National Museum of American Illustration

The National Museum of American Illustration occupies the Vernon Court mansion on Bellevue Avenue and displays original drawings by artists from different periods. The collection includes commercial illustrations, editorial work, and advertising materials spread across multiple floors of the house.

The museum was founded in 1998 to preserve works by important American illustrators from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection documents how illustration emerged and developed as an independent art form in America.

The collection shows how American illustrators shaped advertising, magazines, and books, revealing the role these works played in American visual culture. Walking through the rooms, you see how artists told stories about everyday life and products, making illustration a respected art form.

The museum is easy to find in downtown Newport but operates with limited hours, primarily from May through October. It is best to call ahead or check online to confirm visiting times and plan your visit accordingly.

The building itself is a work of art, mimicking French castle architecture and furnished with original Gilded Age pieces. This mansion setting gives the illustrations an extra layer of historical context when you view them.

Location: Rhode Island

Inception: 1998

Phone: +14018518949

Website: http://americanillustration.org

GPS coordinates: 41.46960,-71.30690

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40