Secrets of The Gilded Age Revealed: Where HBO’s Lavish Drama Was Filmed, How to Visit, and Juicy Show Tidbits!
Hey, history buffs and drama lovers! Ready to step into the glitz and glamour of HBO’s The Gilded Age? This Julian Fellowes masterpiece whisks us back to 1880s New York, where old-money snobs clash with nouveau riche upstarts in a whirlwind of opulent mansions, scandalous parties, and juicy gossip. But where did they film all this Gilded Age fabulousness? Spoiler: it’s not just Manhattan! From Newport’s jaw-dropping “cottages” to Troy’s time-capsule streets, we’re spilling the tea on the show’s filming locations, how to visit them, and some delicious behind-the-scenes secrets. Grab your top hat, and let’s dive into the gilded world of high society!
Where Was The Gilded Age Filmed?
Set in the 1880s New York City of robber barons and social climbers, The Gilded Age needed locations that screamed wealth and history. While the show’s story unfolds on Fifth Avenue and Newport’s summer estates, filming took place across New York State, Rhode Island, and even a dash of Pennsylvania and England for Season 3. The production team, led by location manager Lauri Pitkus, scoured the Northeast for historic gems that could double as 1880s Manhattan and Newport, with a few custom-built sets for extra sparkle. Here’s the lowdown on the key spots!
Newport, Rhode Island: The Gilded Age’s Summer Playground
Newport’s iconic mansions, dubbed “summer cottages” by the ultra-rich, are the heart of The Gilded Age’s lavish aesthetic. These palatial homes, preserved by the Preservation Society of Newport County, provided authentic backdrops for the Russell and Astor families’ summer escapes.
The Breakers: This Vanderbilt mansion, built in 1895, is a Renaissance Revival stunner. Its Music Room and Billiard Room star as the Russells’ Manhattan ballroom and billiards room, while the Great Hall oozes grandeur. Fun fact: The Breakers’ fireplace inspired a set piece for the Russells’ home
Marble House: Alva Vanderbilt’s Beaux Arts gem (1888–1892) doubles as George Russell’s bedroom (using Consuelo Vanderbilt’s actual bedroom) and inspired the Russells’ grand staircase with its ornate wrought-iron railing.
The Elms: Built in 1901, this French château-inspired mansion serves as the Russells’ Newport estate. Its drawing room, servant kitchens, and Sarah Berwind’s bedroom appear as the Russell residence, complete with tapestries and period decor.
Chateau-sur-Mer: This 1852 Victorian beauty plays multiple roles, including Mrs. Astor’s Newport home exterior, Mamie Fish’s doll tea party dining room, and Oscar van Rhijn’s apartment (via the Butternut Bedroom).
Rosecliff: Its white façade shines as Mrs. Chamberlain’s Manhattan home, while its ballroom hosts Season 1’s climactic scene.
Hunter House: This 1748 Colonial gem at Newport’s harborfront adds period charm to various scenes.
Kingscote: A Stick-style mansion from 1839, it features in Season 1, Episode 1 and Episode 5, as a gallery for the Newport Art Museum.
International Tennis Hall of Fame (Newport Casino): This 1880s complex, where the U.S. Open began, hosts Season 2’s grass tennis scenes on its Horseshoe Court piazza. The production team worked with staff to teach actors proper 1880s forehands.
How to Get There:
By Car: From New York City, take I-95 North to Newport (about 3.5 hours, 180 miles). Follow Bellevue Avenue to reach The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff. Chateau-sur-Mer and Kingscote are nearby, while Hunter House is at 54 Washington Street. The Tennis Hall of Fame is at 194 Bellevue Avenue.
Public Transit: From NYC, take Amtrak to Providence (3 hours), then RIPTA bus 64 to Newport Visitor Center (1 hour). From there, RIPTA bus 67 hits Bellevue Avenue stops near the mansions.
Travel Tip: Visit spring or fall for fewer crowds and mild weather. Book tickets via newportmansions.org for guided tours (e.g., “Inside The Gilded Age” tour, $20–$25). Most mansions offer free onsite parking, except Hunter House (street parking).
Troy, New York: Manhattan’s 1880s Double
Troy’s Central Historic District is a time machine, with 19th-century architecture perfect for recreating 1880s Manhattan. The production team transformed Monument Square, Congress Street, and 3rd Street with dirt-covered roads and period storefronts to mimic Fifth Avenue.
