Marble House: A Gilded Age Masterpiece and Its Starring Role in 'The Gilded Age'

Marble House: A Gilded Age Masterpiece and Its Starring Role in 'The Gilded Age'

Marble House, the opulent Vanderbilt mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, stands as a testament to the ambition and wealth of the Gilded Age. Built as a summer 'cottage' for William Kissam and Alva Vanderbilt, this architectural marvel, costing the modern equivalent of $384 million, was designed to make a statement in a society obsessed with status and grandeur. Its lavish interiors and historical significance have now brought it to the forefront as a key filming location for the popular HBO series 'The Gilded Age'.

A Symbol of Vanderbilt Ambition

  • Marble House was commissioned by William K. Vanderbilt as a 39th birthday gift for his wife, Alva, in Newport, Rhode Island.
  • The mansion's construction cost approximately $11 million in the late 19th century, with $7 million spent solely on marble.
  • Alva Vanderbilt played a significant role in the design and decoration, working with architect Richard Morris Hunt and designer Jules Allard.

Lavish Interiors and European Influence

Marble House is renowned for its extravagant interiors, reflecting Alva Vanderbilt's vision and her desire to emulate European royalty. The grand entryway features Italian marble, and the dining room boasts rose-colored marble from Algeria, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of book-matching.

The Gothic Room served as a private museum for Alva's collection of Medieval and Renaissance art, a space designed to impress and reflect her status as a patron of the arts. The grand salon, adorned with 22-karat gold leaf and electric lighting, epitomized the era's opulence.

A Stage for 'The Gilded Age'

The HBO series 'The Gilded Age' utilizes Marble House and other historic Newport mansions to bring the lavish world of 1880s New York high society to life. Marble House specifically features as Bertha Russell's bedroom in the series, with its French Louis XV bed and rich textiles recreated on set.

Consuelo Vanderbilt's monochrome red bedroom in the mansion also serves as George Russell's bedroom in the show. The use of these iconic locations adds an authentic layer of historical grandeur to the series, allowing viewers to step back in time and experience the era's unparalleled opulence.

A Legacy of Power and Suffrage

Beyond its architectural splendor, Marble House holds a unique place in history due to Alva Vanderbilt's later life. After divorcing William, she transformed the mansion into a hub for women's suffrage rallies, demonstrating her commitment to social change. In 1913, she commissioned a Chinese tea house on the grounds, which also served as a meeting place for suffrage gatherings.

Today, Marble House is a National Historic Landmark and a museum, open to the public year-round. It continues to captivate visitors with its story of wealth, ambition, and the enduring legacy of one of America's most prominent families.

Key Takeaways

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