Lippitt House Museum Providence Rhode Island
1 / 10

Lippitt House Museum Providence Rhode Island

4.9
·88 reviews·Providence, United States

A lavish 1865 Victorian mansion, Lippitt House Museum offers an intact glimpse into 19th-century Providence life with engaging guided tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours.

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Lippitt House Museum Providence Rhode Island

Lippitt House Museum Providence Rhode Island

Best Time

Weekday Afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lavish 1865 Victorian mansion, Lippitt House Museum offers an intact glimpse into 19th-century Providence life with engaging guided tours.

4.9
(88 reviews)

"Elizabeth Gilbert brings history to life, transporting us straight into the elegance of Victorian times."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Enthusiastic Guides!

Guides like Elizabeth Gilbert and Jain are praised for their knowledge & humor. Ask questions!

✨ Step Back in Time

Focus on the daily life and history; it's not Newport grandiosity, but rich in context.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture

Entire Mansion

Marvel at the stunning Renaissance Revival style, gilded ceilings, stained glass, and ornate woodwork.

Instagram
Intact Period Decor

Intact Period Decor

Interior Rooms

Experience an unusually well-preserved example of 19th-century Victorian decor and furnishings.

TikTok
Enthusiastic Guided Tours

Enthusiastic Guided Tours

Throughout the Museum

Engage with knowledgeable guides who bring the Lippitt family's history and daily life to life.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Tours are guided and often fill up, especially for specific times. Booking ahead ensures your spot and avoids disappointment. Check their website for available tour slots and consider evening tours for a unique ambiance. Instagram

Focus on Daily Life, Not Grandeur

While beautiful, Lippitt House offers a glimpse into 19th-century Providence daily life, not the opulence of Newport mansions. Appreciate the intricate details and historical context for a richer experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours.
Crowd
Low
When
Evening Tours
Why
Unique ambiance, special experience.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

After visiting Lippitt House in Rhode Island, my decision was solidified to attempt to create an inlaid wood floor look on the hardwood floors, I uncovered under the vinyl flooring in this closet #DIY #oldhousetiktok #oldhouserenovation #woodfloorstaining #hardwoodflooring #oldhousesoftiktok
@styleitprettyhome
10.1K likes • 87.8K views

🎯 Enthusiastic Guides!

Guides like Elizabeth Gilbert and Jain are praised for their knowledge & humor. Ask questions! Reddit

✨ Step Back in Time

Focus on the daily life and history; it's not Newport grandiosity, but rich in context. Reddit

First time visiting an #Athenaeum 🏛#Providence #RhodeIsland #RISD #Athena #library #librarytiktok #historicalbuilding #studytrip #museum #brownuniversity #NewEngland #fyp
@squirrelcoded
5.6K likes • 31.5K views
The Lippitt House Museum in Providence, Rhode Island is a stunning 1865 Victorian mansion built by Henry Lippitt, the 33rd Governor of Rhode Island. I had a wonderful private tour, exploring its breathtaking Renaissance Revival architecture. Its gilded ceilings, stained glass, and ornate woodwork offered a glimpse into the life of one of Rhode Island’s most prominent families. #providence #rhode...
mark_around.the.world
9 likes • 320 views

📅 Book Guided Tours

Tours are guided and essential for understanding the house. Book ahead! Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

The intricate woodwork and decor are photo-worthy, but be mindful of museum rules. Instagram

The Lippitt House Museum in Providence, Rhode Island is a stunning 1865 Victorian mansion built by Henry Lippitt, the 33rd Governor of Rhode Island. I had a wonderful private tour, exploring its breathtaking Renaissance Revival architecture. Its gilded ceilings, stained glass, and ornate woodwork offered a glimpse into the life of one of Rhode Island’s most prominent families. #providence #rhode...
markvogelnyc
2 likes • 130 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Enthusiastic Guides!

Guides like Elizabeth Gilbert and Jain are praised for their knowledge & humor. Ask questions! Reddit

✨ Step Back in Time

Focus on the daily life and history; it's not Newport grandiosity, but rich in context. Reddit

📅 Book Guided Tours

Tours are guided and essential for understanding the house. Book ahead! Instagram

📸 Capture the Details

The intricate woodwork and decor are photo-worthy, but be mindful of museum rules. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(88 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Lippitt House Museum for its incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who bring the history of the 19th-century home to life. The well-preserved Victorian decor offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life, though some note it's less grand than Newport mansions. Overall, it's considered a highly worthwhile and engaging historical experience in Providence.

"We took the guided tour and had a very enthusiastic guide who knew many esoteric details of the Lippitt family's history. Highly recommended if you are in the area. Don't expect the grandiosity of the Newport mansions, but go moreso to learn a bit of the daily life in and around Providence in the 19th century."

Deepa Patel

"Very interesting tour, gorgeous home very well preserved. Jane was an incredible host full of information."