Washington Park: This private park stood in for Madison Square Park, hosting scenes like the Statue of Liberty’s torch display.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall: Built in 1875, this National Historic Landmark doubles as the Academy of Music, where old-money elites enjoy symphonies.
First United Presbyterian Church: Its Victorian Gothic stained-glass interiors host a black congregation’s service in Season 3, Episode 1.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church: This Troy church is the setting for Ada’s intimate wedding in Season 2, Episode 5, and an Easter service.
The Castle (John Paine Mansion): This 1896 mansion, once a fraternity house, adds grandeur to various scenes.
Pawling Avenue: A Victorian home here stars as Dr. Kirkland’s house in Season 3, Episode 3.
How to Get There:
By Car: From NYC, take I-87 North to Troy (150 miles, ~2.5 hours). Park near Monument Square for Washington Park and nearby sites. The Music Hall is at 30 2nd Street, churches are within walking distance, and Pawling Avenue is a short drive.
Public Transit: Amtrak from Penn Station to Albany-Rensselaer (2.5 hours), then CDTA bus 22 to Troy (20 minutes). Walk or rideshare to sites.
Travel Tip: Troy offers Gilded Age-themed museum tours (check hartcluett.org). Visit in fall for vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. Street parking is ample, but check for filming-related closures in October/November 2024.
Albany, New York: Capital Region Cameos
Albany joined the filming roster for Seasons 2 and 3, with its 19th-century architecture standing in for Manhattan and government settings.
Washington Park: Used for Season 2 street scenes, with State Street (between Dove and Sprague) dressed in 1880s style.
The Palace Theatre: Its hallway was used for Season 2’s Metropolitan Opera House reveal, with VFX enhancing the gilded boxes.
Former St. Joseph’s Church: This 1856 Albany church, now vacant, hosted a Season 3 funeral in its courtyard.
How to Get There:
By Car: From NYC, take I-87 North (140 miles, ~2 hours). Washington Park is at State Street and Willett Street; The Palace is at 19 Clinton Avenue; St. Joseph’s is at 38 Ten Broeck Street.
Public Transit: Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer (2.5 hours), then CDTA bus 114 to Washington Park (15 minutes). Rideshare to other sites.
Travel Tip: Albany’s fall filming (2024) may cause road closures, so check news10.com for updates. Visit the New York State Capitol nearby for more Gilded Age vibes.
Hudson Valley, New York: Gothic Grandeur
The Hudson Valley’s historic estates add depth to the show’s New York scenes.
Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown): This Gothic Revival mansion, once owned by Jay Gould (inspiration for George Russell), serves as Aurora Fane’s home and the American Red Cross board election scene. Its carriage rides double as Central Park.
Glenview Mansion (Yonkers): Part of the Hudson River Museum, this 1876 Victorian home is Mrs. Astor’s residence interior.
Belvedere Estate (Tarrytown): This 1910s estate, part of Philipsburg Manor, stands in for Central Park scenes.
Jacob Purdy House (White Plains): Used for Tuskegee Institute classroom scenes.
Reid Hall (Purchase): Another Hudson Valley spot for interior shots.
How to Get There:
By Car: From NYC, take I-87 North or Saw Mill River Parkway to Tarrytown (25 miles, ~40 minutes) for Lyndhurst and Belvedere. Yonkers is 20 miles north via I-87. White Plains is 30 miles via I-287.
Public Transit: Metro-North from Grand Central to Tarrytown (40 minutes) for Lyndhurst/Belvedere, or Yonkers for Glenview (30 minutes). Bus 13 from Yonkers to Hudson River Museum. White Plains is a 35-minute Metro-North ride.
Travel Tip: Book Lyndhurst tours at lyndhurst.org ($18–$25). Visit Glenview via hudsonrivermuseum.org($10). Spring flower shows at Lyndhurst are a must.
Secrets of The Gilded Age Revealed: Where HBO’s Lavish Drama Was Filmed, How to Visit, and Juicy Show Tidbits!
Other Filming Locations
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Academy of Music hosted unspecified scenes in 2022, likely opera-related, given its historic status. From NYC, take Amtrak (1.5 hours) to 30th Street Station, then walk 10 minutes to 240 S Broad Street.
Wiltshire, England: A Palladian bridge in Stourhead Gardens appears in Season 3, Episode 5, for a European scene. Fly to London, then train to Gillingham (2 hours), and drive 20 minutes to Stourton.
