South Wing Restoration &
Museum Gallery Project

Belcourt Reborn.

Built in 1894, Belcourt is a former summer cottage designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt (known for creating the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty) for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont and is located on historic Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1896, as Belmont's swift romance and marriage with Alva Vanderbilt brought a new day for the property; as Vanderbilt planned extensive renovations to elevate Belcourt as a proper venue for elegant soirees, social gatherings, and a gathering place for historical movements.

Belcourt has been going through a series of major restorations since 2012 when it was purchased by it’s current owner, Carolyn Rafaelian. The mansion is once again a hub for visionaries and movements. It is her intention to utilize the mansion as a museum and a center to promote arts and culture.

Belcourt Museum of Life, Culture, and Music

The Museum of Life, Culture, and Music will be designed to inspire through art, storytelling & performance - sharing these beautiful moments within an historical setting.
Belcourt will be partnering with iconic artists of varying mediums and offer the space to illuminate talent through art installations and exhibits, as well as art showings and gallery viewings for historical and artistic ventures. 

Belcourt also features exhibits, speaker series, as well as international reach with collaborative partnerships with charitable organizations. Partnerships have already been initiated with the Armenian Fund, the AGBU, and The Promise Institute. 

One of the first featured charitable initiatives is Bonded to Benefit & Mount Ararat Project, where 20% of profits of the Mount Ararat Bonded cuffs are donated toward supporting Armenian art and culture. In support of this initiative, Belcourt Castle will also host an exclusive exhibit and special events that showcase a look into the art and heritage of the Armenian people.

Home to Lady Liberty & Liberty Copper

In partnership with the Ellis Island Foundation, Belcourt will feature an all encompassing experience to highlight not only the preservation of her artifacts, but a collaborative effort with the arts focusing on Her spirit and Her deeper connection with humans across the globe. 

In 1986, a full restoration of Lady Liberty was commissioned by Ronald Regan - the original copper was replaced and repaired as well as the skeletal structure of the monument. Those original metal + bars have been preserved since, and now reside in a private collection stewarded by Carolyn Rafaelian to be shared with the world. 

Special Event Series

Because Belcourt was built for music, it will become a place for musicians to host intimate performances resulting in content for streaming platforms like Spotify and content for the artist themselves. 

There will also be intimate luncheon opportunities for the current visionaries, both well known and on the rise, resulting in a series that can be found on major video streaming services.
The mansion will host a speaker series called "Belcourt Speaks" that will tap on expert speakers from around the world to discuss a multitude of topics including art, business, technology, and science.

Belcourt Special Events:

 Home to Festivals & Concert Series

Playing off Belcourt hosting the first Newport Jazz festival, Belcourt will serve as a place to host private performances to friends and family of the artists. These intimate performances will be recorded and shared on various popular streaming platforms, and serve as a way to connect to artists in a deeper way.

Ladies who Lunch (Libertas)

A modern play on a cultural and political movement, this segment will be recorded and showcased on major streaming platforms. It will feature celebrities, great thinkers, visionaries both known and on the rise, to join together and have a meeting of the minds over lunch in the room Alva Vanderbilt would hold hers in. 

Belcourt Speaks

This will be speaking opportunities highlighting people from different disciplines to give intimate talks. This can be about their specific profession, or what they are just passionate about. (I.e Courtney Love hosting a meditation series). 

Art Exhibits and Installations

From cultural to charitable exhibits, to featuring historical and iconic shows, as well as giving a platform to artists on the rise, Belcourt will promote and showcase some of the emblematic exhibits available. 

Brand Partnerships

Brands have opportunities to sponsor events and contribute to the artists and visionaries it holds. 

A Look Into the Jazz Fest

Belcourt will host the incredible jazz photos & photographers throughout the ages.

Mount Ararat Project Events

Belcourt Castle will host events featuring Armenian musicians, dancers, and other talent for an immersive experience of Armenian culture and history. From concert performances from renowned singer Isabel Bayrakdarian, to hosting exhibits of traditional Armenian instruments, 20% of proceeds will be donated to benefit Armenian art and culture.