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.
Protected by bays of privet hedges, Doris filled the flower gardens with annuals brought from Duke Farms each May and used these beds as a cutting garden to supply fresh flowers to the house. Drawing inspiration from historic plant lists, the flower gardens have been reinterpreted to include a painterly mix of woody shrubs, perennials, and bulbs.
Each garden bed has a distinct character. At the east end, limelight hydrangeas in the knot garden bring elegance to the shady corner. The middle bay features rows of peonies a hedge of catmint, and many varieties of Doris Duke's beloved dahlias. The west bed includes modern additions such as star of Persia, allium, corn poppy, and a banana tree.
The rose arbor is planted with American Pillar rose, which blooms in early July. The arbor terminates with a statue of Cyparissus, added by Doris Duke in 1962.
