We spent just a couple of hours touring the mansion, enough to hustle through all of it, but you could spend a lot longer. Dad and Judith got annual passes, and I can see why they would want to go back many times.
In addition to the many themed and decorated rooms, there was a temporary exhibit of movie wedding gowns. The whole thing just cries out for costume dramas, so not a particularly shocking choice. Here’s a dress worn by Helena Bonham Carter in Frankenstein.
The house was built in 1895 by a young Vanderbilt scion, the grandson of the big railroad tycoon Cornelius. Although they had John Singer Sargent practically on retainer, I liked this portrait of Mrs. Vanderbilt by Boldini more.
Much of the furnishings were collected on his trips to Europe. This 17th-century Spanish strongbox with intricate lock in the top was a standout.
The house was a high-tech marvel. In addition to its Otis elevator (still running on the original DC motor), the intercom system was elaborate and even connected the bathtubs to a supply of hot and cold running servants.
The gym… rowing machines have come a long way.
Worth the exorbitant admission price? All in all I have to say yes. They’ve done a great job with the place.
Last Wednesday during my training class, I signed up for the optional evening training session, which was OK. When we finished, about 10 PM, I was planning to take Uber back to the hotel. However, chatting with one of my fellow students who was headed to the metro made me change my mind and take the train instead. It had been a long day, and I certainly was tired, but why not.
Brattleboro Adventure – the Auckland Edition 