About Rhode Island State House

One of the grandest state houses in the U.S. for the country's smallest state. Designed by the renowned architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White, noted for the Boston Public Library (1895) and renovations to the White House (1902), the majestic domed building clad in white Georgia marble was built (1895-1904) at the high point of Rhode Island's Industrial prosperity. Inside, a new museum showcases the Colonial Charter granted in 1663 by King Charles II of England. The Charter was first signed by a monarch to guarantee religious liberty. Atop the State House dome stands a statue of Rhode Island's Independent Man, representing the spirit of freedom of thought and action.

More from Rhode Island State House

The Rhode Island State House dome illuminated at dusk against an orange sunset sky, with Providence's city skyline below.

Rhode Island’s stunning capital building will be the stage for the return of Spooky State House on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., hosted by Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore. This event is free and open to the public.

The Rhode Island State House dome illuminated at dusk against an orange sunset sky, with Providence's city skyline below.

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but we’re packed with plenty of amazing places to take photos. One of the most photographed things we’ve seen are sunrises and sunsets, so we curated the best locations in RI to capture your own stunning shots.

Film crew operating a camera on an outdoor shoot.

Rhode Island may be small in size but we're no stranger to the big screen! And, with the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival just around the corner, it's no wonder we've got movies on the mind.

Rainbow Pride banners line a stone bridge over the Providence River in downtown Providence

Downtown Providence has a long and surprising association with the LGBTQ community. As part of the 2018 RI Statewide Preservation Conference, I was a member of a team that created what we believe is the first-ever LGBTQ History Tour of Downtown.

What’s Nearby

Directory vets inside

The VETS has held a unique place in the cultural life of Rhode Island as a performance venue for legendary artists, local performers and community traditions. On the National Register of Historic Places, The VETS is home to five resident visual and performing arts companies: FirstWorks, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Festival Ballet Providence, the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Art League Rhode Island. The VETS is located on the revitalized Avenue of the Arts across from the Rhode Island State House. With just over 1,900 seats, it is acclaimed for its unique combination of size and intimacy. The theater celebrates flawless acoustics, a breathtaking proscenium stage and an exquisite interior. The VETS has held a unique place in the cultural life of Rhode Island as a performance venue for legendary artists, local performers and community traditions. On the National Register of Historic Places, The VETS is home to five resident visual and performing arts companies: FirstWorks, the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Festival Ballet Providence, the Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Art League Rhode Island. The VETS is located on the revitalized Avenue of the Arts across from the Rhode Island State House. With just over 1,900 seats, it is acclaimed for its unique combination of size and intimacy. The theater celebrates flawless acoustics, a breathtaking proscenium stage and an exquisite interior.

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Lit entrance of the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, a grand limestone building, at dusk with the illuminated Rhode Island State House dome across the street in Providence, RI.

Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel features exquisite historic architecture with excellent modern hotel amenities and premium service. Our Providence hotel is close to the Rhode Island Convention Center and home to the exceptional and sophisticated Public Kitchen and Bar. Our distinct Renaissance Branded Navigator Program provides customized recommendations for the city's finest hidden gems that only a local would know about. Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel features exquisite historic architecture with excellent modern hotel amenities and premium service. Our Providence hotel is close to the Rhode Island Convention Center and home to the exceptional and sophisticated Public Kitchen and Bar. Our distinct Renaissance Branded Navigator Program provides customized recommendations for the city's finest hidden gems that only a local would know about.

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Burger with tomato, greens and a creamy sauce on a sesame bun, topped with a skewer of falafel and cherry tomato and served with falafel bites and tomato relish at Public Kitchen & Bar in Providence, RI.

Public has an atmosphere that blends modern with classic American and is an ideal spot for hipsters and Senators alike. Public has an atmosphere that blends modern with classic American and is an ideal spot for hipsters and Senators alike.

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brick outdoor patio with couch and chairs

Step back in time and experience the historic charm of the Christopher Dodge House. Built in 1858, our 14-room bed and breakfast offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Each room has a private bathroom. The Christopher Dodge House offers complimentary parking, wifi, and a full hot breakfast to all of its guests. The house's convenient location allows guests to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Providence. Step back in time and experience the historic charm of the Christopher Dodge House. Built in 1858, our 14-room bed and breakfast offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Each room has a private bathroom. The Christopher Dodge House offers complimentary parking, wifi, and a full hot breakfast to all of its guests. The house's convenient location allows guests to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Providence.

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