s fine and decorative arts collections, for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all.
As a leader in the preservation of early American architecture, NRF supports research and education in areas directly related to its collections and issues of critical concern to the field of historic preservation.
Tour Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion and enjoy panoramic ocean views from the extensive grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Open late March to November.
Experience the only museum in the world specializing in 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts. Open late May to October.
Explore 40 acres of open space, a tribute to the agrarian heritage of Aquidneck Island. The site is open daily from dawn to dusk for public enjoyment.
Newport Restoration Foundation holds one of the largest collections of period architecture owned by a single organization anywhere in the United States.
Celebrate excellence in historic preservation efforts within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
Live amidst history by renting one of our many historic properties.
Help us to continue a lived-in legacy by becoming a Restoration Partner today.
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Didn’t Doris Duke have a menagerie of exotic animals? Weren’t there lions and giraffes roaming the grounds of Rough Point? Why are there camel sculptures at Rough Point?
Some off the more enduring misconceptions, rumors, and untruths surrounding Doris Duke involve the animals in her life—and at the same time, one of Doris Duke’s more endearing legacies is the stories surrounding these pets.
Join us on YouTube as we explore the connection between Doris Duke and her animals— and take a closer look at the impact they had on her lifestyle, her personality, and even the design of Rough Point’s rooms and grounds. Pets often play an important role in our own lives – they certainly did for Doris Duke… so we’re also featuring some of the pets from the NRF community!
This special virtual experience will premiere at 7:00 pm EST on Thursday, July 2 on our YouTube channel. No registration necessary. Click here to to tune in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF8gvKIEbL8
This video program will be available for viewing on YouTube after its completion. We hope you will consider supporting NRF’s free online educational programming by making a donation. Please click here to give today.
Photo courtesy of Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Historical Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.