Museum Profile
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Don’t let the unassuming storefront in downtown Newport fool you. As soon as you wander through the arched entryway and see the historic grass tennis courts and architecture, you’ll be transported to a different time and a spectacular place. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is housed in one of Newport’s most remarkable historic sites - the Newport Casino, built in 1880. It began as a social club for the Gilded Age elite who summered by the sea. One year later, the sprawling 7-acre property was home to the first U.S. National Championships—now called the US Open. What better place to open a Hall of Fame than where American tournament tennis was born? Established in 1954, the Hall of Fame’s purpose is to honor the most decorated champions and leading contributors to the sport, celebrate the game, and preserve its history. Today, it does this through an interactive and engaging museum, which underwent a $3 million renovation in May 2015. More than just a collection of memorabilia, it’s a collection of stories—brought to life through state-of-the-art technology and multimedia displays. From the birth of tennis in 12th century Europe through the champions of today, you’ll get a unique perspective on how tennis evolved. How its personalities influenced fashion, culture, and society. How they changed the world. A highlight of the new museum renovation is a one of a kind hologram featuring Roger Federer. Feeling inspired? In the summer months, you can book time to play on the historic grass courts.
