Closure due to renovations

The NMAI is currently closed for renovations. We will update the website as the project progresses. If you have questions, please e-mail art@americanillustration.org.

Year-Round Open Tours

Throughout the year, the NMAI offers a guided tour every Friday at 3pm. There is no need for advance reservation and the cost is included with the regular admission rates. Please call ahead if it is a Holiday weekend to check scheduling.

Self-Guided Audio Tours

Learn the history of Vernon Court, the home of the National Museum of American Illustration, and our American Imagist Collection with our Self-Guided Audio Tour. The Audio Tour features introductions to the seven main galleries as well as biographies of 50 featured illustrators and over 50 illustrations on display.

The Audio Tour is included in the price of admission and provided upon entry on the NMAI's Kindle Fire tablets.

Group Tours

For a Group Tour of twelve (12) persons or more, the rate is $20 per person. For groups of six (6) to eleven (11) persons, the rate is $25 per person. Student tour groups will honor the student rate of $14 per student. These tours are non-exclusive, and frequently other visitors will be appended to the tour. All tours require advanced reservations and are subject to availability. Group Tour reservations may be made by Telephone, Fax, or Email. 

School and Student groups as well as bus tours and very large groups are also welcome. Please call the Admissions Office at (401) 851-8949 ext. 18 for more details.

All Group Tours are accommodated at the discretion of the Admissions Office and require deposits in advance.

VIP Tours:
The Ultimate Journey through American Illustration Art

On a private VIP Tour, you will experience an in depth tour of the first museum dedicated to Golden Age American Illustration Art! You and your group will hear the stories and secrets about the paintings in our collection, and the history of the museum. This customized tour is tailored to your specific needs and wishes, allowing you to move at your own pace, focusing on what you choose in a more conversational style. The guide is there to answer all of your questions, provide information on Vernon Court, the gilded age mansion, and the artworks on display.

The NMAI is consistently ranked one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 destinations in Newport and was ranked the #1 Museum in Rhode Island Worth Traveling For by FlipKey. Our exhibitions have traveled the world to incredible acclaim, and our collection is constantly growing and evolving.

VIP Tours are arranged to your schedule and Guide availability. VIP Tours are offered by advance reservation at $250 per person with a minimum of two (2) persons required.

For reservations by telephone: 401-851-8949 x 18

For reservations by email: art@americanillustration.org