Andrew Nielsen

"Last Friday, we had the pleasure of touring the historic Lippitt House in Providence—and it was absolutely amazing! What made the experience truly unforgettable was our guide, Elizabeth Gilbert (not the author of Eat, Pray, Love, but THE Elizabeth Gilbert who brings history to life). Her tour was informative, engaging, and full of fascinating details that transported us straight into the elegance of Victorian times.

If you're visiting magical Providence, don’t miss this gem. It's a beautiful step back in time, guided by someone who clearly loves what she does."

Bee1212

What People Like

Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides
Well-preserved Victorian decor
Insight into 19th-century daily life

What People Dislike

Less grand than Newport mansions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lippitt House Museum is located in Providence, Rhode Island. It's accessible by car, and public transportation options are available within the city. Parking information can usually be found on their official website. TikTok

Yes, Lippitt House Museum is situated in Providence, close to other historical sites like The Athenaeum and RISD. It's a great addition to a day exploring the city's cultural offerings. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

It is highly recommended to book guided tours in advance, as they are the primary way to experience the museum and can fill up. Check the official Lippitt House Museum website for tour schedules and booking. Instagram

Opening hours vary as tours are guided. It's best to check the official Lippitt House Museum website for the most current tour times and availability. Instagram

Admission is typically through guided tours, and pricing information is available on the museum's official website. Look for details on standard tours and any special 'Behind the Scenes' options. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Yes, all visits to Lippitt House Museum are via guided tours. These tours are highly praised for their informative and engaging nature, bringing the history of the house and family to life. InstagramReddit

The best way to experience Lippitt House Museum is by taking a guided tour with one of their enthusiastic guides. They offer deep insights into the Victorian era and the Lippitt family's life. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check with your guide or museum staff upon arrival regarding rules for taking photos inside the historic house. Instagram

Lippitt House Museum focuses on the daily life and history of the Lippitt family and Providence in the 19th century, offering a glimpse into Victorian domesticity. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture and the richly decorated interiors, with their gilded ceilings and ornate woodwork, offer excellent photo opportunities. Capture the essence of Victorian design. TikTokInstagram

Photography rules can change, so it's best to confirm with your guide or museum staff. Generally, non-flash photography might be permitted in certain areas, but always ask first. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lippitt House Museum offers a unique educational opportunity for families. While it's not a playground, the engaging guided tours can capture children's imaginations, especially if they enjoy history or stories. Guides often tailor their presentations to be accessible to a range of ages, making the Victorian era come alive.

Encourage kids to look for interesting details in the decor, like the ornate woodwork or stained glass. It's a chance to see how people lived long ago, offering a tangible contrast to modern life. Consider booking a tour during a less busy time to ensure a more comfortable experience for younger visitors. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, Lippitt House Museum is a must-visit. Its status as an unusually intact example of Victorian decor makes it a treasure trove of period details. The Renaissance Revival architecture and the intricate interior design provide ample material for study and appreciation.

Pay close attention to the gilded ceilings, stained glass, and woodwork during your guided tour. The depth of historical information provided by the guides, covering not just the architecture but also the social history of the Lippitt family and Providence, will be particularly rewarding. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lippitt Family Legacy

The Lippitt House Museum was the family home of Henry Lippitt, who served as the 33rd Governor of Rhode Island. Built in 1865, this lavish mansion is a testament to the wealth and social standing of prominent families during the Victorian era. The house itself is an architectural gem, showcasing the Renaissance Revival style with its distinctive features.

Visitors often remark on the intact period decor, which provides an unusually well-preserved glimpse into 19th-century domestic life. Unlike the grander estates found elsewhere, Lippitt House offers a more intimate perspective on the daily routines, tastes, and social customs of the time. This focus on everyday history is what many visitors find most compelling. TikTokInstagram

A Glimpse into Victorian Providence



The museum's strength lies in its ability to transport visitors back in time. The gilded ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork are not just decorative elements; they tell a story of the era's craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities. The guided tours are crucial to understanding these nuances, with guides often sharing 'esoteric details' about the family and their lives, making the experience both educational and entertaining. InstagramReddit

Experiencing the Guided Tours

The guided tours are consistently highlighted as a major draw for the Lippitt House Museum. Travelers rave about the guides, with names like Elizabeth Gilbert and Jain frequently mentioned for their exceptional knowledge, enthusiasm, and engaging storytelling. These guides don't just recite facts; they bring the history of the Lippitt family and their home to life, making the experience feel personal and immersive. Reddit

Many visitors appreciate the guides' ability to share fascinating details and even humor, transforming a historical tour into a memorable event. The tours offer a deep dive into the daily life of the 19th century, providing context that goes beyond just architectural appreciation. Some tours even offer a 'Behind the Scenes' look, promising even more in-depth exploration for those eager to learn more. Reddit

Making History Engaging



This community-driven approach to historical interpretation is what sets Lippitt House apart. Instead of a dry recitation of dates and events, visitors get a narrative that connects them to the past. The guides' passion for the subject matter is infectious, ensuring that even those new to Victorian history leave with a greater appreciation for this period and its impact on Providence. InstagramReddit

You may also like