Architecture & Collections Tours
Take an intriguing walking tour of the Vanderbilt Estate with knowledgeable Museum educators. Learn about the history of the Eagle’s Nest estate; Warren & Wetmore’s design and exterior architectural details of the 24-room Spanish Revival mansion; and the striking ironwork of Samuel Yellin, considered the greatest iron artisan of the early 20th century, and visit the marine, natural history, and cultural artifact collections
Created by the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum Education Department, the next tours will be given on Saturday, September 27, at 12:00 and 1:15 pm.
Other dates: September 27 and October 19.
Adults $16; seniors/students $15; children 5-17, $14; and members free.
Beth Laxer-Limmer, Director of Education, said, “The grounds are beautiful during the summer and the walking tour is a perfect way to be introduced to the history of the estate. There is an abundance of beauty in the eclectic architecture and the unique details that reflect William Vanderbilt’s interests.”
Curator’s Lecture: The Power of Media in Archaeological Discoveries
In the 1920s, the widespread use of photography in journalism introduced a new era in the popularization of archaeology.
As the public became fascinated with the ancient past, archaeologists competed for visibility, resulting in media coverage that exploited sensationalism to generate revenues. The past spilled into the present, influencing all aspects of popular culture.
In this talk, Roberta Casagrande-Kim, Vanderbilt Museum’s Director of Curatorial Affairs, will walk you through the media war that sparked around the two major discoveries of the time: the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt and the tomb of Queen Puabi in Iraq.
Thursday, October 16, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in the Reichert Planetarium Theater
See Classic Automotive Design in October
William K. Vanderbilt II (1878-1944) spent summers at his Eagle’s Nest estate and mansion on Northport Bay between 1910 and 1944. He and his wife, Rosamond, hosted intimate gatherings and entertained well-known guests, such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Pierre Cartier, Conde Nast, Charles Lindbergh, and the Tiffanys. Eagle’s Nest is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum has honored William K. Vanderbilt II’s automotive legacy by hosting classic-car shows on its grounds for more than three decades. The season begins on Sunday, October 12, with the Jaguar Drivers of Long Island (rain date: Saturday, October 18).
On the Great Lawn next to the Vanderbilt Mansion, visitors can examine beautifully restored examples of great automotive design. All shows: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Visitors pay only general admission – adults $14; seniors (62 plus) $10; students (with ID) $10; children 12 and under $8; military and children under 2 are free.
Saturday, October 25 – Metro NY Porsche Club (rain date: Sunday, October 26)
Sunday, November 2 – Mustang-Shelby Car Club of Long Island
Sunday, November 9 – Cadillac-LaSalle Car Club of Long Island
Vanderbilt, a pioneer race driver who competed in Europe, brought auto racing to the United States. He inaugurated the famous Vanderbilt Cup Races in 1904. That same year, he set a new land-speed record of 92.3 miles per hour in a Mercedes on a course in Florida. He also spurred the development of the American auto industry and built the prototype for the first toll road, the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway on Long Island.
Commemorate Your Loved One with a Brick!
This is the season for graduations, birthdays, weddings, and more.
It’s the perfect time to gift someone special with an engraving that lasts forever.
Bricks can be installed on any walkway at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum.
Your purchase will help to bring outstanding science, history, and art (STEAM) education to more than 25,000 students annually.
Imagine Your Wedding at the Romantic Vanderbilt Estate
Step back in time—plan your wedding at the Vanderbilt Estate, one of the most beautiful venues on Long Island, located on 43 stunning waterfront acres in Centerport.
The estate—where the Vanderbilts lived from the Jazz Age through the Second World War—offers lush gardens and greenery, Spanish Revival architecture, sprawling grounds, incomparable views of Northport Bay, and the delight of immersing yourself in the history of a distinguished American family.
The rolling, hilltop estate and its extensive mansion—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—is the former summer getaway of William and Rosamond Vanderbilt and home of the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Reichert Planetarium.
Some dates are still available in 2025.
Inquire: host@vanderbiltmuseum.org.
Options:
- Wedding ceremonies (and mini-ceremonies)
- Receptions
- Engagement photos
- Bridal party photography
- Rehearsal dinners
- Anniversary dinners
- Engagement parties
- Private proposals
- Elopements
