The Newport Casino was originally built in 1880 as an exclusive social club for Newport’s summer residents, not as a gambling venue.
The complex hosted the first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championship in 1881.
The grass courts are meticulously maintained throughout the season using a proprietary blend of seed specific to the local climate.
The museum collection includes the oldest known tennis racket, dating back to the 1870s.
James Gordon Bennett Jr., who commissioned the Casino, reportedly built it after being denied entry to the nearby Newport Reading Room.
The Horseshoe Piazza is an original feature of the McKim, Mead & White design intended for social promenading.
The Hall of Fame enshrines international tennis legends across multiple categories including players, contributors, and wheelchair athletes.
The facility features a unique 'Court Tennis' court, an archaic version of the sport that predates modern lawn tennis.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is housed within the Newport Casino, a National Historic Landmark complex designed by McKim, Mead & White in the Shingle Style. It serves as the official shrine of tennis history, featuring interactive exhibits that span from the sport's origins to the modern era. The museum preserves thousands of artifacts, including equipment, apparel, and trophies representing every era of professional and amateur play. Visitors can walk on the historic grass courts, which remain active for tournaments and recreational play. The grounds occupy a significant portion of the Bellevue Avenue historic district, preserving 19th-century Gilded Age architecture. It hosts the annual Hall of Fame Open, the only professional grass-court tournament in North America outside of the Grand Slams. The site highlights inductees from around the world through multimedia galleries and biographical archives. It functions as both a curated museum and a functioning recreational athletic facility.
The view from the Horseshoe Piazza overlooking the manicured central grass courts.
Bring non-marking rubber-soled shoes if you intend to book a court for play.
Check the tournament calendar before visiting, as access to the grass courts is restricted during professional matches.
Allow extra time to walk the perimeter of the grass courts to observe the groundskeeping process.
Do not attempt to walk on the grass courts unless you have a confirmed reservation.
The grass courts are seasonal and typically unavailable during winter months; the museum remains open year-round but may close for private events or tournament preparations.
Proper tennis attire is required if using the courts; otherwise, respectful museum behavior is expected.
