Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium

Visit: Vanderbilt Museum, 180 Little Neck Rd, Centerport, NY 11721-1145

Spend a fascinating day at the Eagle’s Nest estate of William K. Vanderbilt II, heir to one of America’s greatest fortunes. Drive through the elegant iron gates and view the same stunning panorama of Northport Bay and the Long Island Sound that delighted Mr. Vanderbilt when he arrived each summer. His mansion and museum, set on 43 rolling acres, will take you back to the celebrated era of the Gold Coast.

See centuries-old paintings and furniture collected during his extensive world travels. Enjoy an intriguing, history-filled guided tour of the Vanderbilt mansion’s living quarters. Hear tales of the Vanderbilt family and their world-famous guests. Marvel at the collections in the natural-history and cultural-artifact museum galleries. Stroll the gardens and tour the marine museum and animal habitats. The guided tour takes you through the living quarters of the Mansion, which you cannot see without a tour. Guides provide historical information about the house, the Vanderbilt family and its famous guests. On a tour you will see Mr. Vanderbilt’s considerable collection of fine and decorative art, and antique furnishings, purchased during his travels around the world.

Visit the 147-seat Charles and Helen Reichert Planetarium for a spectacular sky show, astronomy program or Rock ‘n’ Light show. During the summer, come to the Vanderbilt mansion and planetarium for affordable culture and fun – music, dance, Shakespeare and children’s theater.