The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum - a unique combination of mansion, marine and natural history museum, planetarium and park - is dedicated to the education and enjoyment of the people of Long Island and beyond. This mission shall be achieved through the thoughtful preservation, interpretation and enhancement of the Eagle's Nest estate as an informal educational facility. Exhibition and program themes focus upon Long Island's Gold Coast Era and upon William K. Vanderbilt II's desire that his marine, natural history, and ethnographic collections promote appreciation and understanding of the marvelous diversity of life, other cultures, and scientific knowledge.

The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum is located in Centerport, New York on William K. Vanderbilt II's spectacular 43-acre, "Gold Coast" estate. Acquired in 1947, the museum opened in 1950. Vanderbilt's will stipulated that the estate was to be dedicated to the "education and enjoyment of the public" and "enhanced" as a museum. A planetarium was built by the county in 1970. The facility is the legacy of a man with the resources to conduct collecting expeditions worldwide. The great-grandson of railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, William K. collected natural history specimens, ethnographic artifacts, fine and decorative arts. Today's museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

As a public institution, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to pursue Vanderbilt's passion - to discover personal interests for the pure pleasure of learning. Today, the museum sponsors a wide variety of public programs that promote an appreciation for the marvelous diversity of life on our planet.