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.
Visit Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion and enjoy panoramic ocean views from the extensive grounds. Open late March to November.
The Vernon House is a site for expansive story-telling, contemporary dialogue, and preservation trades skill-building.
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.
Please click on the links below to learn more about the history of Rough Point, Doris Duke, and the collection.
Great Hall Painting Guide
Meet the enigmatic woman in Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol’s Portrait of A Young Woman, ca. 1640. Listen to tour guide Karen talk about this fascinating work.
Meet the infamous Diane de Poitiers, who may be the woman featured in this ca. 1640s portrait attributed to an artist in the circle of Francois Clouet. Listen to tour guide Johanna discuss the life and legacy of Diane de Poitiers—and then decide for yourself if Diane was a devious manipulator or a clever survivor
The Yellow Room at first glance looks like it has been frozen in time since the period Doris Duke’s parents lived at Rough Point, but a closer look reveals Doris’s careful addition of pieces that complement the room. Listen to find out more.
Click here to learn about the camels!
Cliff Walk Bridge Images
Listen as tour guide Susan tells the story of stumpwork—a form of needlework.
Young Doris
1930s
1940s – 1950s
1960s – 1970s
1980s – 1990s
One of the most striking features of Doris Duke’s bedroom is the many mother-of-pearl objects on display. Watch as tour guide Linda shares the story behind Doris’s love of all things mother-of-pearl.
Second Floor Landing Painting Guide
Staircase Painting Guide
Meet Nanaline Inman Holt Duke (1870/71-1962) through an audio overview of this 1907 portrait displayed on Rough Point’s Stair Case.
We invite you to explore the remarkable mansion of an unconventional heiress from home! Please follow our Facebook, Instagram or YouTube pages for the latest updates from Rough Point.
Visit our online museum store!
The products of the Newport Restoration Foundation Store celebrate the life and passions of our founder, Doris Duke. We invite you to explore our curated collections—including unique, one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by our museums’ design, collections, and stories— exclusively available here.
Click here to start shopping from home or visit shopnewportrestoration.org.
NRF invites you to support and protect historically significant properties like Rough Point for today’s visitors and future generations to enjoy.
By participating in Restoration Partners, NRF’s monthly giving program, your gift provides ongoing and consistent support to help preserve the cultural heritage of Newport. Partners receive a welcome packet, invitations to events, e-newsletters, and periodic partner perks.
When you make a gift to NRF, you’re expressing your enthusiasm and confidence in the work we do to care for special places like Rough Point and our other museum properties, Whitehorne House Museum and Prescott Farm.
Please visit newportrestoration.org/support for more information about this program, or to make a one-time gift.