Central Park, NYC: Bethesda Terrace and Fountain feature in Episode 2, capturing 1880s elegance. Walk from 72nd Street or take the C train to 72nd Street.
Cohoes, New York: Harmony Mills and Garner Street stand in for Pittsburgh mills in Season 2. From NYC, I-87 North to Cohoes (150 miles, ~2.5 hours) or Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer, then bus 182.
Long Island, New York: Bayard Cutting Arboretum and Rock Hall Museum add rural charm, with the arboretum as a “museum of trees” and Rock Hall as a 1767 Georgian home. Drive 50 miles east from NYC via I-495.
Old Bethpage Village: This living history museum mimics Tuskegee, Alabama, for Peggy Scott’s trip. Drive 35 miles east from NYC via I-495.
Queens Farm Museum: Used for Bea’s restaurant in Tuskegee scenes. Drive 15 miles from NYC via I-495.
What Else to Discover About The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age is a sumptuous dive into 1880s New York, where old-money elites like Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and Mrs. Astor (Donna Murphy) battle new-money climbers like Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon). Premiering January 24, 2022, on HBO and Max, it’s now in its third season (June 22, 2025), with a fourth confirmed. Here’s the scoop on the show’s vibe and secrets!
The Plot: Old Money vs. New Money
Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) moves to NYC after her father’s financial ruin, living with aunts Agnes and Ada (Cynthia Nixon). Across the street, the Russells—railroad tycoon George and ambitious Bertha—shake up society with their lavish mansion. The show weaves real history (e.g., Mrs. Astor’s “The Four Hundred” social register, Alva Vanderbilt’s social climb) with drama, like Bertha’s opera house feud and Peggy Scott’s (Denée Benton) journalism journey. Season 3 dives into arranged marriages and Ada’s philanthropy, possibly at the New York Cancer Hospital (opened 1884).
Fun Facts About the Series
Vanderbilt Vibes: Bertha Russell is modeled on Alva Vanderbilt, who famously forced Mrs. Astor to acknowledge her by snubbing her daughter’s ball invite.
Jay Gould Inspiration: George Russell draws from railroad tycoon Jay Gould, Lyndhurst’s owner, known for his ruthless business tactics.
Costume Glory: Carrie Coon ate arsenic biscuits for porcelain skin, filming Season 3 just 48 hours after wrapping The White Lotus! The costumes, praised on Rotten Tomatoes (79% for Season 1), are period-perfect.
Set Magic: The Russells’ 61st Street mansion is a set inspired by Marble House, with props like period newspapers crafted by prop master Michael Jortner.
Controversies: A horse died on set in 2021 (likely natural causes, per HBO), sparking a PETA investigation. A 2021 musicians’ union dispute was resolved quickly.
Emmy Buzz: Season 2 snagged six nominations, including Outstanding Drama and nods for Coon and Baranski.
What Critics and Fans Say
Rotten Tomatoes gives Season 1 a 79% approval, praising the “outstanding cast” and costumes but noting occasional plot density. Fans on Reddit love the historical nods (e.g., Brooklyn Bridge completion in 1883) but debate the timeline’s looseness. The AV Club called it a “compelling watch” with Downton Abbey vibes, though some find it less witty.
Bonus Activities Near the Filming Spots
Newport: Tour the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park (not filmed but related) or enjoy jazz at Lyndhurst’s summer series.
Troy: Visit the Hart Cluett Museum for Gilded Age exhibits or dine at Brown’s Brewing Co. for local brews.
Albany: Explore the New York State Museum for 19th-century history or grab farm-to-table fare at Café Capriccio.
Hudson Valley: Hike at Minnewaska State Park or visit Sleepy Hollow for spooky Gilded Age vibes.
NYC: Stroll Fifth Avenue to imagine the Russells’ world, or sip cocktails at The Plaza Hotel’s Champagne Bar for Gilded Age luxury.
Why Visit the Filming Locations?
These spots aren’t just pretty—they’re portals to the 1880s, where you can walk the same halls as Bertha Russell or imagine Mrs. Astor’s snubs. Newport’s mansions offer a glimpse into Vanderbilt excess, while Troy’s streets feel like old Manhattan. Whether you’re a fan of the show’s drama or just love history, these locations are a ticket to a bygone era. Plus, you might catch Season 4 filming in 2025! Stream The Gilded Age on Max, and let’s dish in the comments—Team Bertha or Team Agnes?
