national museum of american illustration

I'm a local Rhode Islander and never knew about this. What an amazing place...I saw great art, in a casual setting, there was a FANTASTIC amount of Maxfield Parrish, (my fav) and the staff was great. So friendly, knowledgable! You can get within a few inches of some of the most popular and recognizable illiustration art...amazing artists, Rockwell and so on. It was such a great experience, they got about $100 out of me in the gift shop...not easy, believe me. You will want a print, a calendar....and not need to spend like I did...or...I don't even remember what the cost was, but being a frugal yankee, it wasn't alot! Don't miss this opportunity!

We were a group of 30 or so that had signed on to a tour of the museum. The gracious owner, Laurence S. Cutler, who added personal color associated with his wife’s collection of illustrative art, guided us through the museum. However, a self-guided tour is also quite informative and worthwhile. Highlights of their vast collection include works by Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, and N.C.Wyeth, which are beautifully displayed in their historic mansion, Vernon House located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and highly recommend visiting this lovely mansion and extraordinary collection.

This museum really stands out among all the rest. It is a beautiful mansion, like many others in Newport, but it is also filled with an amazing collection of beautiful art and illustration works. On top of that, they give guided tours that include the background of the works they display on the main floor, as well as the many prints on the lower level. There is also a video available on their site that gives an introduction and short tour.

The focus of this museum is original art that was used to illustrate books, magazine covers and ads. The work is by the best illustrators of the day. The museum has the second largest collection of Norman Rockwell, works by Maxwell Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, J.C. Leyendecker to name a few. The art is housed in Vernon Court, a gilded age mansion that is exquisite and provides a beautiful setting for the art. Judy and Larry Cutler are the owners of the house and the collection and they have done an outstanding job in making this wonderful art available for public viewing. I was very fortunate to have Larry Cutler lead the tour which made it a very personal experience. Don't miss this treat when you come to Newport.

My wife and I have been trying to visit this museum for years but always found it to be closed.The hours have since changed and it's more accessible. It was worth the wait. The building alone is worth the price of admission and the collection is simply the best example of the illustrator's art in one place I've ever seen. The staff was uniformly friendly and there is a very nice gift shop. This place holds its own with the mansions of Newport.

I missed this museum a few years ago while in Newport, but it topped my list this time. My daughter and I toured this beautiful Illustration museum. It was incredible! Housed in a Newport mansion, the architecture was a thrill to study. The illustrations were gallery-quality originals of Maxfield Parrish, JC Leyendecker, Rockwell and more. It was a self guided tour and I took my time and studied the art, went back and forth through rooms. It was a pleasure not to be rushed through rooms. Wonderful staff, very nice. Exiting the back of the house and down the stairs is another level that houses the gift shop...DONT miss this floor, it also holds other works as well. I only wish I could have gone up the residents stairs to see the vertical Maxfield Parrish hangings, but respect the fact that it is a private home. Oh what a dream to live there with that art!!! Thank you for preserving and displaying these pieces for all of us!! If you appreciate illustration, GO and support this museum, it is a jewel in the crown for Newport.

We toured the museum on Wednesday October 8th ,2014. The Museum structure itself is a masterpiece. . .full of exquisite masterpieces. . .very tastefully displayed.Lawrence Culter lead our tour and could not have been more imformative about the work and the artist. It was an experience that my wife and I will always remeber and treasure!

We spent a few days in Newport and the highlight of our trip was the National Museum Of American Illustration. The paintings were displayed in a beautifully decorated mansion.We enjoyed the interesting and informative tour. Laurence and Judy Cutler, the owners were very gracious .A visit to this museum should be a must if you enjoy beautiful art in a gorgeous setting.

Spent a week end in Newport and visited the National Museum of American Illustration. It was housed in a magnificent mansion in perfect taste. The collection of Illustrations and paintings by Norman Rockwell, Maxwell Parrish, etc. were carefully selected and hung in an informative way. How great for a current collector to share their collection with the public!!

NMAI was the first attraction we visited on our trip to Newport. I was excited to visit after reading the excellent reviews on TripAdvisor. I had never heard of Maxfield Parrish before, but as soon as I saw his paintings, I realized that he illustrated books that I had read as a child. I loved his illustrations almost as much as the stories! Also enjoyable were the numerous Norman Rockwell paintings. This made for a delightful afternoon.

This museum is full of interesting illustrations and information about the artists and events that inspired them. Fun and educational for children and adults set in a beautifully restored Newport Mansion with a beautiful park with ample parking.

My wife and I visited the NMAI during the month of October 2014. We had the pleasure of having Laurence Cutler as our docent. Mr. Cutler had as much to say about the mansion in which NMAI is housed as the collections inside. He was quite informative and knowledgeable about both the architecture and art housed inside! NMAI has the largest collection of Maxfield Parrish works compared to any other art museum. Also heavily represented are J.C. Leyendecker, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, and Norman Rockwell. It was a thrill to see all these artists and more. Paintings and works were displayed so as to afford easy comparison of styles and subject matter. Cutler used such arrangements to describe the historical background and significance of each work. Tour participants were left with a comprehensive and representative art history lesson of a uniquely American art form. This tour covers the Golden age of American illustration. Included in the showings were works by caricaturist Paul Szep, artist Mary Jane Begin, as well as Charles Dana Gibson the originator of the "Gibson Girl." The museum would do well to convert the remaining space it has devoted to living quarters to usable display space.

We had the pleasure to visit and meet the founders of the museum Laurence and Judy Cutler. The Cutler's were true professionals, extremely welcoming and went out of their way for us to have an unforgettable visit at NMAI. The property is superb both inside and out. The grounds are amazing and the interior and artwork are equally impressive. The Cutler's provided a very educational and exceptional experience. We will definitely be back to visit!I was born and raised in the area and have toured many mansions and museums in Newport. NMAI should be on the top of your list of places to visit, you will not be disappointed!!

Had the opportunity to tour the grounds and inside the National Museum of American Illustration in Newport. I was extremely pleased with all aspects of the grounds and the collection of works the Cutlers have amassed throughout the years. I have been a life long Rhode Island resident and did not know this gem was in my backyard. If you are looking for something to do and are a fan of the works of Norman Rockwell, Parrish and Leyendecker, you will not be disappointed in this museum.

We had the pleasure of visiting The National Museum of American Illustration as well as meeting Laurence and Judy Cutler. The museum and it's collection of art are truly spectacular! Mr. And Mrs. Cutler were so very kind, warm, friendly and generous and made our visit extraordinary. I strongly encourage everyone to pay a visit to this museum. You will not be disappointed!