GPS City GuideNewportMuseum of Newport History

Stop 9 of 36 · Newport audio walking tour

Museum of Newport History

Washington Square · 1760s · Harrison's Georgian market

What you'll hear here: about a minute of narration about Museum of Newport History, and how it fits Washington Square, written to be listened to on the spot rather than read at home.

Your stop is the Old Brick Market building, home to the Museum of Newport History. Owned and operated by the Newport Historical Society at 127 Thames Street on Washington Square, this National Historic Landmark was designed by Peter Harrison and built in the 1760s. Look up: the Brick Market is a three-story brick structure with a low hip roof.

The ground floor still shows the round-arch openings that were historically open but have mostly been glassed over. Higher up, the upper level bays are separated by large pilasters with Ionic capitals, and a dentillated cornice runs below the roof. The second-floor windows are rectangular sash, each topped by alternating gable and segmented-arch pediments, while the third-floor windows are square with a simpler molded surround.

Inside, the interior has been extensively altered over time and little historic material survives, yet the building's Georgian design - Harrison's adaptation of a part of the 17th-century Somerset House by Inigo Jones - still reads in its proportions and classical details. Stand here a moment and imagine the architect's hand in these lines. Picture Washington Square and Thames Street stretching out before you.

Where it is

Coordinates
41.48972, -71.31611
Area
Washington Square
Era
1760s · Harrison's Georgian market
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Three stops free. No account needed. The audio plays itself as you walk.