Rosecliff
4.5(1.8K)google
3.7(75)yelp
Date SpotWedding VenueIndoorPhoto SpotLuxuryGuided TourEducationalHistoric BuildingArtFilmHollywood
Overview
Rosecliff is a spectacularly romantic Newport mansion designed by architect Stanford White and modeled after the Grand Trianon garden pavilion at Versailles. Commissioned by silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs and completed in 1902, this white terra-cotta palace was specifically built for hosting grand Gilded Age celebrations. The home features Newport's largest and most magnificent private ballroom, complete with a famous heart-shaped grand staircase and trompe l'oeil ceilings. Rosecliff's timeless elegance has made it a favorite filming location for iconic Hollywood movies, including 'The Great Gatsby' and 'True Lies.'
Practical Info
Every day9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThe spectacular Gilded Age mansion famous as the principal filming site for the classic movie The Great Gatsby, this French Baroque masterpiece is an indoor wonder. Pre-booking a 10:00 AM weekday ticket online is highly advised; being in the first morning wave ensures you can photograph the legendary heart-shaped white marble grand staircase in quiet comfort.
Getting ThereCommanding the central historic corridor at 548 Bellevue Ave. Driving is a breeze: take RI-138 E across the Newport Bridge, follow America's Cup Ave south, and merge onto Bellevue Avenue. The preservation society provides a massive, complimentary private visitor surface parking plaza located directly inside the mansion's main gates.
Travel Tips
- Featuring highly polished Versailles-style historic wood parquet and historic marble, Rosecliff bans shoes with metallic heel taps, cleats, or mud-laden hiking soles. Visitors may be subject to footgear inspection or mandatory shoe-covers.
- As a premium Hollywood filming set and high-end wedding venue, Rosecliff has the highest frequency of private buyouts in Newport. Checking the live status calendar on the morning of your visit is mandatory to avoid locked gates.
- Constructed in 1902, the upper galleries and service wings entirely lack modern central climate control. Midday during July and August brings stifling interior temperatures; scheduling entry for the 9:00 AM opening slot is highly advised.
Reviews
Positive
- This white marble mansion modeled after Trianon is exquisitely stunning; its heart-shaped ballroom is Newport's largest and truly spectacular.
- The smart audio guide with multilingual choices is excellent, vividly recreating the history of its Gatsby-style extravagant parties.
- Accessibility is well-maintained, featuring wide wheelchair ramps at the main gate and a preserved elevator for mobility-impaired guests.
- Tickets bundle beautiful palace interiors and ocean-facing garden self-guided tours; free parking inside makes it a good value among top estates.
Heads up
- Most second-floor rooms lack permanent displays and host temporary art shows; guests seeking lavish furniture might find the inside empty.
- Aside from the main hall, back corridors heading to the gardens lack prominent directional text and multilingual slip-resistant warnings.
- The onsite cafe serves only cold drinks and pre-packaged sandwiches with poor choices and pricey rates; gift shop items carry a clear markup.
- As a famous filming location for The Great Gatsby, it frequently closes early for private weddings on weekends, leaving tourists turned away.