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Tennis History Hall of Fame Reopens After Major Renovation

By Cynthia Cantrell

Following a six-month closure for renovations, the museum at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., reopened on May 20 with an entirely new experience for visitors..

The $3 million project was years in planning. Interactive exhibits include a tennis history touch table, opportunities to “call the match” like a broadcaster, a rotating globe highlighting the sport’s worldwide impact, and a hologram experience featuring Roger Federer — the first use of holographic technology in an American sports museum.

Redesigned galleries provide a cohesive narrative of tennis history, as told through the lives and careers of the 243 Hall of Famers. In addition, the number of artifacts on display from the 25,000-piece collection has nearly doubled to 1,900, including Rod Laver’s first Wimbledon trophy, gold sneakers worn by Serena Williams, an original Andy Warhol portrait of Chris Evert and a display of more than 100 vintage tennis ball cans.

The streamlined layout showcases the original 1880 architecture and furnishings of the historic Newport Casino building, including three previously covered fireplaces.

“Tennis history dates back to the 12th century and it evolves with tournaments around the world weekly,” says Todd Martin, CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. “There have been extraordinary people and moments throughout the sport’s history. This new museum will share the stories of the sport’s legends with the world in a really exciting way, and it will hopefully serve as an inspiration for the next generation of tennis greats and fans.” For more information, visit tennisfame.com.

See all articles by Cynthia Cantrell

About the Author

Cynthia Cantrell is a contributing editor of Tennis Industry magazine.

From the July 2015 issue
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