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 April to November.
Experience the only museum in the world specializing in 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts.
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.
Newport Restoration Foundation’s Whitehorne House Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to displaying and exploring the artistry, history, and culture of 18th-century Newport furniture and related decorative arts.
Join us virtually at the Whitehorne House Museum for an exciting historical music performance by the Ministers of Apollo, Eliza and Erik Lichack.
Whitehorne House Museum is planned to reopen Saturday, July 18.
Please be aware timed tickets MUST be purchased online prior to your visit, and all visitors are required to comply with all COVID-19 safety protocols.
Click here more information on tickets and guidelines.
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.
Group Tours Visit our Group Tours page.
Museum Hours
Whitehorne House Museum is currently open through Sunday, October 25.
House Schedule
Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, last admission at 3:30 pm
Tickets
Adults: $10 Students: $5 Children 12 & under: Free
Newport County, RI residents: Free
Newport County residents, please contact us at 401 847 8344 to reserve your timed ticket.
Combine Your Ticket Purchase a combined ticket to both Whitehorne House Museum and Rough Point Museum for only $25!
416 Thames Street Newport, RI 401–846–4152 ext. 123 visit@newportrestoration.org
Limited metered parking available.
Portrait of Rebecca Taylor Orne by Joseph Badger
Side chair by John Townsend
Tea table
Painted and embroidered mourning picture on silk
Porringer by John Otis
Portrait of Timothy Orne by Joseph Badger
This is one of a pair of ball and claw foot side chairs in the Whitehorne House Museum collection, originally part of a larger set. They have served as the touchstone of what a typical Chippendale chair by John Townsend might look like. The overall effect of these chairs is one of strength. The base is particularly robust, with its boldly carved ball and claw feet and thick unchamfered rear legs joined soundly by block and ring turned stretchers; a standard feature of eighteenth-century Massachusetts and Rhode Island chairs. The arched section at the center of the crest rail is crosshatched, a favorite decorative device of Newport craftsmen. During the second half of the eighteenth century, chairs with interlaced c-scroll splats were popular with cabinetmakers along the east coast. The splats on this pair of side chairs are based on English printed prototypes, as was a common practice in each of the major colonial port cities.
Painting on silk of two women in black outside a church with embroidered details.
