Museums and Galleries
Newport museums and galleries offer a rich cultural history of RI
Our picks
Bristol, RI
Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame
1 Burnside Street 401-253-5000The museum and hall of fame present the story of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America's Cup competition. From 1863 to 1945, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company produced the world's finest yachts on the cutting edge of design and engineering. This Rhode Island museum's collection includes 60 original Herreshoff boats, steam engines, artifacts, and photographs from the Golden Age of Yachting.
Hours: April 26-November 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; other times of year by appointment.
Admission: Adults, $10; seniors over age 65, $8; military, $8, youth over age 10, $5.
Information: www.herreshoff.org/
Newport, RI
National Museum of American Illustration and Frederick Law Olmsted Park
Vernon Court at 492 Bellevue Avenue 401-851-8949This essential American art form is on display at this largest collection original artworks from the Golden Age of American Illustration anywhere in the world. The museum includes artworks by N.C. Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, and more than 100 other artists. Vernon Court is a furnished 1898 mansion, a unique union of art and architecture, and a national treasure.
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day; see website for hours. Open year-round by advance reservation for groups or private tours.
Newport, RI
Naval War College Museum
686 Cushing Road 401-841-4052Want to learn about naval activities in the Narragansett Bay area in colonial times? Or how the science of naval warfare has changed from the time of the Greeks and Romans through the Civil War, both World Wars to today? Then head to the Naval War College Museum, free and open to the public, where naval battles and strategies come to life via changing art collections, exhibits and documents. Starting Dec. 14, learn about the Navy’s role in World War I from the new exhibit, “To Win or Lose All: William S. Sims and the U.S. Navy in the First World War.”
Bristol, RI
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Off Route 114 401-253-9062A 35-acre colonial farm, established in 1750. The museum features rare breeds of livestock, a barn, cooling house, blacksmith and springhouse. Open March-September, 10 am-6 pm; October-February, 10 am-5 pm.
Warren, RI
Charles W. Greene Museum
Main Street 401-245-7686This museum houses the Charles R. Carr collection of pre-Columbian, Peruvian, and North American Indian artifacts including wampum and glass beads. Colonial fishing and farm also are featured. Open Wednesday from 2 pm to 4 pm and by appointment.
Bristol, RI
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Tower Street, off Route 136 401-863-2065A part of Brown University, this Rhode Island museum focuses on the arts and culture of Native American, African, Southeast Asian, and Oceanic societies throughout history.
Hours: Year-round, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Mondays and Brown University holidays.
Admission: Free
Information: www.brown.edu/Facilities/Haffenreffer/
Newport, RI
Museum of Newport History
127 Thames Street 401-846-0813The museum offers a overview of Newport, Rhode Island, history with exhibits of decorative arts, artifacts of everyday life, graphics, historic photographs, audio-visual programs, ship models, paintings, Colonial silver, the printing press used by James Franklin, a ball gown worn from the Summer Colony, the figurehead from the yacht Aloha, and more. The museum is a great place to visit and thing to do on your next vacation with children when you are looking for a family activity.
Hours: Open daily 10am - 4pm. A $5 donation is recommended in lieu of admission.
Warren, RI
Fire Museum
Baker Street 401-245-7600This former fire barn on Baker Street once housed the Narragansett Steam Fire Co. Station #3 in the 1800s. Faithfully restored, it now houses the volunteer fire department’s museum and The Little Hero, the first fire engine purchased by the town in 1802. Open by appointment. Call the fire chief.