The Museum of Newport History and Shop at the 1762 Brick Market. Operated by the Newport Historical Society.
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Museum of Newport History Brick Market

4.5
·135 reviews·Newport, United States

Explore Newport's maritime and social history in the iconic 1772 Brick Market building, a colonial architectural gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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The Museum of Newport History and Shop at the 1762 Brick Market. Operated by the Newport Historical Society.

Museum of Newport History Brick Market

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Newport's maritime and social history in the iconic 1772 Brick Market building, a colonial architectural gem.

4.5
(135 reviews)

"A must-see spot for anyone visiting the area, offering fascinating exhibits and a great shop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Museum Admission

A small fee ($5 suggested donation) grants access to the upstairs museum exhibits.

🚶‍♀️ Book Walking Tours

Themed walking tours are popular; book ahead online or at the shop.

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Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 138 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Brick Market Building

The Brick Market Building

Washington Square

Admire the 1762 architecture by Peter Harrison, a colonial masterpiece.

Newport History Exhibits

Newport History Exhibits

Upstairs Museum

Explore maritime and social history with engaging displays and video guides.

Newport Historical Society Shop

Newport Historical Society Shop

Ground Floor

Discover unique books, souvenirs, and gifts inspired by Newport's rich past.

Walking Tours

Walking Tours

Departing from the museum

Join guided tours like 'Rum & Revolution' for a deeper dive into local history.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The museum is upstairs, so consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the exhibits. The shop is always accessible for souvenirs.

Beyond the Exhibits

Don't miss the walking tours offered by the Newport Historical Society, which often depart from the Brick Market. Book in advance, especially for themed tours.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Museum is open, shop is bustling
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

There’s lots to discover at Newport Museum! #History #Museum #NewportHistory #Wales #fyp
@newporthistory
14 likes • 357 views

🎟️ Museum Admission

A small fee ($5 suggested donation) grants access to the upstairs museum exhibits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Book Walking Tours

Themed walking tours are popular; book ahead online or at the shop. InstagramReddit

Located at one end of Washington Square, the Brick Market was designed by famed architect Peter Harrison and constructed in 1762. Originally an open air market with offices on the upper floors, the building now houses the Museum of Newport History and Shop. While we are currently closed, you can still visit us virtually at @shopnewporthistory and through our 360 museum tour. To access the tour, cl...
newporthistory
113 likes • 0 views
#WalkingTour season has begun! If you subscribe as a member of the #Newport Historical Society, you receive discounts on Walking Tours! Call or stop in to @shopnewporthistory for tickets today! Next Saturday is the #TouroftheMonth Rum & Revolution and tickets are still available. Visit http://newporthistorytours.org/tour-of-the-month/ for tickets today. #EndlesslyInteresting #HistoryStartsHere
newporthistory
71 likes • 0 views

🎁 Souvenir Shopping

The shop offers unique historical books and gifts, perfect for souvenirs. TikTokReddit

⏳ Museum Size

The museum is compact, ideal for a 45-minute to 1-hour visit. Reddit

Peter Harrison, Brick Market, Newport, RI, commissioned in 1760 by the Proprietors of Long Wharf. Built 1762-63 with dry storage above and a market below #americanarchitecture #colonialarchitecture #peterharrison #classicarchitecture #newportri
renaissancearchitecture
63 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Museum Admission

A small fee ($5 suggested donation) grants access to the upstairs museum exhibits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Book Walking Tours

Themed walking tours are popular; book ahead online or at the shop. InstagramReddit

🎁 Souvenir Shopping

The shop offers unique historical books and gifts, perfect for souvenirs. TikTokReddit

⏳ Museum Size

The museum is compact, ideal for a 45-minute to 1-hour visit. Reddit

🌧️ Rainy Day Activity

A great indoor option for a wet day, offering history and shopping. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(135 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Museum of Newport History Brick Market a wonderful place to learn about Newport's past, with engaging exhibits and a well-curated shop. The suggested donation makes it accessible, and the walking tours are highly recommended for a deeper dive into local history, even on rainy days.

"Lots of historical books and souvenirs from newport. We actually only visited the shop, the museum is upstairs and it costs $5. You can also book some walking tours there.
We did the rum tour. Learned about how alcohol was treated during the last 300 years and had a rum cocktail at the end at the stoneacre Inn. It was interesting and the guide was very professional.
We had a good time even though it rained on the day of the tour."

Anita Maguire

"We visited this museum and gift shop with my husband while on a Newport getaway 3/1/23–3/3/23. What a wonderful place! So many fascinating exhibits and well worth the suggested donation. We had a great time there learning about the history of Newport. A must-see spot for anyone visiting the area. Thank you so much!"

Melissa D'Amico

"We visited the museum and shop, and had so much fun. The museum isn’t big, but it is just a good size to spend there 45 minutes and learn more about Newport History. We enjoyed the video guides at the carriage."

Juliana I

What People Like

Fascinating exhibits
Historical books & souvenirs
Informative walking tours

What People Dislike

Museum is upstairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in the heart of Newport at Washington Square. It's easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the downtown area. Parking may be available in nearby lots, but can be competitive during peak season. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated parking for the museum, several public parking lots and street parking options are available in the vicinity of Washington Square. Be prepared for potential fees and limited availability. Instagram

Yes, the museum is a pleasant walk from the Newport cruise port, typically taking around 10-15 minutes. It's a good way to see more of the city on foot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a suggested donation of $5 for museum entry. The shop is free to browse. Reddit

Hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Newport Historical Society website for the most up-to-date information on opening times for both the museum and the shop. Instagram

For general museum admission, advance booking is usually not required. However, for popular walking tours, it's highly recommended to book in advance online or at the shop. Instagram

Yes, members of the Newport Historical Society often receive discounts on walking tours and other society events. Inquire about membership benefits when you visit. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 45 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore the museum's exhibits thoroughly. Reddit

The museum focuses on the maritime and social history of Newport, featuring artifacts and stories from the region's past. TikTokReddit

Yes, the Newport Historical Society offers various walking tours, such as the 'Rum & Revolution' tour, which often depart from the Brick Market. InstagramReddit

The shop offers a curated selection of historical books, local crafts, souvenirs, and merchandise inspired by Newport's history. InstagramReddit

The ground floor shop is generally accessible. Access to the upstairs museum may involve stairs, so it's advisable to inquire about specific accessibility options if needed. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not have a dining facility. However, the shop offers some small items. There are numerous restaurants and cafes located within walking distance in Washington Square and the surrounding downtown area. Reddit

Some walking tours, like the 'Rum & Revolution' tour, may conclude with a drink at a local establishment, such as the Stoneacre Inn. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Typically, photography for personal use is allowed in museum shops and public areas. However, flash photography or professional photography may be restricted. It's best to check for posted signs or ask staff. Instagram+1

The red brick exterior of the Brick Market itself is a popular subject for photographers, showcasing its colonial architecture. Washington Square also offers picturesque views. Instagram+1

The shop often features historical maps and prints, such as reproductions of John Speed's maps, which make for excellent photographic subjects or unique souvenirs. Instagram

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