International Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame sits inside the Newport Casino, a stunning Shingle Style building on Bellevue Avenue designed by McKim, Mead & White in 1880. The architecture alone justifies a visit — the horseshoe courtyard, the covered piazzas, and the building’s distinctive mix of shingle siding and classical detail make it one of the most characterful structures in New England. Inside, the museum tells the history of tennis from its origins to the present day, with artefacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of the players inducted into the Hall of Fame. It is considerably more engaging than a conventional sports museum and suits mixed groups well — the history of the Newport Invitation, where the first national championships were held in 1881, connects it directly to the city around it. The grass courts are available for public play, which provides an unusual opportunity to play on the surface associated with Wimbledon at one of the oldest tennis venues in America. Racket and ball hire is available on site. On a wet day when the Cliff Walk and the beaches are not an option, the Hall of Fame reliably provides two to three hours of genuine interest. The building’s café is a decent stop for lunch. Bellevue Avenue’s other attractions — the mansions, Audrain Automobile Museum — are within easy walking distance.