Museum Profile
Gilbert Stuart Museum and Birthplace
The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum is situated on 23 acres in the woods of Saunderstown, Rhode Island on a beautiful millpond and stream, surrounded by gardens, woodland hiking trails, freshwater fishing and more!
Step back in time to experience life in Colonial America’s first snuff mill, and the birthplace of the nation’s foremost portrait painter. The birthplace – masterfully restored by pioneering architectural historian Norman Isham and listed on the National Register of Historic Places – provides insight into the life and career of Gilbert Stuart. Our knowledgeable guides take visitors through the career of this prolific and dedicated portraitist – a body of work that contains more than 1,000 portraits, including those of all six of the first American Presidents, and helped form the basis of our national visual identity.
Visitors can also enjoy our gallery space, displaying original works of art by Gilbert Stuart and by his daughter Jane Stuart, alongside a robust program of art exhibitions highlighting Stuart’s legacy of art in Rhode Island.
Visitors can explore our Colonial-era kitchen herb garden, historic cemetery, and the fully restored Hammond grist mill. Additionally, our site includes 23 acres of nature trails, scenic overlooks, a nature center with information on local wildlife, boating access to Carr pond, fish ladders and an annual fish run when the river herring travel up-river to spawn.
This jewel of Rhode Island celebrates history, art and nature, offering something for everyone.
