International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, RI -Newport, Rhode Island Only Open North American Grass Courts Honor Tennis History with Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, RI, is located on Bellevue Avenue in this seaside resort town on the Aquidneck Island in the Narragansett Bay. It is accessible by car, public transit or even boat, with moorings available at the Newport Casino, where it is found. It is a 40 minute drive from Providence, the State Capital.

The Museum's galleries are in the building that was built in 1880 to host the first National Lawn Tennis Championships in 1881. It is in the original club rooms of the Casino. In 1954 James Van Alen founded the museum. While it was immediately recognized by US tennis authorities it was not until 1986 that it was given international recognition by the International Tennis Federation.

The facilities comprise 6 acres in all, and the building maintains the original Victorian architectural design as a National Historic Landmark.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, RI, is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Group tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more people.

The Tennis Hall of Fame is home to the opening night concert of the annual JVC Jazz Festival which was first held at the Casino in 1954 as the first Newport Jazz Festival.

Today the only professional tennis events played on grass in North America are played here.

From the 12th Century when the sport began up until today, all of the history of Tennis is retraced within the 18 galleries of this museum. The Museum fills more than 20,000 sq. ft. with interactive exhibits, video monitors, and memorabilia from tennis champions throughout the history of the sport. More than 15,000 artifacts compose the permanent collection.

There is also a Research Center and library with thousands of books as well as footage and tens of thousands of photos and other archival materials.

Over 200 players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame and are honored for their contributions to tennis by the museum. Players are elected based on their records of achievement internationally as well as their sportsmanship conduct, character and integrity.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport, RI admission is free with admission tickets to the US Open.

The 13 grass courts are made available for public play through advance reservations.

There is outdoor and indoor club membership which includes access to professional instruction in tennis at this historic court. A full service pro tennis shop is also available at this site. The facilities are available for social and business events. An indoor function room provides a space that is wired for modern business needs.

Turn of the century costumed croquet can be arranged during events to give an added theatrical effect of returning to when the courts here were first constructed.