Rough Point – Trail Marker #13
Rough Point Museum features an art collection and a sprawling historic landscape with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean that tell the story of heiress, philanthropist, and preservationist, Doris Duke (1912-1993). Originally build for Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt in 1891, Rough Point underwent a succession of owners and renovations that shaped the building and grounds that you see today. James B. Duke, founder of the American Tobacco Company, purchased the house in 1922, in 1925 he passed away, leaving his entire estate including Rough Point to his daughter, Doris. Doris Duke spent time here as a child, but made Rough Point her own starting in 1958 when she relocated her family art collection from their estate in New York to Newport. She lived here during an extended season (April through November) nearly every year until her death in 1993.
Doris Duke bequeathed Rough Point to the Newport Restoration Foundation so that the estate would be open to the public as a museum. Today, the NRF continues Doris Duke’s legacy by promoting and investing in the architectural heritage of the Newport community, the traditional building trades, and Doris Duke’s fine and decorative arts collection, for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of all.
The museum is currently open to the public for self-guided and guided tour experiences in April – November. For more information on visiting Rough Point, please go to newportrestoration.org/roughpoint.