The Breakers

The Breakers. It is a Gilded Age mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island, constructed as the summer residence for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a prominent figure in the Vanderbilt family and chairman of the New York Central Railroad. Designed by the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, the 70-room palazzo is a premier example of Renaissance Revival architecture in the United States and stands as a symbol of the immense wealth and social aspirations of America's industrial elite during the late 19th century. Now meticulously preserved, the estate is owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County and is open to the public as a museum, attracting visitors from around the world to its opulent interiors and oceanfront grounds.

History

The property's history is deeply intertwined with the Vanderbilt family and the social dynamics of the Gilded Age. The original wooden house on the site, owned by Pierre Lorillard IV, burned down in 1892. Cornelius Vanderbilt II purchased the land and commissioned a new, fireproof mansion to surpass other grand summer "cottages" in Newport, Rhode Island, such as Marble House and The Elms. Construction occurred rapidly between 1893 and 1895, employing a small army of craftsmen and artisans, many of whom were immigrants from Europe. The mansion served as a summer social hub for the family until the death of Cornelius's wife, Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt, in 1934. Changing social norms and the onset of the Great Depression led to the family leasing the property to the Preservation Society of Newport County in 1948, with ownership formally transferred in 1972, ensuring its survival for future generations.

Architecture and design

The architectural vision of Richard Morris Hunt was inspired by the 16th-century palaces of Genoa and Turin, particularly drawing from the style of the Palazzo Durazzo-Pallavicini. The exterior is constructed of Indiana limestone and steel, creating a monumental yet elegant facade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The interior design was a collaborative effort, with Jules Allard and Sons of Paris responsible for the furnishings and Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributing sculptural elements. Key rooms include the grand two-story Great Hall, modeled after an open-air courtyard, featuring marble columns and a ceiling painting by the French artist Paul Helleu. Other notable spaces are the ornate Music Room, with gilded boiserie imported from a French château, the Dining Room adorned with alabaster and marble, and the Library paneled in Circassian walnut, each room showcasing the finest materials and craftsmanship of the era.

Ownership and preservation

Following its use by the Vanderbilt family, the estate's preservation was secured by the Preservation Society of Newport County, a nonprofit organization founded to protect the architectural heritage of Newport, Rhode Island. The society maintains the mansion and its extensive grounds, including the meticulously restored landscape designed by Ernest Bowditch. The Breakers was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ongoing conservation projects, often supported by grants from entities like the National Endowment for the Humanities, address everything from structural integrity to the preservation of original textiles and wall coverings, ensuring the building remains an authentic testament to its period.

In popular culture

The grandeur and historical significance of The Breakers have made it a frequent backdrop for film, television, and literature, often serving as a visual shorthand for extreme wealth and a bygone era. It has been featured in movies such as the 1974 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel and more recently in *High Society*. Television series including *The Gilded Age* and documentaries on networks like HBO and the History Channel have utilized its interiors for filming. The mansion also appears in novels and serves as a popular setting for events, from the famed Newport Jazz Festival galas to fashion shoots for publications like *Vogue*.

See also

* Marble House * The Elms * Rosecliff * Richard Morris Hunt * Gilded Age * Newport, Rhode Island * Preservation Society of Newport County * Vanderbilt family * National Historic Landmark

Category:Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in Rhode Island Category:Houses completed in 1895 Category:National Historic Landmarks in Rhode Island Category:Richard Morris Hunt buildings Category:Vanderbilt family homes Category:Houses in Newport, Rhode Island