The Newport Show Returns
The annual event celebrates the Semiquincentennial and more with antiques.
Standing tall on Aquidneck Island in Newport, Rhode Island, are famous mansions originally built as “summer homes” by Gilded Age businessmen. Known by names like Rosecliff, Marble House, and the Breakers, these architectural landmarks-turned-museums are filled with some of the finest art and decor that magnates could buy in the nineteenth century.
But the City by the Sea offers more than just these grand structures. Numerous art galleries fill Newport’s streets, alongside a diverse assortment of antique stores. As one of the oldest continuously operating art museums in the country, the Newport Art Museum houses and displays a permanent collection of thousands of artworks that range in time (18th century to today) and medium (paper to new media), while also serving as a host to new exhibitions.
Another resource is the Newport Historical Society, which preserves the city’s history through objects in its historic home location. The historical society is also offering up another attraction this summer by co-organizing the annual event, The Newport Show, with the area’s Boys & Girls Club. Held from July 25–26, the show will feature fine art and fashion antiques from dealers across the country. The event has been in operation for almost two decades and has cumulatively raised more than $4 million for the Newport History Society and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County.
To learn more about The Newport Show, what to expect this year, and advice for new visitors, Kovels Antique Trader spoke with Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society, Rebecca Bertrand.
Kovels Antique Trader (KAT): How do you select the dealers and exhibitors for this year’s show?
Rebecca Bertrand (RB): We are very intentional about showcasing a mix of returning dealers who our guests look forward to seeing each year and new exhibitors to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
Having run this event for nineteen years under the incredible leadership of Show Chair Anne Hamilton, we have a strong sense of what our guests most want to see, and you can expect your Newport Show experience to include some truly exquisite and one-of-a-kind treasures across art, antiques, and furniture.
KAT: Are there specific historical periods or styles you aim to highlight this year?
RB: As this year is the 250th anniversary of American independence, there is an increased interest in colonial and Revolution-era objects. The Newport Historical Society has been focusing on and celebrating the Semiquincentennial all year, so you’ll absolutely see that reflected in our loan exhibition for The Newport Show, as well.
KAT: How has the show evolved over time?
RB: This is my fourth year at the Historical Society, and the excitement around The Newport Show just continues to grow. We have a loyal stable of supporters who have long invested in this event and made it what it is today, and that community continues to expand. We have many new voices, new dealers, and a new generation of people who care about history and preservation, who want to support community nonprofits, and who value precious art and objects.
KAT: Are there any design categories (e.g., mid-century, Americana, fine art) gaining popularity? Have buyer demographics or interests shifted in recent years?
RB: Part of what I love most about The Newport Show is the tremendous range of dealers and objects from American furniture to European jewelry to fine art across mediums. It’s a little bit of everything, and our guests consistently expect and appreciate that variety.
KAT: What goes into organizing an event of this scale? How far in advance do you begin planning each year’s show?
RB: We start planning the following year’s Newport Show almost immediately after it wraps each July. It’s an enormous undertaking, not only in curating an extraordinary group of dealers but also literally building a custom gallery space from the ground up inside the hockey rink at St. George’s School.
KAT: What are some unexpected challenges you’ve faced?
RB: The summer season in Newport is jam-packed with fantastic events and opportunities to support important local causes. July is a busy time for our organization, as well, especially this year with Independence Week in honor of America250. So, it’s a busy time, for sure, but we are fortunate to have consistently strong turnout and a crowd of more than 1,000 people over the course of the weekend!
KAT: How do antiques help tell the story of a place like Newport?
RB: My background is in material culture, so The Newport Show is something that I treasure and hold dear on a deeply personal level. I believe that antiques and objects paint such a vivid picture of history.
A visit to The Newport Show is like walking through a well-curated museum—but unlike most museums, you can see, smell, touch, and experience the art, antiques, and artifacts up close. What’s more impactful: me telling you about a storied cabinetmaker or, if you’re interested in craftsmanship, like I am, you can open the drawers, see the details, and understand more about how a piece was made.
KAT: What tips do you have for first-time visitors to get the most out of the show?
RB: First, let me emphasize that you don’t need to be an experienced collector or professional dealer to appreciate The Newport Show. We really encourage everyone to join us and see for themselves. We create a truly magical space, and all are welcome. Best of all, this isn’t just an antiques and arts event—tickets benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, so you’re also making a difference locally.
To maximize the experience, I would say allot yourself plenty of time! You can easily spend a whole day at the show, which is why we built a cafe on site for the weekend so you can grab a bite to eat, get yourself a glass of champagne, and roam the floor.
For more information, including ticketing details and the full schedule, visit The Newport Show website.
All images are courtesy of The Newport Show
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