The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is located on the campus of Brown University. The museum is home to more than one million ethnographic objects, archaeological specimens and images from throughout the globe. With a focus on world cultures, the museum offers exhibits, lectures, performances and festivals for visitors of all ages.
There are a number of petite parks in and around the Brown University campus, among them Circle Park and Square Park. Visit and take in the green space and gorgeous grounds.
Take a tour of the John Brown House Museum, located on Power Street, and step into a world of 18th century wealth and power. The museum is operated by the Rhode Island Historical Society, which also offers events and tours throughout the year.
The RISD Museum is awe-inspiring. Collections include paintings, sculptures and decorative arts, as well as ancient art such as a rare fifth-century B.C. Greek head in marble and an Egyptian coffin and mummy from the Ptolemaic period. The museum's collections total more than 100,000 works of art and design, with nearly 2,200 of them on view now and about 83,000 available online. Pieces are displayed throughout five buildings, each having its own niche — Waterman Building, Pendleton House, Radeke Building, Farago Wing and the Chace Center. Highlights include one of the finest collections of historical textiles in the country.
Grab Insta-worthy photos from the most stunning view with a visit to Prospect Terrace Park. Located on Congdon Street, this park overlooks the city and is adorned with a statue of theologian and state founder Roger Williams.
For those into horror and the supernatural, visit the memorial plaque at H.P. Lovecraft Memorial Square at the intersection of Angell and Prospect streets. Lovecraft’s College Hill walking tour is also a way to take in dozens of sites, which were influential in the life of the famed writer. Or join a Providence Ghost Tour for a haunted history of the East Side. Follow in the footsteps of the city's not-so-departed residents and keep an eye out to see who is lurking in the shadows.
The Providence Athenaeum opened at its current Greek Revival-style location on Benefit Street in 1838. This library and cultural center includes collections ranging from natural history to travel and exploration, as well as a children’s library. Engaging events include a weekly salon for conversation and learning, as well as stimulating discussions with authors and notables.
Hidden in a former private residence, Music Mansion is a center of music, offering lessons and musical events, called “musicales.” Its history traces back to a piano club in the late 1800s and current instrumentalists range from harpsichord and violoncello players to French horn players and singers of every tenor and tone. Check out their calendar of events for monthly concert dates and information.
Founded on religious freedom, Providence is home to the First Baptist Church in America. The church is nearing its 380th year of service and is open to all for Sunday worship weekly at 11 a.m. Find its location at 75 North Main Street.
At the intersection of South Court and Pratt streets, a plaque memorializes the life of Sissieretta Jones, a great opera singer of African-American descent. She was the first African-American to sing at the Music Hall (now Carnegie Hall) in New York.
Get your creative juices flowing at Muse Paintbar on North Main St. This popular paint and wine spot is fun for the whole family.
The Providence Art Club is a membership club for artists and patrons of the arts. Exhibits, art classes, and programs and lectures celebrate the spirit of the arts. Interesting workshops introduce techniques such as egg tempera, an encaustic workshop and an introduction to personal map making.
Pause and admire the Old State House situated on Benefit Street. This historic building served as a meeting place for Colonial and later state legislatures. The building dates back to 1760.
The College Hill area is easily walkable and has limited on-street metered parking, as well as intercity bus service.
