Sunday, February 15
Leslie Jones and Lori Garst Gilded Age "Smart Homes"
2:30 pm doors open; 3:00 pm Lecture

With HBO’s The Gilded Age reigniting fascination with the opulence and intrigue of America’s elite, this talk explores the reality behind the spectacle. Leslie Jones, Director of Museum Affairs & Chief Curator of the Preservation Society of Newport County, and Lori Garst, Curator of Collections for Biltmore, examine how Gilded Age estates integrated the latest technologies into their lavish interiors. From the first sparks of electricity and private telephone lines to ingenious mechanical systems hidden behind gilded walls, these homes were not only stages for luxury but also laboratories of modern innovation. Their discussion reveals how the marriage of technology and grandeur transformed daily life for the nation’s wealthiest families and continues to captivate audiences today.

Lecture tickets must be purchased in advance. Your order confirmation and e-ticket will be sent to you via email. On the day of the lecture, please plan to arrive before 3:00 pm and present your order confirmation e-mail or e-ticket and a Photo ID to the Kiosk Attendant.

Museum Admission is required to attend Sunday lectures.
All Museum Members receive free Museum Admission.
(Museum Members should bring their Membership Card to the Museum to facilitate the admission process.)

Tickets may not be available on a walk-up basis. Tickets are valid for this lecture only. Tickets are non-refundable. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards or payments via PayPal.

If you need assistance or wish to purchase tickets as a gift, please call (561) 655-2833 ext. 300.

First, select Number of Guests, then click Book Now to select ticket types.