Step Back in Time with 'The Gilded Age'
The HBO series 'The Gilded Age,' which recently concluded its third season, has captivated audiences with its depiction of opulence and social intrigue in late 19th-century America. Set primarily in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island, the show offers a glimpse into the lives of the elite during a period of immense wealth and societal transformation. For fans looking to immerse themselves in the settings of this drama, a travel itinerary inspired by the series provides a unique opportunity to explore historic locations that echo the show's grandeur.
From lavish mansions to bustling city streets, the settings of 'The Gilded Age' are more than just backdrops; they are characters in their own right. This guide draws on recent insights shared in travel publications to help plan a journey through these iconic locales, offering a chance to walk in the footsteps of fictional families like the Russells and van Rhijns.
Discovering Newport's Gilded Mansions
Newport, Rhode Island, is synonymous with the extravagance of the Gilded Age, serving as a summer retreat for America's wealthiest families. The Newport Mansions, managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County, include iconic estates like The Breakers, built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in 1893. Described as a 'classic Italian palazzo design with opulent interiors,' The Breakers reflects the immense wealth of the Vanderbilt family, as noted in posts found on X.
Many scenes from 'The Gilded Age' were filmed in these historic homes, with location manager Lauri Pitkus revealing to a lifestyle magazine that specific mansions were chosen to represent the residences of fictional characters. Visitors can tour these properties to see firsthand the 70-room splendor of The Breakers or the intricate details of other estates like Marble House and Rosecliff, each offering guided tours that delve into their historical significance during this era of excess.
Beyond the mansions, Newport's history extends to its diverse communities, with season three of the series highlighting the town's Black community, as discussed in a recent architectural publication. This nuanced portrayal encourages travelers to explore lesser-known historical sites and narratives that shaped Newport beyond its gilded facades.
New York City's Gilded Age Legacy
In New York City, 'The Gilded Age' captures the essence of 1880s Manhattan, though much of the filming took place outside the city due to the near disappearance of original Gilded Age mansions, as highlighted by a major real estate publication on X. While iconic structures like those on Fifth Avenue have largely vanished, certain areas still evoke the era's spirit. Central Park, designed in the mid-19th century, remains a testament to the city's transformation during that time and offers a serene escape reminiscent of leisurely strolls depicted in the series.
Travelers can also visit cultural institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which houses artifacts and exhibits from the Gilded Age, providing context to the societal dynamics portrayed in the show. Though not direct filming locations, neighborhoods such as the Upper East Side still retain echoes of old money and architectural hints of a bygone era, making them worth exploring for fans seeking to connect with the show's urban setting.