College Hill & Benefit Street Providence
The College Hill neighborhood is home to many historic and cultural sites and residences, as well as world-class educational institutions, such as the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Brown University. Filled with art and history, this iconic area has many treasures to visit.
Where to Shop
Stop by the RISD Works Museum Store on North Main Street. Arguably the best art school in the United States, RISD awards bachelor's and master's degrees in 19 art and design disciplines. Peruse the showcase of prints, books, jewelry and accessories, all crafted by alumni and faculty.
Places to Dine
Named by "Eat" magazine as one of Rhode Island’s top restaurants, Mill's Tavern has been a Providence institution for more than 15 years.
Things to Do
The RISD Museum is awe-inspiring. Collections include ancient art such as a rare fifth-century B.C. Greek head in marble and an Egyptian coffin and mummy from the Ptolemaic period.
Where to Shop
Stop by the RISD Works Museum Store on North Main Street. Arguably the best art school in the United States, RISD awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 19 art and design disciplines. Peruse the showcase of prints, books, jewelry and accessories, all crafted by alumni and faculty.
Whether you're looking for custom handmade tailored clothing or high-quality ready-to-wear items, you'll want to stop into Marc Allen Fine Clothiers for their uniquely curated collection of menswear.
Old as Adam Antiques & Americana has a wide variety of folk art, furnishings, antique toys, curiosities and more. They also feature a Found Object Gallery with a rotating collection of thematic exhibits.
Places to Dine
Grab a morning beverage at Café Pearl at the RISD Museum. A collaboration with local roaster Bolt Coffee, the café mixes up creative drinks like an espresso tonic and a matcha grapefruit soda drink. This chic café serves up artisan-crafted favorites from nearby Knead Doughnuts.
Stop by Café Choklad for a savory breakfast or lunch treat. For a sweet ending, try the wicked hot chocolate — rich chocolate spiced with cayenne, and topped with fresh whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
Located on Benefit Street, Den Den Café Asiana offers up satisfying Korean comfort food in the form of rice bowls and bento boxes. Be sure to try their hot-stone Bibimbap.
Named by "Eat" magazine as one of Rhode Island’s top restaurants, Mill's Tavern has been a Providence institution for more than 15 years. Known for their premium wine dinners, this restaurant takes a modern and seasonal approach to its menu. Guests will truly enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Mill's Tavern Restaurant
For years, this Rhode Island favorite has provided guests with an exceptional dining experience. Whether for a romantic evening, special celebration or business dinner, Mill’s Tavern offers that perfect match: fine dining in a unique urban setting at the foot of historic College Hill. Chef Edward Bolus delivers an impressive menu that combines local and seasonal ingredients in innovative and exciting new ways. The fruits and vegetables are harvested from area farms. The chops and steaks are cut daily and the seafood is always fresh. Chef Bolus’ knowledge and skills coupled with a passion for improvisation guarantees a noteworthy dining experience.
Things to Do
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.
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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.
RISD Museum
With a collection of more than 100,000 objects -- ranging from ancient times to the present -- the RISD Museum is a dynamic cultural center offering critically acclaimed exhibitions and lively public programs for all ages. Now open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, with free admission from 5-8 p.m. Admission is also free on Sundays, presented by Chase.
John Brown House Museum
Enter the John Brown House and step into the world of 18th century wealth and power. Trained tour guides provide hour-long tours through the museums meticulously restored rooms containing nationally significant treasures.
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