As some of you may be aware there is a controversy in Newport over the visitor’s center planned for on the grounds of the Breakers, one of the houses of the Preservation Society of Newport County. The proposed visitor’s center will be placed inside the fenced property on a site that had been an important garden. Like many Newporters, I believe there is a better solution.
My wife and I visit many museums and gardens all over the world. I always look not just at the collections, but how the public is received and treated. The quality of the food and service. How friendly and helpful the guides are.
I believe the Preservation Society of Newport County is violating their own mission statement which is to preserve these houses in their entirety.
Today we visited, for the second time “Filoli” south of San Francisco. The visitor’s center is just off the parking, obscured from all angles from the main house and gardens. Food is served; it is good and fresh. As you see there is no food allowed on the grounds.
The visitor sees the house and gardens as it was meant to be seen.
Well said.