LIBERTY COPPER
Belcourt of Newport is more than a mansion—it’s a crossroads of American history, art, and ideas. Built in the 1890s as a summer residence on Newport’s famed Bellevue Avenue, Belcourt now lives as a nonprofit museum and gathering place dedicated to creativity, culture, and the evolving story of Liberty.
Our mission is to preserve this historic home while using it as a living sanctuary for visionaries—artists, musicians, thinkers, and innovators who carry Liberty’s light into the present day.
Liberty in your Hands | The Legacy of Copper
At the heart of this project are authentic copper and iron artifacts from the Statue of Liberty’s internal structure—material that once held her weight, strengthened her body, and helped her torch shine over New York Harbor. These artifacts are now transformed into collectible, limited-run artifacts so individuals and families can literally hold a piece of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty—officially “Liberty Enlightening the World”—was conceived by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who later built the Eiffel Tower. Eiffel’s internal iron armature supported Bartholdi’s hammered-copper exterior, creating a structure that flexed with the wind while remaining stable.
The massive pedestal Liberty stands on was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, tying Belcourt directly to Liberty’s architecture. During restorations, portions of Liberty’s original copper and iron were carefully retired. Those rare materials have now been preserved and given new life through this project.
A Visionary Hub | Where Past Meets Present
Belcourt’s role today is to act as a living home for Liberty’s message. As a nonprofit museum, it safeguards history while inviting people into creativity, cultural dialogue, and meaningful connection. The Liberty artifacts are vaulted and honored here—not as relics behind glass, but as the heart of an active ecosystem of exhibits, performances, salons, and gatherings.
Belcourt’s origins are rooted in influence and vision. Oliver H. P. Belmont played a role in American civic and cultural life, while Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became one of the leading forces behind women’s voting rights. Their home became a symbol of social and cultural transformation.
Today, Belcourt continues as a place where legacy meets innovation—where Liberty artifacts live alongside the work of modern artists, musicians, and visionaries committed to carrying Liberty’s flame forward. It is a home for those who push culture, thought, and creative expression toward enlightenment.
Contact us.
For any inquiries about your visit to Belcourt, including group rates, events, hours of operation, and more, kindly fill out the following form, and our team will be delighted to assist you.