Join renowned architectural historian Richard Guy Wilson in his last year as Director to experience and study four centuries of architecture, art, culture, and landscape at the acclaimed Newport Summer School. This ten-day program is based in Newport, Rhode Island, the “Queen” of American resorts. You will enjoy lectures by Richard Guy Wilson and other leading scholars, tours of private homes, and opportunities to get behind the scenes at some of America’s grandest mansions.

Participants will examine Newport’s most iconic sites: Richard Morris Hunt’s Marble House, The Breakers, and Ochre Court; Richard Upjohn’s Kingscote, and H.H. Richardson’s Sherman House. Additional highlights include McKim, Mead & White’s Isaac Bell House and downtown casino, as well as historic gardens, churches, and opportunities to view Tiffany windows and paintings by leading American artists. Field trips include visits to Providence, RI and North Easton, MA. Participants are housed in Ochre Lodge at Salve Regina University, designed by local architect Dudley Newton in 1890.

Course Director: Richard Guy Wilson

Past lecturers include Jennifer Carlquist, Pauline C. Metcalf, Paul Miller, Ron Onorato, Laurie Ossman, Pieter Roos, and John Tschirch

Tuition for the 2025 Newport Summer School* will be $3,700, and includes expert instruction, course materials, 9 nights’ single-occupancy accommodation, entrance fees, receptions, and some meals (kitchen facilities are on site; many dining options nearby). Please note that accommodation is in a college dormitory on the Salve Regina University campus, and includes shared bathroom facilities. Full and partial scholarships are available. Please email Anne Mallek, Summer Schools Administrator, at Admin@VSASummerSchools.org, with any additional questions.