Rhode Island’s National Museum of American Illustration exhibits original artworks of over 150 illustrators from the Golden Age of American Illustration. If you’re a fan of Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, or others like them you owe it to yourself to visit.
The National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) is the first national museum dedicated exclusively to American illustration. Illustration is art created expressly for reproduction in books, magazines, other media, and advertisements.
This is by no means a denigration of the skill, talent, vision, or work of the artists involved in illustration. Not by any means! In fact, illustration is widely considered to be the most American of American art forms.
The National Museum of American Illustration was founded in 1998. It is located at Vernon Court, in a stately mansion loosely based on the 18th-century French mansion, Château d’Haroué. The combination of so many “Golden Age” illustrations in this “Gilded Age” architectural masterpiece makes for a truly unique and beautiful experience.
The Golden Age of American Illustration occurred between 1870 and 1950. Master illustrators from this period include the aforementioned Norman Rockwell and Maxfield Parrish. Other artists from this period include N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Jessie Willcox Smith, Charles Dana Gibson, and J.C. Leyendecker, to name just a few.
The National Museum of American Illustration contains original works and reproductions from these and more than 140 others. The collection provides a visual record of our country’s history and distinctive cultural heritage.
Whether you’re fan of art, design, or just Americana, you’ll love Rhode Island’s National Museum of American Illustration.
The National Museum of American Illustration
Vernon Court, 492 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Open Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day: Thursdays through Sundays, 11am to 5pm; guided tours: Fridays at 3pm.
Between Labor Day and Memorial Day Weekend, hours are: Fridays: 11am to 5pm; guided tours: 3pm
Learn more by visiting: americanillustration.org
Rhode Island Lodging
Whenever and wherever you are on Rhode Island, you can always make your stay that much better with accommodations at a Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfast! A stay at a Newport County B&B is your key to true quality, comfort and service. Book your stay today!