Newport Art Museum

The Newport Art Museum stands as a beacon of creativity and cultural heritage in the heart of Rhode Island, carrying forward a legacy that began in 1912 with the formation of the Art Association of Newport. Established by a passionate group of artists and patrons, including Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and Maud Howe Elliott, the museum’s early vision was rooted in making art accessible to all and supporting a thriving artistic community. That vision continues to guide the institution today.

Housed in the historic John N.A. Griswold House, a striking example of American Stick Style architecture designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the museum offers visitors a distinctive setting in which to experience art. The museum expanded in 1919 with the addition of the Cushing Memorial Gallery, paying homage to artist Howard Gardiner Cushing and extending the museum’s ability to showcase diverse exhibitions. Today, the Newport Art Museum presents a dynamic blend of contemporary and historical exhibitions that engage the public in meaningful conversations about creativity, society, and identity.

With a collection of nearly 3,000 works ranging from the 18th century to today, including painting, sculpture, prints, and textiles, the museum serves as both a guardian of the past and a platform for emerging voices. It is also home to the Minnie and Jimmy Coleman Center for Creative Studies, a vibrant space dedicated to arts education for all ages and experience levels. From youth summer programs to adult ceramics and painting classes, the center invites everyone to participate in the creative process.

The Newport Art Museum is more than a collection of galleries—it’s a living space for dialogue, reflection, and discovery. With a mission to connect people through the power of art, it continues to be a vital cultural anchor for Newport and beyond.