Newport Mansions star in NYC

NEW YORK  (WPRI)- Whether you live in the Ocean State or not, chances are you've heard of the Newport Mansions. While many people make their way to Bellevue Avenue in the summertime, why not see the historic pieces now? A rare collection has made its way to New York City as part of the Winter Antiques Show.

Located in the hustle and bustle of New York City, lies the Park Avenue Armory; the setting for the most prestigious antique show in America.

The show is celebrating its 59th year. "The range of material in the show is ancient Greek, Egyptian, and roman, up through mid-century modern” said Catherine Sweeney Singer, Executive Director of the Winter Antiques Show.

Each object on display is examined for quality and authenticity which allows collectors to purchase with confidence. Letter from Abraham Lincoln, suits of armor, and eclectic furniture are just a few of the collectibles. Exhibitors come from all over the United States and Europe.

• Related: Extended video of Newport antiques in NYC
• Photos: Newport Mansions in NYC

It’s the only major show in New York that is run by a charity, whose proceeds go to charity. "East Side House Settlement is a wonderful and important charity that serves minority youth” said Chairman of the Winter Antiques Show, Arie Kopelman.

Being selected as one of the 73 exhibitors is difficult and becoming the loan exhibitor is near impossible. “It is now so in demand that we have a waiting list of over a dozen institutions” said Singer. But for Trudy Coxe, CEO of the Preservation Society of Newport County, her dream became a reality. "We are just thrilled. It's just such a great honor” said Coxe.

"When we sat down to choose images for the winter antiques show in New York we had 55,000 objects to select through our collections" said John Tschirch, Director of Museum Affairs and architectural historian. "They range from a Gilbert Stuart that he painted when he was a teenager, to a sculpture made by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, to a Townsend table, a Goddard table, a gown made by worth" added Coxe.

The pieces make up an eye catching arrangement from the minute you walk through the doors.

"The whole idea was not to make an enclosed booth, but to make an open space so that at every angle you could glimpse through and look in and see something else. And this is the first time we've ever done something like that” said exhibition designer, Jeff Daly.

It captures the essence of the mansions. "We've never had a loan installation quite as dramatic, but then again isn't that what Newport’s all about?" added Kopelman.

Not only is the architecture aesthetically pleasing, the collection of pieces is unique too. "Our philosophy is to try to keep the objects in the houses that they come from, so it's rare that they get taken out of their spot in their house and put on display in a different way” said Coxe.

Martha Stewart and Mayor Bloomberg were in attendance to see the Newport Mansions on display, as well as art admirers and collectors.

"It's larger than life. Everything about Newport; its history, the lifestyle, the taste, the fun” said Kopelman. "Newport is Newport and there's only one Newport”.

The Winter Antiques Show benefiting East Side House Settlement will be at the Park Avenue Armory through February 3rd.