Vanderbilt Museum

The Vanderbilt Museum is a historic estate and maritime museum in Huntington, United States, featuring collections of marine life, artifacts, and natural history displays. The property includes a mansion, planetarium, and several auxiliary buildings set on grounds overlooking Long Island Sound.

William K. Vanderbilt II built the complex between 1910 and 1936 as a summer residence and place to showcase specimens from his expeditions. Following his death in 1944, the estate opened to the public and operated as a museum.

The estate follows the design of a Majorcan palace Vanderbilt visited, reflecting that influence through arches and tiles. Gardens stretch toward the Long Island shore and frame the setting for a collection of objects from distant journeys.

Access to the site is from Little Neck Road in Centerport, where guided visits through the buildings and exhibits are offered. A walk through the waterfront gardens can accompany the tour.

Nine dioramas inside were crafted by artisans from the American Museum of Natural History and depict habitats with animals from different climate zones. Vanderbilt collected many of these specimens himself during voyages aboard his yacht Ara through the Caribbean and Pacific.

Location: Huntington

Architects: Warren and Wetmore

GPS coordinates: 40.90500,-73.36778

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26